The problem with his proposed bill as I see it is that it will make it illegal to sell a PH. On the surface that may be a noble undertaking, but if I am the recipient of said medal, and I decide I want to sell it, no matter my reasons, it is after all mine to sell. While Fike does a great job returning these to family members, I wonder how many were actually sold, trashed, or given away by the very same family? Fike doesn't like to answer that question.
As a side note. I have a relative (SSG Rolly Gerych) who was in the 172nd Infantry Regiment and was KIA in WWII. While researching the details of his death I contacted the current 172nd in Vermont to see what resources they had available regarding his death. I was referred to their full time AGR officer (then Capt Fike). He did nothing, researched nothing, and basically told me I was on my own.... Some detective!
Perhaps there was no info to be had, but I think if you are going to present yourself as a caring researcher, then you need to walk the walk. My relative was in his unit and was KIA, he could have done a search, I am a fellow soldier, perhaps that may be a reason to help? I wanted to know more about my soldier relative, which is what he claims he helps with. Unfortunately no medal or political agenda was involved to elevate the profile of my research, so Fike brushed me off. He didn't even offer the NARA website or address.... Scott
Topic: "The Medal Detective" (Read 7440 times)
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