A Purple Heart medal earned by World War II veteran Edmund Vance has been recovered on eBay and returned to Morristown, where Vance hailed from. Vance, who passed away in 1985, served in the South Pacific and was wounded in action in New Guinea in 1944. The Purple Heart, awarded to military personnel injured or killed while serving, was delivered to Vance’s mother in Morristown after his injury.
The nonprofit organization Purple Hearts Reunited, dedicated to retrieving lost or stolen valor medals, acquired Vance’s Purple Heart after it was spotted for sale on eBay. The group, which has recovered over 1,000 medals since 2012, aims to reunite these medals with the families of the recipients or other deserving entities.
At a ceremony hosted by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the Purple Heart was presented to officers of the Morristown American Legion Post 59. Research conducted by Purple Hearts Reunited revealed Vance’s military history and the circumstances surrounding his injury, shedding light on his service and sacrifice during WWII.
Erin Faith Allen, the operations director of Purple Hearts Reunited, emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of each medal to ensure it rightfully belongs to the designated recipient. The group’s efforts have led to the recovery and return of numerous medals of valor, including Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars, to their rightful homes.
Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner John Krickus, a Marine veteran, honored Corporal Vance’s memory and recognized his sacrifice, highlighting the significance of preserving the stories of Purple Heart recipients. Morris County, with a rich history of Purple Heart honorees, actively contributes to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor’s mission.
Individuals can enroll Purple Heart recipients in the national database, but proper documentation is required for verification. Purple Hearts Reunited continues to receive medals from various sources, including descendants of WWII veterans who rediscover these medals among their family possessions after the veterans’ passing.
As Purple Hearts Reunited expands its efforts to locate and return lost or displaced medals, the organization faces a growing influx of submissions from individuals across the country. By leveraging their online presence and outreach, the group aims to ensure that these valor medals find their rightful places of honor.
The recovery of Vance’s Purple Heart serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during WWII and the enduring legacy of their service. Through initiatives like Purple Hearts Reunited, the stories of these brave individuals are preserved and shared, honoring their contributions to the nation’s history.
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