In a heartwarming turn of events, a long-lost Purple Heart medal belonging to a World War II hero has made its way back home. Margarita Manhardt, 88, of New Jersey, was recently reunited with her uncle George Arthur Cerrito’s military decoration after it was discovered at a Texas flea market earlier this summer.
A hero’s journey
Cerrito earned the Purple Heart in 1945 after suffering a traumatic brain injury while fighting in Europe. The military decoration had been lost since the early 2000s, leaving the family to believe they would never see it again.
“This is amazing,” Manhardt told The Post on Wednesday night. Her elation came a day after Zachariah Fike of the non-profit organization Purple Hearts Reunited personally delivered the Purple Heart to her Edison Township home.
The Purple Heart was presented in a plaque accompanied by a photo and other memorabilia, as documented by CBS 2 NY. This collection of memories serves as a poignant reminder of Cerrito’s bravery and sacrifice.
Cerrito, who grew up in Hoboken, volunteered to join the US war effort. He served in General George Patton’s 3rd Army during the Battle of Bastogne. His tank was hit, and a fellow soldier pulled him from the wreckage. The injury to the left side of his head was so severe that he had to relearn how to walk and talk.
Throughout his life, the family rallied by his side, ensuring he was well cared for. Despite his challenges, Cerrito maintained an upbeat personality. “He was a very jovial guy,” Manhardt recalled. “Very jovial, laughed a lot.”
A lost treasure
Cerrito passed away in 1993 at the age of 75, never having married or had children. His possessions, which Manhardt refers to as “family treasures,” were initially inherited by one of his sisters. After her passing, the heirlooms were transferred to another relative who shared the home with his fiancée. When that relative died of cancer at 45, the whereabouts of the Purple Heart became unclear due to strained family relations.
Discovery and return
The Purple Heart was eventually purchased by an Air Force veteran who noticed it at the Texas flea market. The veteran intended to ship it to Purple Hearts Reunited, an organization dedicated to reconnecting lost military medals with veterans and their families.
“I’m filled with joy at receiving this plaque and his medals and the memorabilia. I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Manhardt said. “I find this whole situation very amazing and it just takes me back — I spent a lot of time with Uncle George … I spent lots and lots of time with him.”
A hero remembered
Manhardt was moved to tears reflecting on her uncle’s sacrifices. Despite being too old to be drafted, he enlisted in the Army to fight for his country. “He enlisted in the Army to save America, that’s what he did,” she said. “His heroism comes back to me full force.”
This remarkable story of the lost Purple Heart finding its way back to Cerrito’s family serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of bravery and sacrifice made by those who served in World War II.