November 08, 2023 at 1:00 am CST
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.
Having my Dad's Purple Heart in my hands means more than words can say."
— Debbie Ernest, daughter of Pfc. John Alexander
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 First Class Alexander served his country nearly 70 years ago, but it is never too late to honor his sacrifice," Frerichs said.
Debbie Ernest, Alexander's oldest living daughter, accepted the Purple Heart, along with her husband, at a private ceremony near their Will County home.
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.
Having my Dad's Purple Heart in my hands means more than words can say."
— Debbie Ernest, daughter of Pfc. John Alexander
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 First Class Alexander served his country nearly 70 years ago, but it is never too late to honor his sacrifice," Frerichs said.
Debbie Ernest, Alexander's oldest living daughter, accepted the Purple Heart, along with her husband, at a private ceremony near their Will County home.
November 08, 2023 at 1:00 am CST
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.
Having my Dad's Purple Heart in my hands means more than words can say."
— Debbie Ernest, daughter of Pfc. John Alexander
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 First Class Alexander served his country nearly 70 years ago, but it is never too late to honor his sacrifice," Frerichs said.
Debbie Ernest, Alexander's oldest living daughter, accepted the Purple Heart, along with her husband, at a private ceremony near their Will County home.
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.
Having my Dad's Purple Heart in my hands means more than words can say."
— Debbie Ernest, daughter of Pfc. John Alexander
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 First Class Alexander served his country nearly 70 years ago, but it is never too late to honor his sacrifice," Frerichs said.
Debbie Ernest, Alexander's oldest living daughter, accepted the Purple Heart, along with her husband, at a private ceremony near their Will County home.
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