Good news story from Illinois
Hard to believe with all the nonsense that comes out of Illinois (especially Chicago, and their Legislature) but this time Illinois is getting it right. Other states would do well to follow Illinois’ example.
The family of Marine Corps Pfc. Charles John Alexander was reunited with his Purple Heart after it was found in a forgotten safe deposit box.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced Monday his office has returned a Purple Heart awarded to the late Will County Marine to his only daughter. It is the 10th medal the treasurer’s office has returned as part of an initiative to reunite Purple Heart medals and their rightful owners.
Alexander was an infantryman with the Marines serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. A bullet ripped through his knee during combat as he advanced with his Browning automatic rifle during the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, also known as Operation Forager, the treasurer’s office said. He walked with a limp for the rest of his life.
Private Alexander was born in Marseilles on Aug. 20, 1916. He was 27 years old when he entered the service on Jan. 7, 1944. He was wounded on July 30, 1944, and officially discharged that same day.
In 1948, he married Dorothy Johnson. He eventually worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation and retired in 1982. He was a life-long member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Alexander’s Purple Heart was among items in a forgotten safe deposit box in a Shorewood bank. The contents likely were not touched since at least 2013 and were submitted to the state treasurer’s office in 2018 as part of the unclaimed property program. Safeguarding unclaimed property until it can be returned to its owners or heirs – no matter how long it takes – is a core function of the state treasurer’s office, the agency said.
“is a core function of the state treasurer’s office, the agency said.” Sounds like someone has their head screwed on straight, doesn’t it?
Debbie Ernest, Alexander’s oldest living daughter, accepted the Purple Heart, along with her husband, at a private ceremony near their Will County home.
“Having my Dad’s Purple Heart in my hands means more than words can say,” Ernest said. “I am very proud of my Father and very happy to have this honor safely back in the hands of our family.”
May not be our normal “feel good” story…but damned if it isn’t one. And a good one.
Category: "Your Tax Dollars At Work", Purple Heart
What a wonderful story, David!
Thank You for sharing!
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/139015180/charles-john-alexander
Rest In Peace, Mr and Mrs Charles John and Dorothy Alexander.
Salute To Both.
Never Forget.
Thanks to Snake for passing it to me.
Hand salute!
And here we thought that the only thing coming out of Illy-noise that made us feel good was our very own OAM. Who knew?
Good on the state for getting something right…for a change.
The lesson learned here, girls and boys, is to make sure you let someone know that you have safety deposit boxes, storage rooms, and/or rat hole places. Don’t take your secret stash places to the grave with you.
Good the learn of things like this.
My father-in-law’s Purple Heart was stolen in a burglary many years ago. If anyone comes across it at a yard sale, militaria or gun show, let me know.
Wow so unexpected from that state. Well done.
Aside from the Chicago weenies (who try to run everything), Illinois has some pretty normal people. Especially at the southern end of the state-we’re closer to Memphis than Chicago. And not just in mileage.
On the West side of the state, the only difference with Iowa is that we cheered for the Illini and they cheered for the Hawkeyes or Cyclones.