Purple Heart - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Purple Heart Found-Would like to return to family

Carol_Hendricks — 11 Feb 2008 3:25:43 GMT

The Trenton Historical Society has taken receipt of a Purple Heart with the name Donald R. Bennett on the reverse. It is in the box in which it was presented and has some wear. Please help us find the proper family to return it.

There is another memento in the box which we would hope could be identified also.

purple heart info? on uncle

denniswalker191 — 8 Dec 2007 7:30:06 GMT

Please help my wife to find more info on her uncle, a purple heart recept. His name was Joseph G Balkus Jr.,born
18feb1913,He served in Europe in WWII, and was honorably discharged 26nov1945. Is there a way to learn about why he was awarded the Purple Heart and the event/s that took place? This is our first attempt at family history, thank you, Dennis and Mary Walker

Purple Heart

Kathie — 15 Aug 2006 3:55:57 GMT

I did contact the DOD to try to get information about my fathers awards, and his records were in an area of the Pentagon that was burned, and now there is no records of his military awards and honors for him, isn't that terrible.

WW2 - Zachariah Edward Bishop - HELP!

ehochstein — 1 Mar 2007 5:36:18 GMT

I posted this message below in the other message boards. I want to try to reach as many people as possible.

I hope that someone out there can help us! My in-laws live in France. They have a friend nearby that has a bracelet given to her as an infant, day after she was born, by a US Serviceman. She was born on June 12,1944.

This serviceman, along with another man, had their plane shot down nearby the baby's grandfather's farm a few days after the baby was born. The grandparents took the two Americans in and hid them from the Germans. Both men were wounded and a doctor came to attend to their wounds (I would assume that he was given some medal &/or Purple Heart!). One of the servicemen gave the family the bracelet to give to the baby....to say thank you for taking them in. That baby is of course a full grown woman now. She has rediscovered the bracelet again and wishes to return it to the family of
the American serviceman.

What my husband and I have discovered:

All we knew about the bracelet were the initials on the front (Z E B). There is a patent number, where I found the original patent online. I was able to confirm that this was indeed an American made bracelet. There was another number on the bracelet.....it turned out to be Z.E.B.'s service
number.

We now have a name to this man because of his service number:
Zachariah Edward Bishop

What we know:
Zachariah Edward Bishop was born to George E Bishop & Emma Woods in Massachusetts, June 25,1912. He has an older half-sister named Clara M Bishop.

We know his social security number. We know that his last residence was in Van Nuys, Los Angeles county, CA. He died May 3, 1966.

He was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA . He is in Section A-F Site 788 and interred on May 9, 1966.

His military record:
He enlisted in the US Army from 1941-1945. He was a Private First Class - Infantry.

All of the above information we were able to get from Veteran's Affairs, National Archives, Ancestry.Com, Family Search, and the Cemetery website.

Soooooo.......We need help in locating this man's family! We don't have information about marriage or children...any next of kin. That is our priority. It would also be interesting to find out what Army unit he was in because he was an infantry (US Army) guy in an aircraft (US Army Air Corps) in the Loire Valley area. A bit of a mystery there.

I contacted the Cemetery to see if there are family members we could contact? They shot me down and said that due to privacy reasons they cannot give me information. I asked if I could leave a message and they said no. My husband was considering contacting the National Archives for military records....but found out that between 1912-1959 that 80% of the military personnel records had been destroyed by a fire in 1973. We'll still try.

I heard about contacting the local VFW in Zachariah's last known address (Van Nuys - got a disconnect number). I am going to try a VFW Post in another city in Los Angeles and in San Diego.

I filled out a form and sent a check to request a Death Certificate a few days ago.

Anyone have any thoughts on where to go to next? Do any of the Bishop family members listed above sound familiar? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Eileen & Pat

Purple Heart -help needed

Doreen Hodges — 7 Feb 2003 4:46:39 GMT

I am trying to find out when and how my father (who was an Australian soldier during WW2) was awarded the Purple Heart and US Silver Star.

I have been trying through the American Embassy in Australia over the past 3 years to find out and they just don't seem to what to reply to my letters.

Can anyone help or know what Govt agency could help.

Purple Heart

nanablue2007 — 27 Jun 2006 11:38:26 GMT

I READ THIS TODAY ONLINE AND I THINK IT IS WORTH LOOKING AT..TELL YOUR STORY OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS STORY...I WILL BE SENDING MY FATHER'S INFO ABOUT HOW AND WHY HE WAS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060529/ap_on_re_us/mem_day_purp...

Purple Heart Veteran Uncle Not listed ANYWHERE?

TheScottishIndian — 16 Nov 2005 2:11:42 GMT

My uncle was named Woodrow Wilson(Pete) ARTHUR. He was born in Dallas,Texas 14 Oct. 1916 to John William Arthur and Maude Dorsey of Dallas,Texas. He was a WW2 Veteran. I cannot find him listed in the purple heart lists or in ancestry or other forums military listings. When I was a child, he was wounded and sent to a military hospital in Longview, Texas (Gregg Co.) and allowed to recover at our home in Longview, (my father being his older brother) . He kept his medals in a frame in our kitchen and left them with us when he went back home. Through the years, they have been lost. He had sent German items to my father before he came back to the States.My family still have those. Now, I cannot find him listed anywhere. He is now deceased and has no other living family. I would appreciate suggestions. Thanks.

The Purple Heart Trail

Carol Movahed — 13 Nov 2005 2:16:03 GMT

Do you have a story to tell?

Brad — 3 Dec 2004 9:50:31 GMT

I am looking for stories about Veterans who have earned the Purple Heart to post on my site, www.GodandCountryJournal.com . It is a site dedicated to family, military and the U.S.A. Please, if you know any stories regarding any aspect of these heros, send me an Email, I would like to hear about it.
Thanks,
Brad

deceased father's purple heart

jim tighe — 19 Dec 2000 10:17:38 GMT

i am searching for any relatives or friends of james francis tighe, born in brooklyn n.y on march 13th,year unknown. hs mother was elizabeth coleman, father was james francis tighe, sr. my father served in the army and was awarded a purple heart in vietnam. was stationed at fort hood in waco texas on or about 1968. my parents seperated and were later divorced. i never really knew my father and unfortunately never will as he died a few years ago. i've been told aside from his battle with alcohol he was truly a nice guy and well liked. my grandmother always said he had a great heart. thus my search begins to find who may have his purple heart as i would like to contact that person. as his only son and one who always had a "hole in his own heart" rearding my father and his absence, it would truly mean a great deal to me if i was able to have my fathers purple heart as this would bring a closure to my own aching heart. i would totally understand if his family felt i was undeserving but i would love to find out on my own. his family lived on 66th street in bay ridge brooklyn, n.y. his brther bobby was last known to live in brewster, n.y. and my uncle"jackie" lived in staten island, n.y. as late as the 1980's. hope to hear frm someone soon, thank you and god bless.

Vietnam data added

cribbswh7777 — 15 Feb 2005 7:57:10 GMT

Hi all,
GenealogyBuff.com http://www.genealogybuff.com has just added some Vietnam casualties data to the library and is located at http://www.genealogybuff.com/misc/
It is however, searchable from the library page at http://www.genealogybuff.com/library.htm
The data covers Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy and mainly covers casualties from 1961 to 1965.
Hope this helps.
--
Bill

Question on WWII Discharge

brooks2488 — 3 Mar 2004 10:18:41 GMT

On my Grandfather's discharge, it says under "Decorations and Citations, "Purple Heart CO SS Hq 104th Hosp 45. Also Im curious to know what Infantry he served under. On the Discharge it says, Company F 10th Infantry. But hanging with his medals is a 76th Infantry Pin. Not sure what any of this means,

Thanks

please help if you can

G. Cooper — 10 Oct 2004 3:45:25 GMT

I'm trying to get some more info on my Dad from WWII. The whole thing has turned rather strange....I have his Honorable Discharge papers from the army (AAF) in 1946, and they list his 'organization' as the 12th radio security section. I cannot find any info about this.

It lists 4 'decorations and citations': WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. But in his collection there are a total of 10; the 4 above PLUS (I was able to identify these on the net) European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 add'l campign stars , Army of Occupation WWII, Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Phillipine Liberation Medal, Air Medal with 2 add'l campign leaves, and Distinguished Flying Cross. Also, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal has 3 add'l campign stars. Shouldn't these other awards be listed on his paperwork? Or somewhere?!

He had 3 patches, 1 is 'communications specialist', 1 is 4th Air Force, and the other is 8th Air Force. I have early pictures (I'm guessing 1944) of him wearing the 4th AF patch, but is it possible that he was then assigned to the 8th?

It also lists 5 'battles and campaigns': China Defense, India Burma, G0 33 WD 45, Anti submarine, and G0 40 WD 45.

I also have a paper that lists my dad and 7 others being promoted to Staff Sergeant and Sergeant, and an accompanying photo. The header on that on is 18th Radio Security Section in CA.

The whole thing has become very confusing....I have run out of searches and would appreciate any help or info anyone could give!!

PS. He also served in the Air Force from March '51 to Nov. '52. I am told that he was called back to train troops. He was stationed at Selfridge Air Base in MI.

My direct email is gwhunter@speakeasy.org

Unit members of 773rd Tank Destroyer Batallion

Cindy Russell — 21 Jul 2006 3:36:01 GMT

Would like to locate any surviving members of the 773rd Tank Destroyer Batallion, WWII. Would like to know any information about Tommie Lynch who was a member during WWII. Also would like to locate unit made information book. Unit awarded Presidential Citation. Tommie awarded Silver star and 2 purple hearts.

How do I do this....

Sheila — 11 May 2004 4:08:43 GMT

Someone want to know how to find info on his father's medals (Purple Heart and SS). Info like when they were awarded, the battle they got hurt in to get the PH and the citation.. We think we know the year (WWII) and place(Japan/Korea).. Person was born in Chicago.

Does this person need to request father's military records??

or is there another way just to get documentation on the medals, their citations and dates..

Tks in advance
Sheila

Admiral Jones Ankle Bone

tomlitel — 25 Mar 2004 5:34:21 GMT

Looking for any information on

Admiral Jones Ankle Bone

please repoly to Mlb3942@yahoo.com

How to determine where someone was wounded?

MB — 14 Mar 2004 3:31:30 GMT

My Grandfather was wounded in Germany in April of 45. He served with the 76th Infantry, but on his discharge it says, "Company F 10th Infantry". The only info I have is that on his discharge says, "Purple Heart CO SS Hq 104th Hosp 45. If anybody has an idea of what this means please email me

Henry H Peterson's Purple Heart FOUND! Family may recover from me

sandra — 18 Oct 2003 5:00:38 GMT

Henry H Peterson's Purple Heart FOUND and no fee for families recovery! My mother has in her posession a purple heart stamped with his name. I am looking to reunite this family treasure with his decendants.

I only ask that the person applying verify their claim to the heart by direct decendancy and I would really love to hear the story of how this man was awarded, but the latter is not required.

The heart is located in Minneapolis. Please send information via my email.

I really pray that someone come forward on this.

Info on lost relative

Snakeew — 20 Jul 2003 9:10:13 GMT

I am helping cousin try to find lost father . Name AAron Marpo Morton was in ww2 merchant Marines and Regular Marines earned purple Heart in phillipines last known address was in Miami Fla. area (was born in Georgia ) any info on on him or any survivors greatly appreciated Thanks

MEEHAN, Clarence Patrick "Pat"

Roberta Meehan — 29 May 2001 12:00:00 GMT

My uncle, Clarence Patrick Meehan, was KIA on August 5, 1943, while serving aboard the USS Plymouth. The Plymouth was torpedoed by Uboat 566. There were many survivors of this attack, one of which was Uncle Pat's best friend, Mike Thompson. I would love to hear from anyone who knows anyone who served on the Plymouth during WWII, or during the Chester in the 1930's. The Chester was out of southern CA, San Diego, I think. Best regards,
Roberta

information

George Kinley — 14 Apr 2003 7:40:53 GMT

Looking for anyone with information on the 313inf 79div. co. A 8bn who may have know my father Fred Kinley KIA , Dec. 14, 1944, was with anti-tank co. His name was listed on the sign along with 14 others who also gave their lives, above the barricks of Camp McCabe named in honor of Captin John McCabe.

surviving members USS Langley, WWII, Battle of the Coral Sea

Cindy Russell — 21 Jul 2006 3:36:01 GMT

Would like to reach anyone who might have known my uncle Randle Ray Lynch who served on the USS Langley in the battle of the Coral Sea 1942. The ship was sank and survivors picked up. Want to hear anything about Ray Lynch.

History of origins of Purple Heart

bissell_p — 26 Oct 2002 1:04:12 GMT

Our oral family history has a story about the inspiration for the purple heart - why purple, why heart shaped, why then?? I would like to confirm this story with real fact but am unable to find any article about the PH that goes back to that, they all start with the original 3 who were commemmorated by Washington, one of whom is my ancestor. "We" have the behind-the-scenes story but if it is fact or fiction, that's the question. Anybody know anything?

RAYMOND PERRY REEVES FROM NJ

DHokett — 4 Jan 2003 11:52:43 GMT

Seeking any information on Raymond P. Reeves who was killed in WWll. He as a third class fireman in the Naval Reserve and his parents were awarded his purple heart. I am told he died somewhere in the Pacific. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank You
DJ
tigue@otn.net

Miltary records

MaeDuncan — 18 Jun 2002 10:04:59 GMT

Hi,
Could some one tell me how to get copies of my father and grandfather's miltary records.
Thank you so much,
Mae Duncan

Military Records for Robert Franklin Williamson

cwill176 — 18 May 2002 5:51:03 GMT

To Whom it May Concern,
My great-grandfather, Robert Franklin Williamson, served his country in World War I. He was from North Carolina, and was African American. He died in 1948 at the Veteran's Hospital located in Richmond, Virginia.

If anyone knows how I can get a copy of his military records, then could you please e-mail me.

Thanks for your time, and I truly look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this matter.

Sincerely,
Williamson Family Member

My Dad

Brenda Kightlinger — 30 May 2001 12:00:00 GMT

My dad, PFC Morris Leigh THOMAS served in 3rd. Bn., Hq. - Hq. Co., 506th. Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st. Airborne Division. He made the 6 June 1944 jump into Normandy, France, and the 17 September 1944 drop into the Netherlands, and was KIA 6 October 1944. Looking for any who served with him; in particular: Nathan Bullock who last saw him alive.

purple heart

Georgiana35 — 26 Jun 2001 5:24:44 GMT

Where would one check to find the records of a person who was one of the survivors of Pork Chop Hill, Korea, and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart?

Information on James Herron

tinnabon — 10 Feb 2002 6:59:32 GMT

I would like to hear from anyone who knew or served with my Grandfather. I know very little about his time in the service. I do know that he served overseas in WWII and he did receive a purple heart. He was from Illinois and he was born in 1923. I would appreciate any information that is available.

Thank you!

Christine

Nelson

Robin — 10 Nov 2000 12:00:00 GMT

My dad Frank Nelson was in the army in May 1944, His brother Clarence Nelson was also in around the same time
Clarence received the purple heart while in.They were from Bristol, Va. If you knew them or any thing about them plese let us know.My dad passed away June 14, 1997, his brother passed away Dec. 23,1996.

Clifford G. Wilhelm

johnalexander25 — 30 Jun 2001 12:12:36 GMT

Inducted from Ohio Rank technican grade five , 191 st tank battallion , date of death 9/28/1943 ,monument at Sicily and at Rome Italy , received purple heart, can anyone share information about my cousin.

SMaj Stanwood C McAllister, WWII Vet Info?

Patrick McAllister — 5 Aug 2000 12:07:06 GMT

I'm looking for info on my father who was a 30-year veteran, Purple Heart in WWII (I think Battle of the Bulge), also served in Korea. He was in US Army USAINTC when he retired and he died in 1984 at 64 yrs old (I believe it was April 13, which was his birthday) in Baltimore, MD. I've been unable to locate a death certificate, have found only one SSI app (which lists him as Harold Stanwood MacAllister - strangely enough - but the birth date and state are correct for what I know of him. Which is little.) (Sorry for long-windedness). Bottom line is I have only the photo in my head of him, I never got the chance to know him, and I'm trying to change that. Specifically, I'm looking for some kind of Military information (difficult I know since he was Army Intelligence), or visual record. Any help is greatly appreciated. I was told he was born in Kennebunkport, Maine, but the SS doc lists Old Orchard, Maine. I'd welcome email from anyone who might have served with him or might be able to help on this. As I say, I'm not after a lot, but it would be nice to have a picture of him again, and have some idea of what my father did in the war.

Clifford Wilhelm

johnalexander25 — 30 Jun 2001 12:12:36 GMT

Iam seeking information about my cousin Clifford G Wilhelm , inducted from Ohio- rank technican grade five , 191 st tank batallion, date of death , 9/28/1943 , monument at Sicily and Rome italy , received purple heart, any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

Alvin Ray Sapp/WWII Purple Heart/Need dates

Eric Sapp — 13 Jun 1999 11:37:40 GMT

I am the son of Alvin R. Sapp/Illinois/deceased who was a private first class in WWII but am unsure of what MOS.He received a Purple Heart. Please email me at HIfun99@aol.com if you know how I can locate this info. Thank you

jesse james roux

mary — 20 May 1999 10:52:56 GMT

I am the sister of Jesse Roux and I have been looking for him
since he left Mo. in 1966. He served in the Korean war, got a
purple heart for bravery. He was with the 123rd infantry divi-
ision. I need his social security number to have a chance of
finding him. He was traveling with Francis Ann Wade. Help!!