NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — The father of a New Bedford Marine killed in Iraq says he's heartbroken that a thief broke into his home and stole his son's posthumous Purple Heart.
The medal was stolen last weekend from Joseph Ford Sr.'s home, which has been vacant since pipes burst in February.
Lance Cpl. Michael Ford was 19 when he died after the tank he was in drove over an improvised explosive device in April 2006.
Joseph Ford tells The Standard-Times the family has little of value, but he considers the Purple Heart priceless.
Mayor Jon Mitchell called the theft "despicable."
Police are investigating. They say the medal has almost no value on the streets.
A spokeswoman for congressman William Keating says Keating's office will work on getting a replacement medal.
(Information in the story is from: The (New Bedford, Mass.) Standard-Times, http://www.southcoasttoday.com )
Cox Media Group
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