On 10 November 2015, the lost military medals of WWII hero Major Anthony Sordill were returned to his granddaughter in Toms River, NJ. This joint ceremony between Purple Hearts Reunited and Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 36 took place at American Legion Post 129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Major Anthony Sordill (SN: 0-476406) was born 24 July 1911 in Montclair, Essex, NJ to Leonard and Angela Sordill. He enlisted into the United States Army on 18 June 1942 and became a Medical Officer. While serving with the 9th Medical Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, Major Sordill’s bravery and self–sacrifice were witnessed by his unit and his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, while under heavy fire while operating in Tunisia, North Africa, earned him the Silver Star on 01 May 1943. The Silver Star is our country’s third highest decoration for Valor. He would survive the war and return home to New Jersey. He would later pass on 17 July 1997 in Cranford, Union, NJ.

MAJ Sordill’s awards and decorations consist of the Silver Star, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrow Head Device and 3 Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, and Combat Medical Badge.

Purple Hearts Reunited (PHR) was contacted by Nick Del Prete of Toms River, NJ. Now a retired Army Veteran, Del Prete often visits his local flea market. While rummaging through a box for sale, he discovered all of MAJ Sordill’s medals and dog tags. Knowing of their significance, he quickly rescued them and contacted PHR for assistance in locating the family. Through an ancestry search, PHR was able to locate Mr. Donato, a distant relative of MAJ Sordill and he was able to pass on contact information for his niece. His niece, Janet Oscar, was able to provide the contact information for MAJ Sordill’s granddaughter.

MAJ Sordill’s Granddaughter, Cheryl Purro, received the medals on behalf of her family. Purro believes the medals were lost after Super Storm Sandy and is delighted to have them returned to her family.

News Link: ABC 6 NJ

News Link: APP NJ