A World War II-era Purple Heart is home with a West Suburban Family
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned the lost medal to the grandson of a World War II veteran who earned it while fighting to liberate Germany.
Private First-Class Edward Gorski Jr. of Chicago was seeking refuge in a foxhole back in 1945 when a fire lit by his fellow soldiers for warmth drew enemy fire.
The 19-year-old survived despite wounds to his face and nearly losing an eye.
The medal was returned during a special ceremony at the American Legion Post 75 in Geneva Thursday.
It is the 14th lost medal Frerichs has returned as part of Operation Purple Heart, a mission to return lost medals with their rightful owners.
