Albert L. Ireland

Albert Luke Ireland (February 25, 1918 - November 16, 1997) was a United States Marine Corps Sergeant noted for being the recipient of nine Purple Hearts, the most ever awarded to a single individual. He was awarded them for five actions in the Second World War - serving in the Pacific theatre - and four more during the Korean War. He was born in Cold Spring, New York, and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941, prior to joining the marines. In addition to his Purple Hearts - the last of which we was awarded in July 1953 - he earned eight battle stars, a Bronze Star, and two individual citations. He left the military that year, having been wounded in the leg, hand, neck and face during his final action in Korea.

A section of New York State Route 301 was named in Ireland's honor on August 20, 2002. He was laid to rest in a cemetery of his home town, Cold Spring.