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| CREDIT: Jaycie Dodd/valleynewslive.com A family in Minnesota has received the Purple Heart Award in honour of their family member John L. Opgrand. John was a Private First-Class in the U.S. Army Airforces during World War II. John received the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Prisoner of War Medial and the American Defence Service Medal in 2019. He recently received the Purple Heart Award which is given to those wounded or killed while serving. Opgrand was enlisted into the Army in 1939. He was sent to and captured in the Philippines while fighting in the Battle of Bataan. This made him a prisoner of war, missing in action. Sadly, he was involved in the Bataan Death March, tortured and then pronounced dead in June 1942. Commander of the Fargo Memorial Honour Guard, Jason Hicks has said, "The fall of Bataan was a very dark time for the United States and the Army specifically. It means a lot to all of us to be here today." John's family has been fighting for his recognition for 79 years. His great-niece Lori Pladson has said, "John is one of the many American heroes who were never found or brought home." Anton and Gida Opgrand from Ulen, Minnesota had 16 children, one of which was John. This family is really close and gather once a year to connect and remember the service of many of their family. John's niece Deanne Halvorson said, "Johnnie we hope you know we love you and you can see the honours you have gotten. You may have left us long ago, but you will never be forgotten." His family are still expecting three more awards in John's honour. |
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