Suozzi honors Korean War veteran who has been unjustly denied the Purple Heart despite sustaining severe frostbite wounds in service to our country

Statement

Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D -- Long Island, Queens) honored 91-year old Marine Corporal Anselm "Jerry" Cramer of East Northport, who has been repeatedly and unjustly denied the Purple Heart despite sustaining severe frostbite wounds, from which he has never recovered, during the Korean War.

"Today is just a small step forward to right an injustice. Jerry Cramer, a great American, exemplifies everything the Purple Heart represents," said Suozzi. "During the Battle for the Chosin Reservoir, known at the "Frozen Chosin,' Jerry Cramer fought two deadly adversaries to stay alive -- enemy soldiers and subfreezing temperatures. His bravery on the field of battle and steadfast loyalty to his country, family, and fellow Marines are values we must honor and promote in our military. One of my top priorities as a Member of Congress has always been to ensure that our veterans receive the respect they deserve. Jerry Cramer deserves the Purple Heart."

From November 28 to December 5, 1950, Mr. Cramer braved the bitter cold, without shelter the entire time, and buried himself in the snow to avoid enemy fire. During the subsequent retreat, Mr. Cramer carried fallen comrades, whose bodies were completely frozen. By the time he made it back to the safety of a first aid camp, Mr. Cramer's hands and feet were black from frostbite. His frostbite injuries were so severe that he was immediately medically evacuated to Japan ahead of soldiers with gunshot wounds. He was subsequently released from the Marine Corps with a 40% disability and returned home.

Mr. Cramer has sought and been denied the Purple Heart four times due to a naval department rule change. While some Marines were awarded the Purple Heart for frostbite during that time, in March 1951, the Navy issued a regulation taking frostbite off the award list. Its current position is that frostbite was never a qualifying reason for receiving the Purple Heart and that any medals that were previous awarded were erroneously given.

Congressman Suozzi has been working for three years to secure the long-overdue military decoration rightfully owed to Mr. Cramer, calling upon the Navy to recognize his sacrifice as it did for others who were similarly wounded at the time. Suozzi amplified his efforts last month by introducing HR 7994, a private bill authorizing the President to award a Purple Heart to Anselm "Jerry" Cramer. Today, Suozzi sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense Mark Esper requesting that he right this injustice.

At Thursday's "Jerry Cramer Day," Congressman Suozzi presented Mr. Cramer with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol and a citation from the Congressional Record dated August 7, 2020, when Suozzi introduced HR 7994 on the floor of the House of Representatives, recognizing Mr. Cramer's heroic service to our country. Congressman Suozzi also recognized the fierce advocacy of Mr. Cramer's friend and fellow veteran, Mr. Joseph Casoria, who has made it his life's mission to see his friend's heroism appropriately recognized with the Purple Heart.

Thursday's "Jerry Cramer Day," was held at the American Legion Post 694 in Northport, of which both Mr. Cramer and Mr. Casoria are long-time active members. Yesterday, the Northport post celebrated its 100th Anniversary.

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