GENEVA, IL – A World War II soldier’s long-lost Purple Heart medal has been reunited with his family in Geneva, thanks to an ongoing initiative by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
Private First-Class Edward Gorski Jr., a Chicago native who fought in Europe with the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Division, earned the prestigious decoration after surviving a mortar attack in Germany in 1945. His Purple Heart was returned to his grandson, Shawn Gorski, during a special ceremony held at American Legion Post 75 in Geneva.
According to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, the medal was among the contents of a safe deposit box turned over to the state in 2003. Frerichs’ team identified it as one of many unclaimed military honors and located the Gorski family through Operation Purple Heart—a statewide effort to reunite lost medals with service members or their heirs.
“It is our duty to honor him no matter how many years have passed,” Frerichs said of Gorski Jr., who was wounded at 19 during a nighttime battle.
Gorski Jr., who also earned multiple campaign medals and a combat infantry badge, died in 1993 at age 67. His family said he always wanted his Purple Heart to go to his grandson, a fellow Army veteran.
“This means the world to our family,” said Shawn Gorski, who served as a signal officer in Germany.
This marks the 14th Purple Heart returned under Operation Purple Heart, which aims to reunite families with military medals often left unclaimed in safe deposit boxes. Residents can view available medals at operationpurpleheart.org.
Frerichs urged the public to help identify remaining families, noting, “These medals belong in warm hands—not forgotten in a vault.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
