For years on “NCIS,” Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) oversaw his squad. Audiences gained a lot of knowledge about the stoic character throughout that time, including details about his multiple relationships and time spent in the military. Regarding the latter, it was discovered that Gibbs had received the Purple Heart, something that some people might not be aware of despite his military service, but which benefited him much when he ultimately began working with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The Purple Heart is an award given by the President of the United States to those who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty while serving in the military. In “NCIS” Season 3, Episode 23, titled “Hiatus (Part I),” it’s revealed that Gibbs was wounded during the Gulf War as part of Operation Desert Storm, which put him in a coma for 19 days. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. Upon the revelation, Tony (Michael Weatherly) states, “Gibbs never told me that he was wounded in Desert Storm.”
The Purple Heart symbolizes more than Gibbs’ bravery; the fact that he never really talked about it reveals something integral to his character. Gibbs was always all about the mission; he never sought glory. He simply took his award and went about his day, which is perfectly in line with what Gibbs fans have known all these years.
Gibbs’ military service is important, but he keeps it close to his chest
In addition to his Purple Heart, Leroy Gibbs has received many more honors for his work in the USMC. Along with many other awards, he also won a Combat Action Ribbon, a Navy Unit Commendation, a Silver Star, which he later gave to Paul Telfer’s character Damon Werth.
Gibbs may not lord his achievements over others, which is in line with his character, but it’s clear his time in the military changed him, and that’s readily seen in episodes where he has to interact with former military members. This is on display on “NCIS” Season 17, Episode 20 — “The Arizona” — where Gibbs and his team encounter an alleged Pearl Harbor survivor, Joe Smith (Christopher Lloyd), a guest star who led Gibbs to become surprisingly emotional. In the episode, Joe steals someone else’s Purple Heart but is willing to return it as long as his ashes can be interred on the USS Arizona upon his passing. While there are questions surrounding Joe’s story, Gibbs relates to him, leading to the poignant line, “It took something from me. It’s what war does.”
Gibbs was gravely injured during his service. He also lost his wife and daughter while he was still overseas, which undoubtedly took an even greater toll on him. Because of all of this, Gibbs understands it’s people that matter most, not awards.