TODD: Today’s EIB High Note is about Petty Officer Third Class Donald Helfer, World War II hero. He never told anybody he was a World War II hero. His kids knew he had served in the military, but they never knew the extent until three decades after his death. Someone found this guy’s medals and other military memorabilia in a Dumpster in Hickory, North Carolina.

So the individual who found them saw what it was worth and he turned them over to a Navy vet and American Legion Post 544 Commander Jeff Truitt. Mr. Truitt reached out to the family, and Helfer’s daughter, Linda Delorey, drove an hour to meet him, and she got his memorabilia, and Truitt had organized everything in a binder to present to her.

So you can imagine, she was stunned. You know, she grew up, and knew her father only as a police officer. So Helfer joined the Navy during World War II as an aircraft engine mechanic. He completed nearly 30 flights into enemy territory, was awarded the Navy Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star.

He was recognized by President Harry Truman who thanked him in a letter for helping to “bring about the total defeat of the enemy” and offered the “heartfelt thanks of a grateful Nation.” Truitt told Fox 46, it was important to return the treasured items — and rich and meaningful history they contained — to the family.

TRUITT: I’ve learned that you never know what a person has done in their life. He was just one of millions that served, and that’s his story, and that can be told forever now.

TODD: So at RushLimbaugh.com, you can see a video of Mr. Truitt presenting these items to Linda Delorey that Fox News 46 put together.

Related Links
Fox 46: ‘This is really a family treasure’: NC WWII hero’s medals tossed in dumpster, returned to family
Good News Network:  Medals Found in Dumpster Reveal Her Dad Was a WWII Hero But Never Told Anyone

        

                        

                        
                                                                        «Road Trip with Rush: Shakin' All Over, by The Guess Who                        
                                                

                                                        
                                        United Airlines Brings Back Supersonic Flights»