OKC Standard

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) hosted a ceremony today to posthumously honor U.S. Army Corporal Elmer Vanover of the 200th Coastal Artillery, presenting Corporal Vanover’s family with his Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge. The event took place at Oklahoma State University, recognized as the first Purple Heart university in Oklahoma.

Corporal Elmer Vanover’s son, Tim Vanover, spent ten years attempting to secure his father’s Purple Heart. With assistance from Senator Mullin's office, the medal was obtained within two months.

“It was an honor to assist the Vanover family in obtaining Corporal Vanover’s Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge,” said Sen. Mullin. “Corporal Vanover put his life on the line for our country, suffered as a POW, then returned home and still continued to serve those around him. This was the very least we could do for his family to remember his legacy and sacrifice. I firmly believe the men and women of our Armed Forces represent the very best of us, and Corporal Vanover is an incredible example of this truth. May he continue to rest in peace, and may God continue to bless our Purple Heart recipients and their families.”

“Oklahoma State is honored to host today’s ceremony that posthumously awarded Cpl. Elmer Vanover with a Purple Heart Medal. As a Purple Heart University, we are thankful for those that have and continue to serve our country and strive to support all veterans and their families,” said Lance Latham, Chief Communications Officer for Oklahoma State University.

Background: U.S. Army Corporal Elmer Vanover served in the 200th Coastal Artillery during WWII. He was taken prisoner on April 9th, 1942, in Luzon, Philippines, surviving both the Bataan Death March and over three years as a prisoner of war until his release in August 1945. Upon returning to the United States, he moved back to Vinita where he remained active despite being 70 percent disabled. In November 2023, Vinita dedicated a portion of Rt 66 Highway as “Bataan Death March Survivor Elmer ‘Red’ Vanover Memorial Highway.”