A long-lost Purple Heart belonging to a World War II veteran from New Jersey has been returned to his family after being missing for decades. The medal, awarded to George Cerrito for his service in Europe, was recently discovered at a swap meet in Texas, bringing closure to a chapter in his family’s history.
Margarita Manhardt, the niece of George Cerrito, never imagined she would see her uncle’s Purple Heart again after it disappeared many years ago. Cerrito earned the medal after suffering a traumatic brain injury while serving as a gunner in a tank unit during World War II. Along with the Purple Heart, Cerrito was also awarded a Good Conduct medal, both of which were thought to be lost forever.
The medals unexpectedly resurfaced at a Texas swap meet, where they were spotted by an Air Force veteran who recognized their significance. Understanding the importance of the discovery, the veteran purchased the medals and sent them to Purple Hearts Reunited, a Vermont-based nonprofit dedicated to returning lost or stolen military medals to veterans and their families.
On Wednesday, Purple Hearts Reunited delivered the medals, including the Purple Heart, back to Manhardt, who expressed her deep gratitude for the return of her uncle’s cherished awards. The reunion of these medals with Cerrito’s family serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II and the importance of preserving their legacies.
Zachariah Fike, the founder of Purple Hearts Reunited, praised the Air Force veteran for taking the initiative to ensure that the medals were returned to their rightful place. “It’s moments like these that remind us of the lasting impact of service and the importance of honoring our veterans,” Fike said.
The return of George Cerrito’s Purple Heart has brought a sense of closure and pride to his family, ensuring that his bravery and sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.
