Long Lost Purple Heart To New York Veteran's Family

Rep. Joe Courtney and a New York congresswoman returned a World War II veteran's Purple Heart to the soldier's family on Monday after the medal was discovered in Montville. 

The Purple Heart was awarded to Staff Sgt. Arnold H. Haapala, a member of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Division. Haapala was killed at the age of 27 on June 21, 1944, during the Normandy campaign as the Allies liberated France. He is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

The medal was presented to Carol Pacifico and Eddie Gaynor, Haapala's niece and nephew, in East Meadow, N.Y. Pacifico and her two brothers are the only known surviving descendants of Haapala.

The Purple Heart was brought to Courtney's office after a resident purchased a box at a Montville estate liquidation and found the medal inside. Staffers found Haapala's family members through online genealogy resources.

"My office was honored to play a role restoring this invaluable medal to the family," Courtney said in a statement. "Congresswoman McCarthy was extremely supportive in our efforts to honor Staff Sgt. Arnold Haapala’s heroic service."

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, of New York's Fourth Congressional District, was also present at the ceremony.

“Congressional offices are a great place for veterans and active service members to go for help on a wide range of issues, and this act by my colleague Congressman Courtney is a unique and heartwarming example," said McCarthy. "I’m grateful for his and his staff’s hard work and so happy for the constituents they were able to help.”