Iowans asked to help reunite Purple Heart with owner

DES MOINES, Iowa ( KCAU ) — Treasurer Roby Smith is asking citizens for help in reuniting a Purple Heart with its owner in recognition of Purple Heart Day.

According to a release, the Purple Heart was held in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, which is a program that helps return lost and unclaimed property.

“I don’t think I can adequately put into words the magnitude of emotions I felt holding a Purple Heart for the first time,” Smith said. “Those same emotions inspire me to reunite Garold Hays’ family with the Purple Heart found in his abandoned safe deposit box. I call out to Iowans to help us return this medal to the care of his family.”

The release noted that National Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7 to honor recipients of an honorary Purple Heart. They are awarded to those who were injured or killed while serving the country.

“It is unclear if Garold was the Purple Heart recipient or was safekeeping it for a loved one, but nonetheless, it deserves to be in the hands of the rightful owner,” Smith said. “If you recognize this name, please tell the family to contact my office.”

Millions of dollars and hundreds of safe deposit boxes are turned over annually after financial institutions and businesses lose contact with the owner, according to the release. The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt helps reunite those owners with their items.

To find out if you have any unclaimed property, search any time at the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website .

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