Yes, It took an act of Congress!

It all started almost a year ago - a search on the Archives website for my Grandfather's Military Records. I had no idea how to use their site, but found his record, which didn't contain much and also found an area to look up various other US military history. Right there on the screen I see a link "Replacement Medals and Awards" . This link was interesting to say the least so I went there.

Granddad's medals have been missing for quite some time, all children had been asked - did you bury them with him? Everyone said no. Grandma didn't know where they were - probably lost in a move or left behind somewhere. Granddad has been gone since 1975. Grandma can't remember the last time they actually had his medals. Needless to say, this was making me sick so I had to investigate further the possibilities of getting them replaced.

On the NARA site there is a form to complete. Having all of Granddad's military documents in hand I quickly went to work. Submitted my paperwork and then the waiting began. I had quite a time with these people and you can read all about it in this post.

I felt that I hadn't been treated fairly by the NPRC and I did not just want to go to some military surplus and purchase medals. I wanted them from the Air Force! As I said in that previous post, I contacted my local Congresswoman's office and they promised to help. That was last October 2008. I received some paperwork in the mail, copies of requests submitted by them to the military, with a big "CONGRESSIONAL" stamp across the front. Her office has been in constant communication with me about the medals and today they finally arrived!

Now, this was no small undertaking for me, but as far as I'm concerned it was well worth it. It only took a year, and now I've got medals, issued by the Air Force based on my Grandfather's records. My persistance finally paid off and my Grandma is going to be filled with joy when she sees them!

I received word yesterday that they were coming - you would think that when the box came today I would have just ripped and teared right into it. Believe me, it was hard to contain myself, but I wanted to sit down and take it all in. I reached into the inner-envelope and pulled out a box, opened it and cried. The Purple Heart medal is just beautiful. I've never seen one up-close and personal.

The next box I opened contained his Air Medal

The package also contained an Honorable Service Lapel Button, the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the American Campaign medal, and the WWII Victory medal.

I am so thankful to now again have this lost piece of history for my family.