Veteran Finds Identity of Soldier Killed Next to Him in Philippines-- Part 4

Zachariah Fike of Purple Hearts Reunited called John Trinca on June 3rd, the anniversary of Bateman's death, to let him know the Bateman family had been found, along with the the original Purple Heart, which Trinca had known nothing about.

Fike had learned of Trinca through an old newspaper clipping about his search for Bateman's identity.  "I couldn't sleep at all that night.  I was freaked out," said Trinca.

Medals like these turn up all over the country, said Fike.  Once a soldier's family is found, the medal is returned, along with the opportunity to have a return ceremony, which is where Trinca got to realize his dream of meeting Bateman's family.

Next.  --GreGen