![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/th-2247332106-300x168.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Hard to believe with all the nonsense that comes out of Illinois (especially Chicago, and their Legislature) but this time Illinois is getting it right. Other states would do well to follow Illinois’ example.<\/p>\n
\nThe family of Marine Corps Pfc. Charles John Alexander was reunited with his Purple Heart after it was found in a forgotten safe deposit box.<\/p>\n
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced Monday his office has returned a Purple Heart awarded to the late Will County Marine to his only daughter. It is the 10th medal the treasurer\u2019s office has returned as part of an initiative to reunite Purple Heart medals and their rightful owners.<\/p>\n
Alexander was an infantryman with the Marines serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. A bullet ripped through his knee during combat as he advanced with his Browning automatic rifle during the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, also known as Operation Forager, the treasurer\u2019s office said. He walked with a limp for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n
Private Alexander was born in Marseilles on Aug. 20, 1916. He was 27 years old when he entered the service on Jan. 7, 1944. He was wounded on July 30, 1944, and officially discharged that same day.<\/p>\n
In 1948, he married Dorothy Johnson. He eventually worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation and retired in 1982. He was a life-long member of the Disabled American Veterans.<\/p>\n
Alexander\u2019s Purple Heart was among items in a forgotten safe deposit box in a Shorewood bank. The contents likely were not touched since at least 2013 and were submitted to the state treasurer\u2019s office in 2018 as part of the unclaimed property program. Safeguarding unclaimed property until it can be returned to its owners or heirs \u2013 no matter how long it takes – is a core function of the state treasurer\u2019s office, the agency said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
“is a core function of the state treasurer\u2019s office, the agency said.” <\/em>Sounds like someone has their head screwed on straight, doesn’t it?<\/p>\n
\nDebbie Ernest, Alexander\u2019s oldest living daughter, accepted the Purple Heart, along with her husband, at a private ceremony near their Will County home.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving my Dad\u2019s Purple Heart in my hands means more than words can say,\u201d Ernest said. \u201cI am very proud of my Father and very happy to have this honor safely back in the hands of our family.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n