(KNZA)--The Purple Heart of a Sabetha man killed in action during World War II was presented to members of Sabetha VFW Post 7285 Monday evening.
Major Zachariah Fike, founder of Vermont-based Purple Hearts Reunited, presented the Purple Heart medal and certificate for Private Francis Long.
It was among four presentations held by the organzation in Kansas and Missouri Monday through Wednesday.
Long enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1944. He was killed in action during World War II on March 2, 1945 on Lubang Island in the Philippines.
More than three years after his death, his remains were returned to the United States and he was buried at the Sabetha Cemetery. His parents, Ray and Lela Long, are buried next to him.
Founded in 2012, Purple Hearts Reunited returns lost, stolen or misplaced medals of valor to veterans or their families in order to honor their sacrifice to the nation. In circumstances where the original recipient has died and no descendants can be located, the non-profit organization arranges to donate awards to suitable organizations.
To date, the organization has returned more than 800 lost medals.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds
Brown Co certifies election results