They emerged from bloody battles with shattered bones, lost limbs, scars and, for some, emotional wounds that would last a lifetime. All were young but ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
From small towns to bustling Chicago, the men left for war and came home with legacies of bravery, resilience and brotherhood.
Each had earned a Purple Heart, which is awarded only to those who are injured or killed in combat. But, as time marched on, their medals ended up in long-untouched bank safe deposit boxes and, eventually, a government vault for safekeeping.
That didn’t sit well with Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office is entrusted with billions of dollars in unclaimed property, including military medals. He has returned a dozen Purple Hearts , along with other military medals and paperwork, during his nine years in office. Only one of the 12 men was still alive to accept in person; the other medals went to family members.
In an effort to find homes for the 11 heart-shaped commemorations that remain unclaimed , the Tribune spent about four months this year researching public records and interviewing people with possible connections to the abandoned safe deposit boxes.