Family gets Pennsylvania WWI soldier’s lost Purple Heart

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A long-lost Purple Heart awarded to a Pennsylvania soldier during World War I is being returned to his family.

Purple Hearts Reunited says Pfc. Jacob Samuel Nailor Jr.’s grandson in Naples, Florida, would be given the medal Friday night. Jerry Nailor is also an Army Veteran and former Pennsylvania state representative.

Jacob Nailor enlisted in the Army in 1917 in Harrisburg and was injured in France during the Aisne-Marne campaign in October 1918. He had mustard gas burns on his head, back and knees.

He was treated and remained with his company until he was honourably discharged in 1919.

The medal was “rescued” by the organization Purple Hearts Reunited, which found it for sale on eBay.

Purple Hearts Reunited has returned medals and artifacts to over 200 families and museums.

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