Rep. Steve Russell Proposes Awarding OKC Bombing Victims The Purple Heart

There’s controversy over whether six service members killed in the Oklahoma City bombing should be awarded the Purple Heart. A veterans group says they don't fit the criteria.

Officials from the Military Order of the Purple Heart say although the bombing was a tragic moment in American history, it had nothing to do with combat on the battlefield or international terrorism.

Congressman Steve Russell disagrees.

Two airmen, two soldiers, and two marines were killed in the Oklahoma City bombing, along with 162 others.  

“This is a clear case where these warriors lost their lives in the defense of the country in their places of duty,” said Russell.

Twenty years later, Representative Russell's defense authorization bill would grant the Purple Heart to the fallen servicemen.

“It is a factor of doing what’s right, and as a member of the government of this nation, I took it upon myself to make sure that these warriors were recognized for that day,” said Russell.   

The Purple Heart is America's oldest Medal of Honor which was created in 1782.

“The purple heart medal is only given to those who were wounded or killed in combat,” said MOPH National Spokesperson, John Bircher.  

The Military Order of the Purple Heart says it's an honor that carries strict criteria. 

7/9/15 Related Story: Veterans Group Opposes Award For OKC Bombing Victims

“While we’re sympathetic to the families that lost these young men and women, they are not entitled to a Purple Heart medal,” said Bircher.  

But, Russell says the troops are more than worthy of the honor.

“It meets the oath in every criteria. They were defending their nation. They were at their place of duty in recruiting offices in a federal building,” said Russell. “Which was on a federal installation which was attacked by a domestic enemy who was captured, tried, and executed by the United States.”

Last year, Congress approved awarding of the Purple Heart to victims of the 2009 shootings at Fort Hood as well as Purple Hearts for Pentagon victims of the September 11th attacks.

“What’s the difference? In fact, it was more egregious what an enemy of the state, Timothy McVeigh did,” said Russell.

“What he loses sight of is the whole purpose of the medal,” said Bircher.

Steve Russell says he has received incredible support from across the country.

So far there has been no objection in the House Armed Services Committee.