Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity returned a U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal, ribbon and lapel pin to the family of World War II Sgt. George Pershing. The military decorations belonged to Pershing, who was born in Westmoreland County in 1920, and were discovered in an abandoned safe deposit box received by Treasury’s unclaimed property program.
The medals were presented to Pershing’s son, George “Fred” Pershing, who resides in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. Treasury staff conducted an extensive search to locate and connect with Fred and his wife, Karen.
Sgt. Pershing was drafted into the U.S. Army in spring 1942 and served in the First Brigade of the Quartermaster Corps. He was among the Americans who stormed Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
“As a Veteran myself, I’m proud to return medals which represent an extraordinary legacy of selflessness and courage. Sgt. Pershing was a hero of the Greatest Generation, who answered the nation’s call to protect every American and stand strong with our allies. Our nation, and the world, are indebted to Sgt. Pershing and the nearly 16.2 million Americans who made incredible sacrifices to defend freedom in WWII,” Garrity said.
State Rep. Eric Nelson (R-57) said: “Special thanks to Treasurer Garrity and her team for connecting the Pershing family with these precious family heirlooms. These medals tell a story of valor, bravery and selflessness, and now, the Pershing family has these historic reminders of their father’s and grandfather’s accomplishments. As a Marine, it’s great to know if military paraphernalia falls in the Commonwealth’s hands, we have dedicated staff that will go above and beyond to get it to the families who will cherish it.”
Fred Pershing said: “I am deeply proud of my father and the brave soldiers of his generation who answered the call to serve our nation. Their legacy is a lasting reminder that our liberty was hard-earned and should always be honored and never taken for granted.”
The U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal was established in June 1941 for members of the U.S. Army for exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity or who honorably completed three years of active service.
Since taking office, Garrity has returned more than 550 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and a Gold Star medal. More than 500 decorations remain in Treasury’s vault.
Anyone can search Treasury’s military decoration database at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/medals to help find veterans and their families. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, with the average claim worth over $1,000. To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
