Scherer Highlights Operation Purple Heart, Honors the Sacrifices of Veterans

DECATUR, Ill. – After attending a purple heart reunification ceremony that connected a local resident with the priceless object, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is highlighting the work of
Operation Purple Heart and honoring veterans everywhere.

“I am always excited to shine a spot on the great work that the treasurer is doing to ensure our nation’s heroes’ sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Scherer. “No matter how long ago the medal
was lost, they will not stop until every medal is reunited with its rightful owner.”

Scherer is highlighting the Office of the Treasurer’s Operation Purple Heart program, which connects surviving family members with unclaimed Purple Heart medals. The program operates similarly to the office’s I-Cash program which similarly depends on banks and other institutions to provide details about unclaimed property. After information is received, the Treasurer’s office connects with surviving family members and returns the medals to them during a ceremony.

On Oct. 29, 2024, Scherer was in attendance at the Purple Heart reunification ceremony for the medal of Marine Corps Private First-Class Delbert G. Tuttle. Tuttle served valiantly during the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific, where he refused to retreat from the frontlines after sustaining numerous injuries. After the war, Tuttle lived and worked in Decatur until his death in 1972. After decades of being lost, the medal was returned to his daughter Carolyn Peckham in a private ceremony at the Decatur Civic Center.

“As the daughter of a WWII veteran, I am proud of my father’s service and his dedication to protect our nation and stand up to tyranny,” said Scherer. “His sacrifice and accomplishments are a part of my family’s history, and I empathize with all Americans who encounter difficulties locating a loved one’s service medals and awards.”

The program still has 10 unclaimed Purple Heart medals, with some dating back to WWII. If you want to learn more about this program, please visit www.illinoistreasurer.gov/purplehearts.