NJ WWI Veteran's Family Receives Long-Overdue Purple Heart Medal

Presentation of the Purple Heart Medal

• 🏅 The Purple Heart Medal, one of the highest military honors, is awarded to service members killed or wounded in action.
• 🎖️ A World War I veteran from New Jersey, Savos Litus, was posthumously honored with his long-lost Purple Heart Medal.
• 📍 The medal was presented to his family during a ceremony in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, by Congressman Josh Godheimer.

Savos Litus's Military Service

• ⚔️ Savos Litus served in the 309th Infantry Unit, fought in five campaigns, and was wounded in battle during World War I.
• 🤕 He was gassed and shot on the battlefield, serving in Company M.
• 📜 Litus was honorably discharged and later ran several businesses in Paterson before passing away in 1962.

The Challenge of Obtaining the Medal

• 🏛️ Obtaining the medal was a significant challenge due to the destruction of records in St. Louis where World War I medals were kept.
• 🤝 Gus Litus, Savos's son, was determined to get his father's medal, inspired by a friend who had successfully obtained his own father's World War II honors.
• 🔍 Congressman Godheimer's office worked with the military and archives to piece together Litus's service record and confirm his eligibility for the medal.

Family's Reaction and Legacy

• ❤️ Savos Litus's son expressed that his father would have been amazed and wished he and his brothers could have been present.
• 🇺🇸 The ceremony honored a war hero, ensuring his legacy lives on in the hearts of a grateful nation and his loving family.