On 02 November 2013, the lost medals of WWII Veteran, SSG Robert J. Capper were reunited with his brother, John J. Capper Jr. at a special ceremony at the American Legion Post #1450, 270 Grooms Rd., located in Clifton Park, NY.

SSG Robert J. Capper was born 23 December 1923 and served during WWII in the European Theater. He was a tail gunner on a B-17 Bomber with the 49^th Bomber Squadron, 2^nd Bomb Group in Foggia, Italy. He had two confirmed aircraft kills to his credit. On his 35^th mission, his aircraft was shot down on 20 OCT 1944 by two German ME109 fighter planes over the Asiatic; he was injured, but survived the crash. For his wounds received, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Also for his service, he received the Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Air Crewman Wings.

After returning from the war, he moved to California and lived a productive life, working for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. He died in November of 2001, and shortly after his medals were lost. His medals and dog tags were discovered by Fran Carnes, who contacted Purple Hearts Reunited, who was able to locate Robert’s brother John.

http://www.news10.com/story/23936711/news10-special-report-purple-heart-returned-to-military-family