Illinois Treasurer Returns Medals To WWII Veteran’s Family

1st Lt. Walter B. Ingledew Jr. died after being shot down over France 75 years ago. Monday, his family got his long-lost medals back.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs' office says the Treasurer personally returned Ingledew's medals to his family Monday at the Stone City VFW Post in Joliet.

The treasurer's office found the medals in a safe deposit box that was turned over to the state. The medals include a Purple Heart, two Campaign Stars and two Air medals with four oak leaf clusters that are received for meritorious achievement in aerial flight.

Fox 55:

Returning this Purple Heart to the family of WWII veteran Walter B. Ingledew, Jr. is an incredible honor,” Frerichs said. “We must never forget the sacrifices made by men and women who have served our country, and we must never lose sight of the true meaning behind these medals and the people who earn them.

Frerichs' office says it has more than 100 unclaimed military medals. The medals are kept until the owners are found.

Not the first time that the Treasurer's office has done this sort of thing:

If you think that there might be property or cash that could belong to you, click here for the Illinois State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Page.