ST. LOUIS (AP) - A Purple Heart medal found in a Texas scrap heap is returning home to St. Louis this weekend.
The medal was awarded to World War II soldier Alvin T. Smith, a St. Louis native who died in combat in Anzio, Italy, in May 1944.
It was found in a recycling container at an apartment complex in Sherman, Texas.
On Saturday, a group that works to return lost or stolen military valor medals known as Purple Hearts Reunited will honor Smith at the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum at 1315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis. The 1 p.m. event is open to the public.