After an exhaustive search, a long-lost Purple Heart medal has been returned to the family of a World War II soldier.

Honoring a Fallen Hero in Illinois

According to a press release from the Illinois Treasurer's office, the Purple Heart was reunited with the niece of WWII Army Private Stephen J. Grabowski, decades after his sacrifice in combat.

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The medal was returned during a ceremony at VFW Post 1301 in Marion, Illinois, and marks the 16th lost Purple Heart recovered and returned through "Operation Purple Heart," a statewide initiative to ensure military honors are rightfully restored to families of Illinois veterans.

A Soldier's Sacrifice in Italy

Grabowski, a Chicago native and the son of Polish immigrants, f

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