Illinois e-News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 7, 2025
CONTACT:
Eric Krol 312.814.1252
**MEDIA ADVISORY**
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs to Return World War II Purple Heart to Family At Oak Lawn VFW Ahead of Veterans Day
Operation Purple Heart to Return 17th Medal
CHICAGO - Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'iks) will hold a reunification ceremony on Monday, Nov. 10, in Oak Lawn, IL, to return a Purple Heart medal to the family of a late World War II veteran. Monday is the day before the Veterans Day holiday.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220, 9514 S. 52nd Ave. #3000, Oak Lawn, IL. The media is invited to attend.
The medal is being returned as a result of
Operation Purple Heart, Treasurer Frerichs’ unprecedented mission to return the iconic military medal to their rightful owners. The military honor is given to individuals wounded or killed during military combat.
The State Treasurer’s Office receives the military medals for safekeeping and return from abandoned bank safe deposit boxes as part of the Unclaimed Property program, also known as I-CASH or missing money.
This will be the 17th Purple Heart medal Treasurer Frerichs will return, a national record. The ceremony will include a color guard, the playing of “Taps,” and the late veteran’s niece will speak and take questions.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025
WHERE: Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., #3000, Oak Lawn, IL.
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