Purple Heart recipient recounts serving in Korea after joining Army at 14
To escape a difficult childhood, Jack Pettitt lied about his age and joined the army at age 14 in 1947 and eventually earned a bronze star and two purple hearts for his service during the Korean War. (Jeremy Weber/Daily Inter Lake)
Korean War veteran Jack Pettitt takes in the view of the front yard from the home he shares with his daughter and son-in-law south of Kalispell. (photo provided)
Jack Pettitt along with sister, Thelma and his paternal grandmother, Tinny Pettitt who raised them in the Phoenix area on $60 a month. (photo provided)
Jack Pettitt as a young boy in Arizona. (Photo provided)
Jack Pettitt and his stepfather, Sid McKinney. (Photo provided)
Jack Pettitt and his mother, Thelma. Jack was raised by his paternal grandmother and was reunited with his mom at the age of 18. (photo provided)
Jack Pettitt and wife, Barbara on their wedding day in Virginia City, Nevada April 21, 1956. (photo provided)
Jack Pettitt and his daughter, Sharon (Peetz) on the day he returned home from his service as a civilian during the Vietnam War where he supervised the revamping of the communications system. (photo provided)
Jack Pettitt has lived life on his own terms.
The 88-year old Kalispell resident joined the Army at 14, fought in Korea, rebuilt and raced cars and much more...
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