Prairie State Wire

Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the return of a Purple Heart medal to Christopher Reed, the grandson of the late World War II Army veteran Henry Van Der Noord from Lansing, Illinois. Van Der Noord was one of four brothers who served in World War II and returned home safely. He received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the liberation of the Philippines in May 1945.

"Mr. Van Der Noord and his brothers served their country proudly during a crucial time in our world's history," said Frerichs as he returned the medal to Reed, who is also a veteran. "I am proud to return this honor to his loving family."

Reed first received his grandfather's Purple Heart when he was about eight or nine years old, along with other military memorabilia. Initially unaware of its significance, Reed later recognized its importance after joining the Air Force. "When I first got it, I didn't know what the Purple Heart medal signified," Reed explained. "Fast forward 10 years, and I'm in the Air Force... It meant more as I got older."

The return was part of Operation Purple Heart, an initiative aimed at returning unclaimed military honors to rightful owners or their families. The medals are often challenging to trace due to incomplete records from military conflicts such as World War II.

Henry Van Der Noord immigrated to the U.S. from The Netherlands as an infant and earned his nickname "Babe." During WWII, he served with the 38th Field Artillery Division on Luzon Island in the Philippines and suffered shrapnel wounds on May 3, 1945. While recovering in a hospital, he reunited with his brother Edward Van Der Noord, who was injured during a parachute jump.

All four Van Der Noord brothers survived the war and pursued civilian careers upon returning home. Henry became a police officer and co-founded a construction business with Edward that developed several properties in Lansing.

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office took possession of Henry's Purple Heart after it was found abandoned in a safe deposit box submitted to them in 2020. This return marks the 13th Purple Heart successfully returned by Treasurer Frerichs' office.

"If you recognize a name, please reach out to them or their family," Frerichs urged residents regarding unclaimed medals listed on Operation Purple Heart's web page. "This is an honor that deserves to be in their loving hands."

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office plays a significant role in safeguarding unclaimed property until it can be returned to rightful owners or heirs. Other unclaimed properties include forgotten bank accounts and unpaid insurance benefits.

Frerichs emphasized that these medals represent "honor, sacrifice, and duty" and expressed gratitude for being able to return them while seeking assistance from Illinois residents for further returns.

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