Post Office to Honor Elfers Purple Heart Recipient

ELFERS, FL — Marine Private First Class Felton R. Fussell was only 18 years old when he died in combat in Vietnam’s Quang Tri province in 1969. Fast-forward to 2016, and the man who once called Elfers home will soon have a post office named in his honor.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis has announced plans to host a dedication ceremony to rename the Elfers Post Office in Fussell’s honor. The ceremony is set for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 at the 4122 Madison St. post office.

“Private Fussell exemplified courage and a deep love for his country,” Bilirakis, a Republican from Pinellas County, said in a statement. “He paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of this great nation. I was deeply humbled to have the chance to help memorialize this local hero and his family. Now, Private Fussell’s memory will live on in his hometown.”

Fussell was also awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, Bilirakis’ office said. To learn more about Fussell, view his page on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Wall of Faces website.

Photo of PFC Felton R. Fussell courtesy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund/Photo of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis via Bilirakis’ office