Purple Heart

Matt Duffy is an 18-year-old private who joined the Army at least partly to provide college money for his younger sister, Lizzy. Protective of his family, Matt describes his brain injury from a rocket-propelled grenade as a “bump on the head” (25) to his mother. His sense of duty also extends to his girlfriend Caroline. Matt’s greatest loyalty, however, belongs to his fellow soldiers in the Iraq war, as he believes war “was about fighting for the guy next to you” (53). He acts as the voice of reason and restraint when he’s with his partner and best friend, Justin. The traumatic brain injury challenges Matt’s typical self-control and composure. In the hospital, he displays uncharacteristic frustration. Back in action, he relies on a combination of caffeine and headache pills that leave him both “twitchy” and “fuzzy” (164), suspicious and quick to aim his weapon even when the action isn’t warranted. Matt’s behavioral shift is not just a neurological issue from his brain injury, but also a representation of how war and trauma affect a soldier’s psyche.

To overcome his emotional turmoil and once again become “the guy who could be counted on to look out for his buddies” (164), Matt prays.