Magaziner Presents Purple Heart and Other Military Honors to Family of WWII Veteran

WARWICK, RI - U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) presented the Purple Heart Medal and other military honors to the family of U.S. Navy veteran Richard Wellington Vertz, who was killed in action during World War II. Magaziner's staff secured the reissuance of Purple Heart for the family after it was lost, and in the process, discovered other awards earned by the veteran.

Magaziner presented the Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin to Sylvia Duxbury during a small presentation ceremony.

Duxbury's uncle, Richard Wellington Vertz, served in the U.S. Navy and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart after being killed in action near Okinawa in 1945. The Purple Heart was presented to Vertz's family shortly after his death but was lost over the years.

80 years later, Duxbury contacted Magaziner's office to request assistance in getting the Purple Heart reissued. After correspondence with the Navy, Magaziner's office secured a replacement for the Purple Heart award and secured the other medals earned by Vertz that his family had never previously received.

"Richard Wellington Vertz represents the very best of our country, giving his life near Okinawa during World War II to protect the freedoms we hold close," said Magaziner. "His bravery, and his family's dedication to preserving his legacy, are truly commendable. I am honored to have helped replace Mr. Vertz's Purple Heart and ensure his service is recognized with the medals he rightfully earned."

Constituents of Rhode Island's Second Congressional District who need assistance with a federal agency can visit Magaziner's website to submit a requestor call the Warwick district office at (401) 244-1201.