DECATUR, Ill. (WSIL) -- A Purple Heart was returned to the family of a late World War II Marine in Illinois.
The Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently returned a Purple Heart to the daughter of a late veteran from Decatur.
U.S. Marine Corps Private First-Class Delbert Tuttle earned the Purple Heart and Silver Star after he was wounded in the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific Theater on June 15, 1944.
“Private First Class Tuttle put aside his own wounds so that he could help his fellow combatants take a battleground that was key to ushering in the end of the Second World War,� Frerichs said. “No matter the passage of time, his bravery and sacrifice shall never be forgotten, especially as we return this Purple Heart to his family.�
Tuttle's daughter, Carolyn Peckham, accepted the medal in a private ceremony on October 29.
Peckham said her father never talked about his time in service.
“My father loved my brother and I very, very much,� Peckham said. “The war was very difficult for him. He carried it with him forever. But he was always there for us. He was very loving.�
This was the 12th Purple Heart medal which has been returned by Treasurer Frerichs office as part of Operation Purple Heart.
“I can’t say enough about what a special thing this is for the Treasurer’s Office to go the extra mile to find the recipients of the Purple Hearts,� said State Rep. Sue Scherer of Decatur, who was part of the ceremony. “I can’t even imagine how touched Carolyn must be to actually have this Purple Heart back in her family’s possession.�
Treasurer Frerichs detailed information about Mr. Tuttle during his time of service. He said Tuttle was a member of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Division during the early days of the Battle of Saipan. He explained Tuttle was near the front lines and delivered ammunition and directed the fire of tanks against the enemy. Frerichs stated he was first wounded in the right shoulder, however, he refused an order to leave the line, according to military records.
He was also wounded a second time during the day’s battle, however, he was forced to the rear and had shrapnel in both legs. He was later discharged as a result of his injuries on Nov. 2, 1945, and returned stateside with the rank of Corporal, Frerichs detailed in a statement.
The Silver Star Tuttle earned is the third-highest military combat decoration earned for gallantry on the battlefield, Frerics explained.
He said Tuttle also fought in the Battle of Tarawa in November of 1943 and then the Battle of Okinawa in April of 1945.
