LORAIN, OH – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown presented the Purple Heart today to Ohio WWII Veteran Michael Demich of Lorain. The U.S. Army Veteran received the Purple Heart and additional service medals to replace the medals stolen during a home invasion. Sen. Brown’s office offered to assist Mr. Demich following the theft. Brown was joined by Susan Fuehrer, Director of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, for the presentation.
“When an American puts on the uniform of the U.S. military, leaves family, and embarks on a journey to uphold our values; it is a great sacrifice,” Brown said. “Veterans who suffer injury while protecting our country deserve high award. Today, following a home invasion, Ohio Veteran Michael Demich is again honored for serving his country with distinction.”
"Mr. Demich is one of our Nation’s heroes, a veteran who sacrificed much during his service to our country in World War II,” Director Fuehrer said “It is my privilege to participate in presenting him with his recently returned Purple Heart medal with Senator Brown and Congresswoman Sutton."
A former Private First Class, Mr. Demich was honorably discharged from the Army in December 1945. He served with Company A 14th Infantry Regiment 71st Division.
Mr. Demich was wounded in action during his service in France in 1944. He earned the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victor Medal WWII, the American Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart medal.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use. It was established by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. It is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force of the United States who, while serving, has been wounded or killed, or has died in any action against an enemy of the United States.
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