A Unique Purple Hearts Reunited Success Story
PVT John Bateman, US Army, was an infantryman. During World War II, he was assigned to the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.
Bateman was assigned to the unit as a replacement. He joined the unit in Mindanao in the Philippines.
One of the first people he met on arriving was John Trinca. Both were from Chicago. So they chatted a bit, then went on patrol.
Unfortunately, not long after meeting Trinca – on June 3, 1945 – PVT John Bateman was KIA. Trinca was with him when he died.
Bateman was awarded a posthumous Purple Heart.
In the 1950s, Bateman’s Purple Heart was found by Tom McAvoy in the basement of a Chicago apartment building. It was on the floor in the basement of his apartment building – where the janitor was sorting igarbage.
McAvoy, who was only a child at the time, removed the medal from the garbage and gave it to his mother. Being a child, he then forgot about it.
A few years ago, one of McAvoy’s brothers mentioned to him that he’d found the medal in some of their late mother’s effects. McAvoy then realized that was the medal he’d found as a child – and decided to try and find the medal’s rightful owner.
To make a long story short: eventually, McAvoy ended up in contact with Purple Hearts Reunited. Purple Hearts Reunited found Bateman’s son. And this weekend, the medal is being returned to it’s rightful owner – the late PVT John Bateman’s surviving son, his NOK.
That in and of itself is great – but isn’t what makes this case unique.
In the process of finding Bateman’s son, Purple Hearts Reunited also located the man who was with Bateman when he died – John Trinca.
Trinca will also be at the ceremony returning Bateman’s Purple Heart to his son. After 69 years, Bateman’s son will have the chance to meet and speak with the man who was with his father when he died.
The Army Times has an article with more details. It’s longish, but well worth reading. And the story is truly amazing – and inspiring.
Kudos, Purple Hearts Reunited. Keep up the good work.
Category: Blue Skies, Military issues, Veterans Issues, We Remember
Great work by everyone involved in making this event happen.
And a bonus: an Army man named Bateman, whose service we can salute without reservation.
The official motto of the 21st Infantry Regiment (Gimlets) is “Duty” and this is testimony to the fine Soldiers that fill those ranks.
Bore, Brother, Bore!
Great story, Hondo. I love it.
For an insignificant additio
Stupid phone!!!
For an insignificant addition related to reunions, I’m getting married in two weeks and got some of my old battle buddies coming down. Just wanted to share because it is so joyous to stand with your old bros again that I had to share it.
I’m one of those dangerous Christian types that the news warns you about, and it is my sincere belief that we will all be reunited again in perfect harmony one day. Me, you, Bateman, that Centurion from the Gospels, all of us. Don’t let the world get you down, boys.
10thMountainMan…God bless and keep you and your bride. I do pray it is a wonderful time in life ahead for you both. Glad you get to have your fellow troops there with you.
I met the man behind Purple Hearts Reunited at the Annual Sons of the American Revolution convention. On top of his civilian job, the National Guard, being the father of a young child, and Purple Hearts Reunited,he heads the Vermont Society of the SAR. He’s an outstanding young officer doing great work.
This is the kind of PH story I like to see.