Donald Trump is a 'draft dodger' and should return Purple Heart, says Khizr Khan

Trump has been embroiled in a public feud with the Khan family since the Democratic convention

Patriot act: Khizr Khan has urged Trump to reach out to disillusioned voters Joe Raedle/Getty

Khizr Khan accused Donald Trump of draft dodging during the Vietnam War following his acceptance of a veteran’s Purple Heart medal.

The Republican nominee has been embroiled in a public feud with the Khan family – whose son died while serving in the Iraq war in 2004 – after they accused him of making no sacrifices during a speech at the Democratic convention and in subsequent interviews.

After receiving criticism from military veterans and organisations, Mr Trump accepted a Purple Heart from a former soldier who had been wounded in combat.

“You had your chance. You skipped. You dodged the draft,” Mr Khan told CNN’s Anderson Cooper.

Mr Khan took personal offence to the New York businessman’s quip that receiving the medal as a gift was much easier than being wounded in combat.

“You had the time, you did not serve. You should have pinned that back to that veteran’s chest,” he said. “And you should have hugged him and thanked him.”

“If he would have been sensible, he would have known what it takes to earn that Purple Heart.”

Mr Trump avoided serving in the Vietnam War after receiving four student deferments and one medical deferment due to bone spurs in his foot, according to the New York Times.