Treasurer Stacy Garrity Returns Lost WWII Medal to Veteran’s Family
NOTE: Images from the event will be available here.
Harrisburg, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity returned a U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal, ribbon and lapel pin belonging to World War II Sgt. George Pershing to his son, George "Fred" Pershing who resides in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.
The military decorations were discovered in an abandoned safe deposit box received by Treasury’s unclaimed property program. After an extensive search, Treasury was able to connect with Fred and his wife, Karen, to make today’s return possible.
“As a Veteran myself, I’m proud to return medals which represent an extraordinary legacy of selflessness and courage. Sgt. Pershing was a hero of the Greatest Generation, who answered the nation’s call to protect every American and stand strong with our allies. Our nation, and the world, are indebted to Sgt. Pershing and the nearly 16.2 million Americans who made incredible sacrifices to defend freedom in WWII.”
Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
“Special thanks to Treasurer Garrity and her team for connecting the Pershing family with these precious family heirlooms. These medals tell a story of valor, bravery and selflessness, and now, the Pershing family has these historic reminders of their father’s and grandfather’s accomplishments. As a Marine, it’s great to know if military paraphernalia falls in the Commonwealth’s hands, we have dedicated staff that will go above and beyond to get it to the families who will cherish it.”
State Rep. Eric Nelson (R-57)
Born in Westmoreland County in 1920, Sgt. Pershing was drafted into the U.S. Army in the spring of 1942. While serving in First Brigade of the Quartermaster Corps, Pershing was among the brave Americans who stormed Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Fred shared countless stories of his father, including that he still has his father’s military uniform.
“I am deeply proud of my father and the brave soldiers of his generation who answered the call to serve our nation,” said George’s son, Fred. “Their legacy is a lasting reminder that our liberty was hard-earned and should always be honored and never taken for granted.”
George’s son, Fred Pershing
The U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal was established in June of 1941 for members of the U.S. Army for exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity or who honorably completed three years of active service.
Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned more than 550 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and a Gold Star medal. More than 500 decorations remain in Treasury’s vault. Anyone can search Treasury’s military decoration database to help find Veterans and their families by visiting patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/medals.
More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth over $1,000. To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
To learn more about Pennsylvania Treasury, visit patreasury.gov and be sure to stay up to date with all Pennsylvania Treasury news on Facebook (PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity) and Instagram (@PATreasury).
