Purple Heart purchased at thrift store! Help!

[planejet42]

Yesterday, I went to a local thrift store to look around and see what they had. I got there a little before they closed and just had enough time to look around. All the way at the end of a row of glass display cases I saw a box marked "Purple Heart". I didn't have to time to investigate or purchase it. I couldn't sleep that night because curiosity was burning inside me. I ended up going back today, (12-3-12), and purchased it for $6.56!!!! The Purple Heart dates from WWII, but that's not the best part. On the back of the Purple Heart was a name. When I got home I quickly looked up the name on the internet and came up with a ton of information. The soldiers name, which was engraved on the back, was Frank J. Gmeiner. It turns out he was born on March 22, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio (the city I live in) and was K.I.A. on December 10, 1944 in France. That alone was enough to make me incredibly pleased with my purchase. I did more research and found a couple pictures of the young soldier and learned what regiment and division he belonged to. I then looked to find out what battles were taking place in France at the time of his death. I came up with "The Battle of Sigolsheim" which began on December 9th, 1944 and carried on for a few days to my understanding. The date of his death and the date the battle match up, so I believe he was killed then. I now feel it is my duty to return this treasure to the family members. It may take a long time, but in the end I completely believe it will be worth it. Some things that make me scratch my head are why it would be at a thrift shop in the first place? Was it stolen from the family? Is it a lost piece of their heritage? I would doubt the family would have donated it because of the fact that it is part of their history and that it also has the man's full name on it. I plan on going down to probate court and try to search through old records to try to get some contact numbers for family members. Please wish me luck in this long, but incredibly interesting journey. If anyone has and tips or ideas PLEASE comment. Thanks.

 

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[River Rat]

I really don't know what to say...it tears my heart apart & tears drip from my eyes. I'm so sad to know that an honorable soldier's PH was even found in a thrift shop. How it got there, I have no clue. If family member "lost" & it was quote "accidentally" placed in donations to thrift shop...I could understand. But, to the person at the thrift shop to not even care to what it was, not to even look at name & try to get it back to family & to top it all off & put a price tag on it. This is what cooks my goose. Put a price tag on it PFC Gmeiner paid the price for it. If the family did not want...to pass down to others in the family, it should of been donated to Amvets, American Legion in his memory. This is my opinion.

Planejet42, thank you for "rescuing" and the excellent research. As a veteran, IMHO if I were able to track down a family member, the 1st question asked would be how it come about to be found in a thrift store.

 

[FreedomUIC]

I really don't know what to say...it tears my heart apart & tears drip from my eyes. I'm so sad to know that an honorable soldier's PH was even found in a thrift shop. How it got there, I have no clue. If family member "lost" & it was quote "accidentally" placed in donations to thrift shop...I could understand. But, to the person at the thrift shop to not even care to what it was, not to even look at name & try to get it back to family & to top it all off & put a price tag on it. This is what cooks my goose. Put a price tag on it PFC Gmeiner paid the price for it. If the family did not want...to pass down to others in the family, it should of been donated to Amvets, American Legion in his memory. This is my opinion.

Planejet42, thank you for "rescuing" and the excellent research. As a veteran, IMHO if I were able to track down a family member, the 1st question asked would be how it come about to be found in a thrift store.

I agree with you. There are certain medals that cannot sold or purchased in any way whatsoever, the PH is one of those medals. Please find a home for it in honor of its recepient.

 

[nsdq]

you try the vfw they may be able to help ,, this reminds me of the family that threw out the grand dad MOH because it had no meaning to them and want nothing to do with it or military related stuff as they feel it is wrong to serve your country,,,,,,, when he passed away

 

[GarretDiggingAz]

WOW for one. Thx for saving the medal. I'd be sick to see that on display whether a thrift or a pawn shop. It belongs with a family member who will respect it. My wife's grandfather as well as mine served in WWII. I've seen their medals and was really touched by the sacrifice by them and for those who never got medals. I'd hope my family would NEVER let that happen. As noted before if the family can't be found, then donate to local VETS who will put in place of honor. I'd personally like to help find the family, if you need it. I've got too much time on my hands anyway. Good Luck

 

[piegrande]

I am betting that a person best described as a doofus is the one who was in charge of disposing his possessions. Be very careful about giving it back. Next time it will go in the trash. Find an area veteran's organization and it can be kept in honor.

 

[Mad Machinist]

Most of the local American Legions will take them and put them in a place of honor. Over the years, I've found a few and have given them to the Legion.

 

[gerryk]

If nothing else contact the town hall in his hometown and they can display it with the info you found. His hometown would be proud to recognize him.

 

[Army of 1]

I'm dumbfounded that something of this significance is found in a thrift shop for a pissy $6.56 . Hopefully it can be presented and displayed in the relevent setting to honour this KIA serviceman . Kudo's to planejet42 for rescuing the medal and realising its importance .. cheers Mick

 

[DeepseekerADS]

This could have been a very sad ending.

But YOU, planejet42, will have made a different ending.

Honors to you my friend.

 

[Peyton Manning]

I have a friend who got the Medal of Honor in WW2. After he died I wondered what became of it. Anyone know the laws on those medals?

 

[gerryk]

The Medal of Honor can not be sold. It is i
Legal to sell, wear or possess it unless it was awarded to you. So i wonder if it is ok to hand it down in the family when so,eone who earned it passes.

 

[Peyton Manning]

yeah me too

 

[Mzjavert]

The box is in wonderful shape, so it looks like it's been taken care of through the years. I wonder if it accidentally got auctioned off or put in a donation box after one of his brother's passed. Of course the speculation is endless.

Since Medals can be awarded posthumously, I assume it's the family that takes possession of the medal. But when even a few generations pass these awards can get lost or the family dies out. I'm thankful we have organizations like the VFW who will give these awards a place of honor.

 

[mr_rich]

Your a good person planejet42. Maybe it was in the pocket or hidden in something donated.

 

[RustyGold]

Awesome rescue! Maybe you can find information on Mr. Gmeiner through the school district!
Thank you for your kindness, concern and respect!