Purple Heart Medals

Learn how the Illinois Treasurer works to return unclaimed Purple Heart medals and other military honors to veterans and their families.

Treasurer Frerichs returns a Purple Heart medal to the daughter of a World War II veteran

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WWII Purple Heart Medal Earned by Chicago Soldier

Family Says the Late Russell Reilly Loved St. Patrick’s Day VIDEO, SOUND BITES, B-ROLL FOR MEDIA USE AVAILABLE HERE Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is announcing the return of a missing Purple Heart medal to the family of a World War II veteran who loved to celebrate his Irish heritage every March 17. Little is known about how Russell J. Reilly lost his right leg in combat other than the simple, short explanation he offered his…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WWII Purple Heart Medal Earned by Chicago Soldier
A group of people watch as Treasurer Frerichs presents a Purple Heart to Patty Knies, whose late uncle earned it

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WW II Purple Heart Medal to Family of Late Veteran at Ceremony in Oak Lawn Ahead of Veterans Day

Operation Purple Heart Finds 17th Family Whose Military Honors Were Missing for Years OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS – On the day before Veterans Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the niece of a World War II veteran who was injured while fighting in France and Germany. Frerichs reunited Army Rifleman James R. Bennett’s medal with niece, Patti Knies, during a ceremony at VFW Post 5220 in Oak Lawn. It is the 17th lost medal…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WW II Purple Heart Medal to Family of Late Veteran at Ceremony in Oak Lawn Ahead of Veterans Day