Long overdue Purple Heart awarded to local veteran

[October 15, 2017]  Eugene Hickey Sr. served in the Navy during WWII and was wounded while on duty in the Philippines.

His children recently discovered that their father's Honorable Discharge denoted a Purple Heart Award. However, Eugene never received his medal.

His son Gene contacted Dan Benedict at the Veterans Assistance Office and the two completed an application for his dad's lost medal.

Joe Schaler with the Military Order of the Purple Heart completed an application for life membership for Hickey Sr. as well as applications for this three sons to become associate members.

Hickey (seated) now has his Purple Heart holding it proudly, surrounded by his sons, (left to right) David, Gene and Gary. Holding the Navy flag is Hickey's great-granddaughter Tiffany Mass. Tiffany is also a Navy Veteran.

[LDN/Joe Schaler]