It has been the study of the “great men” which most historians have focused on.  The generals (such as George Patton) who guided armies (such as Third Army) through pivotal moments in great wars have been the focus of most historians’ studies.  But among those armies are the microhistories which have shown relatively “minor” men can leave their fingerprints on the course of humanity.  The artifacts left behind are evidence of these microhistories.  Personally, I feel a calling to tell these stories of my brothers in arms.  One such calling hit me on our family vacation last week.  The Purple Heart that belonged to Private Royal Gaunt spoke to me from the moment I first saw it.  This is the story that emerged from that near seventy year old medal.

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