(Des Moines) State Treasurer Roby Smith announced his office was able to reunite a Purple Heart, which was found within the contents of Garold Hayes’ safety deposit box, back to his heirs on Wednesday, just ahead of Unclaimed Property Day, an annual push to get Iowans to search their name on GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov.
“Today, we recognize Unclaimed Property Day and the return of a Purple Heart – a military medal that signifies sacrifice in honor of our beloved country – back to the family who possessed the safe deposit box,” said Treasurer Smith. “To reunite this piece of history is a moment to be celebrated. Not only is the Purple Heart one of the most recognized medals, it serves as a reminder that bravery never fades. I want to thank Nancy, for stepping forward to claim this item back into the possession of her family, and I hope the story of this Purple Heart lives on for generations to come.”
In July 2024, ahead of National Purple Heart Day, Treasurer Smith called on Iowans to help find Hayes’ family, to reunite a Purple Heart left in a safe deposit box turned over to the Treasurer’s Office. Following the request, the Treasurer’s Office received multiple leads giving direction to Mr. Hayes’ next of kin and reuniting the Purple Heart with the family.
Often tucked away in safe deposit boxes, military medals, land abstracts and more can sometimes be left behind following a move or individual passing away. Following a set period of time, if a financial institution is unable to make contact with the owner, these items are turned over to the Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping until reunited with the individual or heirs through Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. This process ensures that these valuable items are not lost or forgotten.
In addition to reuniting a Purple Heart Wednesday, Treasurer Smith announced Great Iowa Treasure Hunt recently came into possession of a safe deposit box containing a Purple Heart for Herman Eggers, a soldier who was injured in Korea. This Purple Heart, awarded for his bravery and sacrifice is a poignant reminder of the service of our military personnel. The Treasurer’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating the heirs or close family members of Herman Eggers of Waterloo, so his service and sacrifice can be remembered.
“If you know the family or next of kin to Herman Eggers of Waterloo, please have them reach out to my office, so we can get this Purple Heart out of safekeeping and reunite it with the family who earned it.”
Background on Unclaimed Property Day and Great Iowa Treasure Hunt
Unclaimed Property Day is a national initiative to bring awareness to the more than 30 million people in the United States who have unclaimed property. In Iowa, there’s currently more than $587 million in safekeeping waiting to be claimed.
Each year, millions of dollars and hundreds of safe deposit boxes are turned over to the Treasurer’s Office after financial institutions and businesses lose contact with the owner. In addition to tangible items like safe deposit box contents, monetary items like forgotten checking and savings accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies and utility refunds are also turned over to the State as unclaimed.
Anyone can search for their name at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. It’s secure, free and easy to use.
