In Memory of Pvt. Clayton Richard, KIA 1944, 102d Infantry Division

July 10, 2018

Purple Hearts Reunited

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Relatives of three dead U.S. serviceman gathered at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on Tuesday evening to get the lost Purple Heart medals that their loved ones earned during World War II.

Organized by Purple Hearts Reunited, the medals were awarded to three people. One of them was Staff Sgt. Marinum Gillesse, who was wounded by a sniper in the shoulder on Feb. 26, 1944. He died in 2003 after working as an attendance officer with Grand Rapids Public Schools following his time in the Army. Gillesse's brother, William Gillesse, received the medal.

Pvt. James Nameth Jr. was also awarded a Purple Heart. He was killed in action during World War II in the Philippines. He was 19 years old when he died. His niece, Michele McNulty, received his medal.

Pvt. Clayton Richard was also honored with a Purple Heart. He was killed in 1944 in Germany as he served in the 102nd Infantry Division. Richard's nephew, Dennis Richard, accepted the medal.

Since 2012, Purple Hearts Reunited has returned over 450 lost medals.  Purple Hearts Reunited was established in Vermont on July 23, 2012.  As a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit foundation, Purple Hearts Reunited is the only organization in the country returning lost or stolen medals to veterans and military families at no cost. Purple Hearts Reunited spends a considerable amount of time researching and locating the original recipient or family and, when possible, conducts a “Return Ceremony” to reunite the veteran or family with the medal. To date, Purple Hearts Reunited has returned the service medals of more than 200 veterans and is currently working on over 300 lost medals that need a home.  In the case that a veteran or family cannot be found, a home of honor is located for the medal, such as a military museum.  Purple Hearts Reunited also takes time to enroll these heroes into the Purple Heart Hall of Honor and has successfully enrolled over 1500 recipients.