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Updated: 9:50 AM Sep 3, 2010
Purple Heart Stolen from South Beloit Home
A home burglary in South Beloit leaves one family heart-broken. But it's not the expensive items that matter, it's something much more valuable.
Posted: 7:37 PM Sep 2, 2010Reporter: Lauren Kravets |
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3 Comments 
SOUTH BELOIT -- (WIFR) Several TV's, a Wii gaming system, a GPS and a camera; those are just some of the items stolen from the Foersters' home. But the only thing of real value that was taken was a Purple Heart.
Fredrick Foerster's father, Elmer Foerster, earned that Purple Heart while serving in the Army during WWII. He received it after a tank exploded in Italy, nearly killing him.
Fredrick noticed it was missing Wednesday morning after returning home from breakfast. That's when he saw his basement window had been broken and more than a thousand dollars worth of property had been stolen. But he says the missing Purple Heart is what broke his heart.
"Oh I was devastated and angry at the same time. Why would someone do that? Something that means nothing to them. Uh, the fact that my dad almost died before he was awarded that," says Fredrick Foerster.
Foerster says he was going to give that Purple Heart to his son, who's currently serving in the Air Force. He says whoever stole their stuff can keep the TV's and expensive items, but he's sending out a plea to return their piece of family history.
South Beloit police also say several cars were broken into in the same area, around the same time, so they believe the incidents could be related. Right now they do not have any suspects in custody. If you have any information, contact South Beloit Police.
Latest Comments
Whoever you are who stole from my brother and sister-in-law, know this...Rick and Rusty built a life in that house, he WORKED for every penny that was spent on the things you stole. But our Dad faught for this country, was seriously, almost mortally wounded for this country and our country awarded HIM that Purple Heart. Several of us, his children and grandchildren have served in the military for this country. My husband and I are Viet Nam era vets. Rick and Rusty were caretaking that heart for their son who has served several tours of duty in the Middle East. What personal American character Rick and RJ have and Dad had!!! Can you theives say the same about yourselves. I am so proud to be a part of this family and it's values cause I darn well wouldn't want to be a part of yours...and thank you our brother Vet for offering your Purple Heart, you can be a part of our family anytime!!!
I am Fredrick's nephew and I am also a Veteran. People who serve this country know good and well that there life is on the line 24/7. When they are awarded the decortations and such. They do not feel like the hero. But to the family they are a hero. My Grampa is my hero and the person(s) that have violated my Uncle and Aunt's home have not just crossed the line of their home. They have crossed the line of an American Hero. They should get on their knees and ask forgiveness. As the British would say, "Shame, Shame you cowards." Now if you have the nerve. Return to my family what is not yours. If you have the nerve. To my brother Vet who has offered the gift to my Uncle and Aunt. May the Lord Bless you my Brother in Arms. Thank-you for your service.
It is sad that living in this home for 37 years and never had anything like this happen then some low-life scumbag has the nerve to invade and take things that don't belong to them and definatly something that has no monitary value just sentiment and disregard others is very sickening. Livid is mildly the way I personally feel about this. I am one son of the people you stole from. I hope you are proud of yourself and hope you enjoy what you have taken. I consider you terrorist and you should be delt with accordingly. Most of all...to the person(s) involved with this robbery...I hope you get everything and more you deserve from this cowardly act you so proudly feel about. Justice will prevail and you will soooooo get what is comming!
