[4V50 Gary]

While e/r through Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge:

"In places where we couldn't stop, the townsfolk lined the street to wave and cheer. They also threw bread and apples. That was how I might have earned a Purple Heart: as we went through one village, I was turned to face a small crowd just in time to get hit in the eye with an apple.
"'Yeow!'
"'Burns are you all right?' Joe was sympathetic.
"'Yeah, I guess. Whose side are they on?'
"'Someout out there must have a good right arm judging from the way it came in.'
"'I'm not bleeding or anything unusual am I?'
"Joe grinned. 'No, but that's too bad. You could've earned a Purple Heart.'
"'No thanks. I'd have to tell the medics I was hit by a flying missile. And if they asked what type, I'd have to answer it was a 'Red Delicious.'"

Same book, p 161.