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Wounded North Country Marine Receives Purple Heart

Story Published: Nov 11, 2011 at 3:32 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 11, 2011 at 7:39 PM EDT

An Indian River graduate and U.S. Marine, who was severely injured in Afghanistan, has received the Purple Heart.

Surrounded by family and friends Thursday, Corporal Jessie Fletcher was lying in his hospital bed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center when he was awarded the medal.

You can see the the video of Jessie receiving the Purple Heart on a Facebook page created by some friends.

7 News spoke with Jessie by phone on Friday.  

He said simply that it's an honor to receive the Purple Heart.

Jessie also talked about his recovery.

"My recovery is doing good, you know, and fast track to everything ready. I'm going to be out of here as fast as I can.  So i'm doing good.  My hand is starting to come back and I am starting to do a lot of things independently," said Jessie.

Jessie's grandmother, Margaret Fletcher, has been in Bethesda, Maryland, since he arrived at Walter Reed in October.

She had mixed emotions as she watched him receive the Purple Heart.

"The tears come because it's so bittersweet.  You're so proud of him and his accomplishment in life at only 23," said Margaret.

Margaret says her grandson has been improving daily, but had some setbacks this week after he developed pneumonia and a blood clot in his lungs.

Jessie is expected to make a full recovery. 

Corporal Fletcher was severely wounded in October when he was hit with an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.

He lost both legs and several fingers in the blast.

On this Veterans Day, Jessie wanted 7 News to convey a message to the public:

"I would like to thank everyone for their thoughtful support and they've been so good to me, it's really something," he said.

Support Marine Scout Sniper Jesse Fletcher
Sunday, May 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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