On Veterans Day, 11 November 2015, a Purple Heart medal was presented for the first time to the family of WWI hero Private Douglas R. Matthews. This joint presentation occurred at the Virginia War Memorial at 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond, VA 23220.

Private Douglas R. Matthews was born 10 February 1896 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He enlisted in the Army and served with Battery D, 124th Field Artillery Battalion, 33rd Division during WWI. During combat operations on 03 November 1918 in the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France, Private Matthews was Killed in Action. He is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France, Plot C, Row 41, Grave 33.

His family never received his Purple Heart after his death. With the help of Private Matthews’ nephew, Donald Matthews (himself a veteran and Purple Heart recipient), the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Purple Hearts Reunited, a Purple Heart was secured for the family.

News Link:  Richmond Times Dispatch