Okinawa, Japan — The wind was crisp as Marines stood in formation, with family and friends coming together in the winter morning. As the medal, the countenance of George Washington set in violet, was pinned over Faffler’s heart, his wife and children by his side, it was hard to not shed a tear as emotions were heightened during this special moment. - U.S. Marines across III Marine Expeditionary Force, pose for a group photo after a Purple Heart ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2025. Chief Warrant Officer 2 William Faffler, a visual information officer with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, received two Purple Hearts, both for wounds sustained during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, May and October of 2010. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)