The names of twelve Muskegon soldiers who served in World War I were roll-called during a Purple Heart medal ceremony at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science.
“I have this saying that, a soldier may be physically missing in action, but not from their place in history.”
Military Historian Dr. Chris Petras led efforts to secure medals for the 12 members of the Michigan National Guard, part of his work that has seen 37 such medals awarded posthumously over the last eight years.
“For me, I'm serving those who served. I see it as a calling, and I don't know when it'll stop, but right now, it's not going to stop.”
In 1932 – more than a decade after World War I - the Purple Heart was authorized to honor members of the U.S. Armed Services wounded or killed in action.
Petras now researches eligible West Michigan servicemembers and works to secure their medals.
“So, most of them discharged 1919, 1920. Well, many of them had moved, and in some cases, the medals were just mailed, but they were long gone from the residence they had lived in previously.”
None of the 12 Muskegon area soldiers had next-of-kin to receive the medals so the Lakeshore Museum Center accepted them on their behalf.
The medals will become part of the museum’s permanent collection, allowing their legacy to be shared with future generations.
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