Vietnam vet gives Trump a Purple Heart despite ex-president famously dodging service there

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump accepted a Purple Heart medal from a Vietnam War veteran, despite famously dodging military service himself. My wife and I both thought it appropriate.” Luna clarified to the audience that “Dwight had given President Trump his Purple Heart.” Trump’s initial reaction was to joke: “Looks like a check. It’s a check, it’s cash!” open image in gallery Donald Trump accepts a Vietnam veteran’s Purple Heart medal at a rally Trump swerved military service five times - once by medical disqualification for something to do with a bone spur in one of both of his heels and then four more times for academic reasons. Critics of Trump blasted the former president as “disrespectful” because the Purple Heart medal is given to service members who have greatly sacrificed themselves in war for the US military.