Rep. Scholten Presents Purple Heart and WWI Victory Medal to Veteran’s Family in Grand Haven
Find an audio recording of the event here.
GRAND HAVEN, MI – Today, Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) presented the Purple Heart and WWI Victory Medal to Ms. Verla Thomas on behalf of her father, Cpl. George “Hunt” Wills, alongside Michigan National Guard leadership and community leaders.
The presentation comes after Rep. Scholten’s casework team secured the medals for Ms. Thomas through the Army Awards and Decorations Branch.
“Cpl. Wills was a hero who answered the call to defend our nation, and it was such a privilege to help make sure his family finally received proper recognition of his service,” said Rep. Scholten. “Wills began his career when he enlisted in Michigan National Guard Company F Grand Haven in May 1918. He served as a Private in Company E, 55th Infantry. Later, he was transferred to the 104th Infantry where he and his team advanced on enemy soldiers to successfully recapture a key railway hub. Wills was injured during this effort. After WWI ended, Wills enlisted once more in Company F Grand Haven in September 1924 and was Honorably Discharged roughly one year later. I want to thank Dr. Chris Petras, who first contacted my team to help secure these medals from the Army. Any West Michigander who hasn’t received the medals they’re owed from their service should reach out to my team. We will do everything we can to deliver those medals to you."
"Today's ceremony is a terrific representation of the level of support Michigan Veterans and their families can expect in Michigan," said U.S. Brig. Gen. R.V. Wagh, assistant to the adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard. "We are elated to participate in today's commemoration of Corporal George Wills' heroic efforts during World War I, it is truly a privilege to see his family members receive his Purple Heart. We are grateful to Congresswoman Scholten and Dr. Chris Petras for their dedication and commitment to honoring Michigan Veterans."
In 2023, Rep. Scholten’s casework team recovered more than a dozen medals for veterans across Michigan’s Third District. To reach Rep. Scholten’s team, please call (616) 451-8383.