Replacement Medals Presented To Family Of Late Long Island World War II Veteran
BOHEMIA, NY (WCBS 880) - It's a proud day for the family of a World War II hero whose service medals were recently stolen.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story
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A Purple Heart and Bronze Star were among the four medals stolen from late World War II hero Francis McGuigan's family.
Today, Rep. Steve Israel presented replacements to the family.
"This coward snuck in here the dead of night, swiped some medals to pretend that he was a hero when he's nothing but a coward. He may have the medal, but we all know exactly what kind of character this person has," said Israel on Monday. "Some coward stole those medals, stole those medals away from Jim, stole them away from the memory of his grandfather."
James McGuigan had kept his grandfather's medals on display at his business in Bohemia. He is grateful to have them back.
"Overwhelming, extremely happy. The recognition that he received for this is greatly appreciated," he said. "I don't think they really understand what they stole. It's a personal history of my family."
McGuigan said the thief ought to be ashamed.
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