BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – During a ceremony Monday, Sen. Kevin Cramer presented a replacement Purple Heart medal to the family of an Army Private who died during World War II.
Pvt. Franklin DuFrame was wounded March 24, 1945 and died two days later at the age of 24.
DuFrame’s son, Donald; his granddaughter, Shananne; and his great-granddaughter, Breeanna attended the ceremony, along with other family members.
Breeanna DuFrame contacted Cramer’s office in June requesting assistance with obtaining a replacement for a lost Purple Heart medal originally awarded to her great-grandfather.
“I never thought we would have gotten this far and found out as much as we have about Franklin,” said Breeanna DuFrame. “My grandpa [Donald DuFrame] is my entire world. I don’t know where I would be without him or my mom. I’m so thankful we were able to make this happen for Grandpa. We are so appreciative of everything you and your team have done to make this possible for my grandpa. I cannot express how thankful and grateful I am.”
Prior to Breeanna DuFrame contacting Cramer’s office, the family knew very little about his service beyond the date of his death and burial place. His service records were among those lost in the National Personnel Records Center fire in St. Louis.
Cramer’s office received a 44-page copy of the formal report of Franklin’s death and a copy of an inventory of his belongings, in addition to correspondence between the Department of the Army, his wife, Elma, and DuFrame’s father regarding his burial place. In addition, a photo of DuFrame was added to a Fields of Honor database recognizing fallen American service members, and his grave has been adopted by a local resident who will be responsible for its care and maintenance.
DuFrame is buried at the Lorraine American War Cemetery in France.
Cramer presented the Purple Heart medal to DuFrame’s son, Donald Franklin DuFrame who is also a veteran. Donald DuFrame served in the Navy Reserve during the Vietnam War. Cramer also presented the family with a flag flown over the United States Capitol in honor of DuFrame’s service.
“The Purple Heart is a tangible legacy to the heroic service and selfless sacrifice of Franklin DuFrame during WWII,” Cramer said. “It was important that we obtain this replacement medal that Franklin earned and Don desperately sought as a tribute and connection to the father he never knew. The medal symbolizes incredible sacrifice, and it is important we never forget the gravity of that sacrifice and ensure that future generations know the real price of freedom.”
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin to recognize Donald DuFrame’s service, and a Quilt of Valor made by MRQV members. A Quilt of Valor is a handmade quilt awarded to a service member or veteran who has been “touched by war.”
“I see in this Purple Heart how my dad gave his life for our country and our freedoms,” said Donald DuFrame. “This recognition is so overwhelming, and having this medal means a lot to me and my family. I have more information about my dad now than I have had my entire life.”
Purple Heart medals are awarded to service members who are wounded or killed in action. It is the nation’s oldest military honor still awarded, and was established by then-General George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782.
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