During WWII’s Battle of Bastogne in Belgium while serving with General Patton’s 3rd Army, George Arthur Cerrito suffered a traumatic brain injury, earning him the Purple Heart. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 75 and because he never married or had children, his belongings, including the Purple Heart and other medals he’d earned, went to his family. Unfortunately, the family lost track of the Purple Heart sometime in the early 2000s after one of the family members passed away.
An Air Force veteran recently found Cerrito’s Purple Heart and some other memorabilia at a flea market in Texas and contacted Purple Hearts Reunited to help return the items to their proper owner. Cerrito's niece, Margarita Manhardt, was overjoyed when she heard that the “family treasures” had been located. She has fond memories of her uncle and expressed deep gratitude upon receiving the items.
Cerrito’s Purple Heart is a reminder to Manhardt of her uncle’s dedication and sacrifice to his country. She’s happy to have the important pieces of her family’s history back where it belongs. “I’m filled with joy at receiving this plaque and his medals and the memorabilia,” she says, adding “I’m overwhelmed with joy.”
Source: NY POST