SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today returned a Purple Heart medal to Barbara Ann Reynolds, the daughter of late Korean War Veteran Corporal John W. Naylor of Springfield, at a ceremony at the Illinois State Capitol.
The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Frerichs also returned Cpl. Naylor’s Combat Infantryman Badge, a special military award for members of the infantry who fight in combat. Naylor served in the Army. The awards were discovered in a safe deposit box that was surrendered to the t reasurer’s office as unclaimed property from U .S. Bank in Springfield.
“To return the Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge to the daughter of a local Veteran is truly one of my greatest honors,” Frerichs said. “I am very proud of the work our team does to reconnect Illinois families with valuables and special keepsakes that belong to them. It is my hope that receiving these mementoes will make this family’s holiday a little brighter this year.”
The safe deposit box also included military discharge papers, birth certificates, marriage certificates, baptism certificates, cemetery deed for the family plot, a gold ring, numerous savings bonds, and $1,000 from an insurance policy. Proceeds from a separate life insurance policy that belonged to Cpl. Naylor also were provided to his daughter through the Unclaimed Property Division at the treasurer’s office.
The treasurer’s office presently has more than 100 unclaimed military medals. Military medals are never auctioned and kept until the owners or family members are found. T he treasurer’s office is the custodian of unclaimed property, including lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, and forgotten safe deposit boxes. Items are surrendered after private entities tried for at least five years to locate the owners. Because thousands of items are surrendered each year, or call 217-785-6998. Frerich’s office never charges money to search for unclaimed property.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, he actively manages approximately $25 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state governments. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.
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