Langevin Presents Long-Overdue Purple Heart to Westerly Family

Nov 19, 2012 Issues: Armed Services, Veterans

A Rhode Island World War II hero was honored posthumously today at the office of Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), who presented his son with a Purple Heart, paying tribute to a man who gave his life during the famous Battle of the Bulge.

Frank Aldrich, 73, of Westerly received six medals in total that were earned by his father, Cpl. Frank Aldrich. The elder Aldrich was a Central Falls native who was killed in action in Belgium on December 23, 1944. He is buried in St. Sebastian’s Cemetery in Westerly.

“This is a proud moment to be able to recognize my dad’s service and bring some closure to his incredible life,” said Aldrich, who also served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960 and attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class, a level equivalent to that of his father. “It’s an honor to have his accomplishments remembered by other people and to be able to share his story with them.”

The additional awards that Langevin helped the family obtain included: the Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Marksman Badge and Machine Gun Bar, the Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar, and a World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button.

“We can never forget that our freedoms and the amazing opportunities we have in this country are only possible because of the incredible sacrifices of men and women like Cpl. Aldrich and their families,” said Langevin. “I thank Frank for the chance to recognize the selfless service of a great Rhode Islander.”

Former service members living in Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District and their families are encouraged to contact Langevin’s office at 732-9400 if they have earned military honors that have not been awarded to them.

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