Michael Demich was honored with a brand new Purple Heart, plus six service medals he didn’t even know he earned in the military.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown presented the medal to the 89-year-old veteran.
“This started as a bad news story, cause somebody broke into his house and stole things, including his most prized possession: his Purple Heart,” Brown said. “We got involved, we were able to get another purple heart with him, this time with his name on the back. And then the other half dozen medals that he earned that he didn’t even know he earned.”
Brown said many veterans are unaware of these awards.
“There are veterans all over Ohio that have earned medals that they didn’t know they earned,” he said. “This is a chance to celebrate with him and three of his four children today.”
Demich received his Purple Heart when he was wounded in France during World War II.
After his award was stolen during a home invasion in September, Demich said the community’s support was truly surprising.
“I didn’t think I’d get it back. Oh boy, it’s overwhelming,” Demich said. “I can’t believe it, you know, this attention.”