Great Discoveries: Antique Store Owner Finds Purple Heart Certificate – WorthPoint

The Purple Heart certificate represents one of the most recognizable honors for service members. It is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed while they defend their country.

Recently, a Vietnam War soldier’s Purple Heart certificate was found at the Paradise Vintage Market antique store in North Fort Myers, Florida, according to NBC2. Now, Beth Meyer, owner of Paradise Vintage Market, is trying to find any of the late soldier’s surviving family members so she can return the certificate to them.

Meyer discovered the certificate in a box of items she bought from a collector who was cleaning out their home. As she went through the box, Meyer found the certificate addressed to William C. Hix Jr.

Hix died on February 5, 1969, at age 21, while serving in the Vietnam War. According to records, Hix worked as a helicopter pilot during the war.

At one point, Hix and three others traveled by helicopter to help wounded soldiers escape combat zones. However, their helicopter was shot down by enemy fire, and none of them survived.

Hix’s cremated remains are located at a cemetery in Fort Myers. Meanwhile, Meyer has been searching for family members to claim Hix’s certificate. To date, no one has come forward. She also pointed out that the collector who sold her the box that contained the certificate has no relation to Hix.

Meyer urges anyone who may know any of Hix’s family members to contact her at Paradise Vintage Market.

Those who want to view Purple Heart certificates and medals can see thousands of items in the WorthPoint Price Guide.

Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website. 

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