Return Purple Heart Medals to Veterans and Their Families

Our mission is simple: Honor their service. Preserve their stories. Bring their medals home.

A Purple Heart is more than a medal. It represents extraordinary sacrifice made by a service member who was wounded or killed while serving our country. Unfortunately, some of these medals have become separated from the veterans who earned them or the families who cherish them. Through Operation Purple Heart, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office works to return lost or forgotten Purple Heart medals and other military honors found in unclaimed safe deposit boxes.

We need your help.

We’re searching for the following individuals or their surviving family members. If you recognize a name, know someone who might be related, or have information that could help us locate a recipient’s family, please reach out.

Information last updated March 13, 2026.

Nancy Johnston — Frankfort, Illinois

This Purple Heart was turned over to the Treasurer’s Office in 2021. The safe deposit box also contained a Good Conduct Medal and an Air Force medal.

Available records suggest Nancy Johnston lived in Frankfort, Illinois, and may have banked at Old Plank Trail Community Bank.

Robert Cawthon — Oak Park, Illinois

This Purple Heart was turned over to the Treasurer’s Office on November 1, 1992, by Fifth Third Bank in Oak Park.

Records contain conflicting information about Robert Cawthon’s residence, but available details suggest the recipient served in the infantry.

Raymond Wilson — Chicago, Illinois

This Purple Heart was turned over to the Treasurer’s Office on November 13, 1995.

Records indicate Raymond Wilson lived in Chicago and maintained an account with Chicago Community Bank, which was later sold.

Lawrence M. Burns — Homewood, Illinois

This Purple Heart was turned over to the Treasurer’s Office on November 5, 1997.

Records suggest Lawrence M. Burns lived in Homewood, Illinois, and banked with Advance Bank. He may also have had a connection to Homewood Federal Savings and Loan.

More recent information suggests he may have relocated to a rural area of California.

Bernice Smith — Oak Park, Illinois

This Purple Heart was turned over to the Treasurer’s Office on November 18, 2002.

Available records indicate Bernice Smith lived in Oak Park, Illinois, and banked with MB Financial Bank, which was later sold.

About Operation Purple Heart

Every Purple Heart tells a story of service, courage, and sacrifice. Those stories deserve to be remembered, and the medals deserve to be with the people and families who treasure them.

Through Operation Purple Heart, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office works to identify and return military medals discovered through its Unclaimed Property program.

The Treasurer’s Office will review information and verify ownership before returning any military medals.