Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is set to reunite a Decatur family with a cherished piece of military history: a World War II Purple Heart medal. This marks the fifteenth such medal recovered through Operation Purple Heart, an initiative of the Illinois Unclaimed Property program dedicated to restoring lost honors to veterans’ families. The heartfelt ceremony will take place in Decatur, with the Macon County Honor Guard paying tribute to the recipient’s service and sacrifice. The program highlights the ongoing effort to preserve and return these significant mementos to their rightful heirs, honoring the bravery of Illinois veterans.
“Private Moore defended democracy during some of the fiercest battles of WW II,” Frerichs said. “It is an honor to finally return his Purple Heart to his loving family.”
John Moore’s story is one of steadfast resilience and service. As a young private, Moore survived the harrowing 1944 D-Day invasion, only to be severely wounded weeks later. Shrapnel injuries and lasting nerve damage failed to keep him from returning to the front lines, demonstrating exceptional courage during campaigns like the Rhineland. After the war, Moore returned to Peoria, Illinois, raising a family of five and working various blue-collar jobs, all while enduring chronic pain from his injuries. He was dedicated to veterans’ organizations, finding camaraderie and purpose throughout his life. Moore passed away at age 78 after a heart attack in 2002.
“My brother was very proud of his military service, and it is very nice to have this Purple Heart back in the family,” said Jerry Moore, who also served in the Army.
“I cannot believe I am holding my grandfather’s Purple Heart,” granddaughter Holliger said. “He was very proud of his service, and it showed through all of his work with the veterans back home.”
A Purple Heart medal, once left forgotten in a safe deposit box, is among 15 returned to rightful families by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. This accomplishment marks a national milestone, as returning military medals is complicated—there’s no federal list to match recipients with lost honors. The medals, spanning conflicts from World War I to Desert Storm, landed in state custody after banks deemed the boxes abandoned. Through Operation Purple Heart, the treasurer’s office is reuniting veterans’ families with these treasured symbols of sacrifice. Details, including medals still awaiting return, can be found at operationpurpleheart.org.
