The family of a World War II veteran was overjoyed to get his lost Purple Heart medal back — just in time for Veteran’s Day.

Army Rifleman James R. Bennett, who was wounded twice in 1944 while serving in France and Germany, posthumously received the prestigious medal on Nov. 10.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs presented the medal to Bennett’s niece, Patty Knies, at a VFW ceremony in the Chicago suburb of Oak Lawn, Illinois.

The event marks the 17th lost medal Frerichs has returned — a record in the Prairie state and the country — as part of Operation Purple Heart, a program he launched in 2021.

Army Rifleman James R. Bennett’s Purple Heart was returned to his niece the day before Veteran’s Day. CBS News

Its mission is to return the medals, which are awarded to service mem

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