A Purple Heart found in Michigan has been returned to the veteran’s family in California through a collaboration between the Michigan Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The MVAA is honored to have played a role in returning this Purple Heart to the veteran’s family,” siad director Terry J. Sabo in a statement. “This return wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership between the two teams and is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together to honor those who have served.”
The story began in 1944 when 19-year-old John Van Doorne of Grand Rapids decided to enlist in the Army at the height of World War II. He was sent to Germany, where he gave his life for the country. Van Doorne’s parents and siblings were notified about his death a week after his passing…