Saluting Ed’s 32 Army years
Concord Place, an Anthem Memory Care community in Farragut, honored resident Ed Fulgum on National Purple Heart Day for his bravery in the U.S. Army.
“For 32 years, his military journey led him across continents and battlefields, rising to the rank of command sergeant major,” said Anne A. Abraham, public relations consultant with Abraham Communications. “He completed tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, earning him three Purple Hearts, a Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars and a Silver Star.”
The message Fulgum has sent as a veteran is “respect for your country, the individual and loyalty,” said Ty Fulgum, his youngest son.
“We wanted to recognize Mr. Fulgum for being a true inspiration to all generations,” said Lorie Warren, the facility’s life engagement director.
Growing up in Dublin, Georgia, a sharecropper’s son, Ed Fulgum lied about his age and went into the military when he was 17.
“... He decided to better himself,” Ty said. “... He married (Bobbie Jean Fulgum, now deceased), went to boot camp and they went to Germany right afterward.”
Among Mr. Fulgum’s combat wounds, “he was shot in the rear,” Ty said. “Another time, he was ambushed and he was shot in the arm.” He also suffered a fractured elbow in combat.
Mr. Fulgum has two other sons, Kenneth and David Fulgum, and six grandchildren.
