I need some advice - What would you do if.....

[pfschgo]

Hi,
Ws it a named and engraved period PH? If so, this is a real loss.
WW2 era PH's are easy to find, I don't think they have used up the War 2 stock yet. But the Govt. issued and engraved medal is really a major hit...and may indeed be irreplacable.
My sad condolences.
Paul

[Jack Cook]

All the PHs manufactured for the expected invasion of Japan have been issued. Newly manufacted is all they issue now but you can find WWII manufactured ones on ebay.

[Cindy]

I saw a few questions on here that I wanted to address.

1 - The medal was on display along with 2 others that Wilbur had earned during the war and all his other memorabilia. It's on display almost every weekend. For the most part, it was attended by respected volunteers.

2 - It was named and engraved.

3 - The people that are suspected of this theft are both minors. They are relatively new volunteers at the museum and we've had other problems with them.

4 - I seriously doubt they frequent this board. However, if they do....PLEASE RETURN WILBUR'S MEDAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 - There are cameras around, two of which are in that general area. We are looking at that footage this week.

Thanks for the PMs, the support and the wonderful suggestions. Jack, I will speak with Wilbur and if he's interested in your extremely generous offer, I will PM you.

If the medal reappears and/or we find out definitely who is responsible, I will certainly let everyone know.

[Cindy]

Just wanted to provide a quick update. There has been further investigation and the incident has been escalated to the proper authorities. The Purple Heart has not been recovered, but the museum will be providing a replacement. If anymore information becomes available, I'll be sure to post it. Hopefully, the in the next post I will be able to tell you it's been recovered.

[Jack Cook]

http://www.omsa.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27
Make a post on the Orders and Medals Society's stolen medal registry on their forum. These guys are like a group of rabid weasels when you turn them loose!!

[famvburg]

That was my thought the first time I read it!

Our best bet may be to PM Cindy with any serious suggestions as the ba$tard or ba$tardette who stole the medal may be a wix reader.

[mjanovec]

Is the Wilbur in question Wilbur Richardson? I recall seeing him on the History Channel's documentary several years back about ball turret gunners. I'm not sure why, but for some reason his name and face are etched in my memory. I haven't seen the show in a couple of years, but I know exactly what he looks like. Perhaps it's because guys like him are so unforgettable.

Regardless of what Wilbur this is, please pass along the best wishes of many of us here in the WIX community. Let him know there are many people out there who is still respect and honor his service to our country...and won't forget his contributions anytime soon.

Mark

[Jack Cook]

Yes that's him.
I got a very nice PM from Cindy at the museum about this which maybe
of interst.
The museum has contacted Veteran Affairs, and Wilbur's medal is being replaced.
I did tell them about your offer, and our volunteer coordinator shared it with the Board.
Everyone was overwhelmed by the offer.
I hope they present it to him with the appropiate ceremony

[Chris]

If the word is out like you say it is, and it is still believed that the medal was stolen by the minors, chances are that they are too afraid to return it. Post notices that whoever has Wilburs PH, then please mail it to the POF museum. Also, use the POF address as a return address. It's more important right now that Wilburs medal is returned. If they stole something once, then they will try it again so keep a close eye on them whenever they are around. When I was with the Az Wing of the CAF, it was amazing how much stuff just got up and walked away. The end result, security cameras!!!

[Chris]

Just scanned E-bay and a Purple Heart medal has been removed from sale. Might this one be Wilburs? I'd contact E-bay and see if the seller is local and notify them that is may be stolen. They are pretty good about this kind of thing. Good Luck

[pfschgo]

The original may be gone, as the others have posted. I suspect the vet will be happy with the replacement..(who knew the VA had a heart) that will be very cool. I suspect it was some ignorant SOB...no idea of miltaria value, or the way these things can be traced. Just a dumb a$$ vandal.
I hope this can close the case for one of the last survivors of Americas greatest conflict.
Paul

[Jack Cook]

Cindy,
If it takes the normal time for the gov't to issue a replacement which is around 6 months. Get back to me and I'll replace it.

[bdk]

Just scanned E-bay and a Purple Heart medal has been removed from sale. Might this one be Wilburs?

What was the location of the listing? Username?

[Cindy]

Mark, yes it's the same Wilbur Richardson.

Jack, I will let you know.

Everyone....we have notices posted all over the museum. I've been monitoring e-bay closely, so unless this was posted and removed in the last 24 hrs, it's not his.

I will keep everyone posted as more information becomes available.

Thanks!
Cindy

[Richard W.]

PH's and the other "real" American medals are prohibited items on eBay due to a Federal law which forbids their sale.

I believe that site has a search engine that finds and ends auctions for such items as a matter of routine.