Skip to main content

Rep Walberg Presents Posthumous Purple Heart

January 25, 2013

Rep Tim Walberg presented Private First Class Frank P. Durkee's family with a posthumous Purple Heart and World War I Victory Medal this week at the Onsted American Legion Post. He was killed in action 94 years ago while serving with the American Expeditionary Forces in France.

Private Durkee was a member of Company B, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, when he was sent ahead of the division – and close to enemy lines – in hopes of gaining valuable information on the location of enemy troops. Private Durkee retrieved the necessary information and was on his way back to camp when hit by a sniper's bullet. He died from his wounds three days later – after delivering the information his commanders sought.

"Private Durkee was just 22 years old when he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Not only was he willing to leave the comforts of home to fight for freedom, but he was also willing to risk everything to help his brigade advance. It's been almost a century since his death but he will forever be remembered as a real American hero," commented Congressmen Walberg following the event.

Issues:Veterans