Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has reunited Shawn Gorski with his grandfather’s lost Purple Heart. The medal, belonging to World War II veteran Edward Gorski Jr., spent years in a forgotten safe deposit box before being discovered. This marks the 14th time Frerichs has returned a lost Purple Heart as part of Operation Purple Heart, an initiative aimed at preserving and restoring these significant military honors to veterans’ families. The heartfelt ceremony underscores the ongoing effort to honor those who served and ensure their legacies live on within their communities and among future generations.
“Mr. Gorski Jr. epitomized the selfless dedication of the Greatest Generation,” Frerichs said during a reunification ceremony at the American Legion Post 75 in Geneva, where Shawn Gorski is a member. “It is our duty to honor him no matter how many years have passed.”
Military records recount the remarkable service of Chicago native Gorski Jr., who enlisted in April 1944 after turning 18. Assigned to the Army’s 65th Infantry Division, he saw action across France and Germany, including the harrowing Battle of the Bulge. During a nighttime mortar attack, Gorski Jr. was wounded in the face, an ordeal reminiscent of scenes from “Band of Brothers.” He survived, later earning a Purple Heart and several other decorations. Returning to civilian life, he worked in private security before passing away in 1993. Gorski Jr. always wished for his Purple Heart to be passed down to his grandson.
“To have this Purple Heart back with our family is amazing,” said Shawn Gorski, who was a signal officer in Germany while in the Army. “I loved the time I got to spend with him fishing and hanging out as a kid.”
“If you recognize a name, please reach out to them or their family. This is an honor that deserves to be in their loving hands, not the cold, dark vault of my office,” Frerichs said. “You also can contact my office through operationpurpleheart.org.”
“These medals personify honor, sacrifice, and duty,” Frerichs said. “I am grateful we returned this Purple Heart to the Gorski family, and we continue to seek the assistance of Illinois residents to help us return these medals to the loving care of their families.”
