Ernie remembers his hands were strong from milking 25 cows before school everyday. We played baseball often, and he won the position of "Ally Catcher" on the Kentucky All-State Baseball Team. "We played tackle football, too—barefooted in the field," he said. "If you didn't have something to do, old man Sweazy [former President] would give you a knife and bucket and say go pick dandelions."

Ernest E. West was drafted into the army after leaving the Methodist Children's Home where he was a resident from 1937 until he turned seventeen in 1947. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Congressional Metal of Honor for acts of bravery during the Korean War on Oct 12, 1952. After being ambushed and losing his left eye, he carried seven wounded men across enemy territory and saved their lives.
"I didn't think about no award. I was thinking about my life, my friends and family."

Ernie came back to America 1952, but didn't receive the Purple Heart until 53 years later, when records were recovered. Governor Paul Patton flew a helicopter to pick him up for the award presentation.

Ernie and his wife, Jane, celebrate 52 years of marriage this year. He met her at the Wurtland Post Office after returning from the war. During their courtship, a friend wrote to a TV show called "Bride and Groom", and they were married on national television.

Ernie worked at the railroad as and apprentice and then became an electrician at the Raceland Car Shop where he eventually retired. They had all girls in the family—a daughter, Amy, and five granddaughters, and three great granddaughters! "My great granddaughter [age 4] was speechless when I showed her my artificial glass eye."
He is a well-loved, well-known Kentucky hero. At restaurants, everyone says "Hello Ernie" or they shake hands and hug. At every stop sign, someone waves and honks "hi". Ernie is our Hero, too.

Ernie West holds a Life Magazine, 1984. This article about Congressional Metal Heroes talks about his bravery during the Korean War. Ironically, he had not yet received the highest honor [Purple Heart] when this was published, due to lost paperwork.


[1938] Edith (sister) and Ernie West stand in front of the Crittenden Building, at the Methodist Home.