Found Military Medals Returned
1 min read
1st Vice Commander Tim Liffrig
After 2 ½ years of research and attempts to connect to relatives, Tim was finally able to reach one. Cyrus P. Dedrick was awarded the Purple Heart during World War II. He passed away in 1963. His medal was found in the walls of a house in Apple Valley during a remodel project. It was turned into Post 1776 with the hopes that the family could be found. Tim was able to contact Cyrus’ niece Gerry Stoltman and her daughter (grand-niece) Kim Winters. They were very touched and surprised to receive Uncle Cyrus’ medal and to hear the story of the hunt.
The second medal, a Meritorious Service Medal awarded to Theron B. Barnes, was a much easier task. Tim found this medal on an on-line auction in SE Minnesota and decided he would purchase the medal and return it to the family no matter the price. Tim was able to connect with Theron’s daughter Mary Jo Barnes-Gentry via Facebook. She put Tim in contact with Theron’s wife, Renee. She was very pleased to receive her deceased husband’s medal. Theron passed about 3 years ago and she has no idea how the medal got out there.
Contact Tim our 1st Vice Commander if you find any medals that need to be returned.
