Former CV Sergeant Named National Commander of Purple Heart Organization

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) has elected a former sergeant from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as its national commander.

Bill Hutton, who served as a sergeant for the for 10 years, said Thursday that it is an "absolute honor'' to be at the helm of this veteran service organization.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed...to serve these people with such incredible histories - it's a humbling event,'' he said.

Hutton has quite a history, himself.

The Thousand Oaks resident served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969, during which time he fought in Vietnam. While there, he was wounded three times, with the last occurring on September 28, 1966, according to a press release from MOPH. Hutton led his company up a hill loaded with North Vietnamese machine gun bunkers, which had held off the Marine company for two days.

His actions earned Hutton a Silver Star, Purple Heart medal with second star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1969.

In April of that year, Hutton joined the sheriff's department, where he served in every major division including narcotics for more than 35 years. Hutton, who was in the academy when Sheriff Lee Baca was a deputy, helped the department recruit Marines, said Capt. Mike Parker.

In 1993, Hutton received the Medal for Bravery and the Distinguished Service Award for saving the life of a fellow deputy. A member of the Hell's Angels' motorcycle club, who was under the influcence of heroin, snatched the deputy's weapon, according to the press release. 

Hutton has been a member of MOPH since 1997 and has held every leadership position in the organization. Hutton's goals during his tenure as commander include improving all aspects of service to veterans and their families, expanding and improving the National Service Program of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, improving communications and expanding the active involvement of local chapters and state departments in veteran support activities. 

Chartered by the U.S. Congress, MOPH was formed in 1932 for the protection and interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. The service organization provides comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. 

Related Topics: Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Marines, Military, Purple Heart, and lasdAre you familiar with Bill Hutton or the Military Order of the Purple Heart?