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The Mighty Turk (or Greek) WW1 Purple Heart


EGA-DOG
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Purple Hearts are out of my collecting spectrum. But, every now and then I find one that poses a research challenge. With a lot of Immigrants fighting for the US during WW1, spelling of names can sometimes be a roadblock for research. This was the case here. Thanks to my mother, who knows Ancestry like the back of her hand I was able to find the recipient of this Purple Heart.

 

Makes Sakellaredes (Michael "Mike" Sakellarides) was born August 5th, 1894 in Nisyros, Turkey (now Greece). He was inducted into the Army in April of 1918, and sent to France where he served with the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division. Michael was severely wounded in the neck at the battle of St. Mihiel on September 30th, 1918. After recovering, he returned to his unit to participate in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. It was on November 8th, 1918 when Mr. Sakellarides was shot in the left arm. Due to the severity of his wound, his left arm had to be amputated.

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Mr. Sakellarides lived in New York the remainder of his life. He died January 27th, 1958, and is buried in Long Island National Cemetery, New York.

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The 90th Division was only awarded battle clasps for St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Defense Sector. Which would make this medal wrong. But, I have no doubts that it is original to the group.

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aerialbridge

Attaboy to that mighty twice-wounded, one-armed pre- Ataturk. I like groups with the NY Service medal, beautiful design IMO.

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Would there be an Oak Leaf Cluster for the PH

In my honest opinion, yes there should be an Oak Leaf Cluster. I won't officially know until I have his award card pulled.

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Nice group and research. Finding that photo always takes it to the next level. Congrats.

So true.

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