I received my Grandfathers purple heart and the paper work that came with it still in the tube. For some reason there are two copies in two separate tubes. Why are there two sets? We only have one purple heart. He was KIA December 24th 1944, I know for sure he is buried in Belgium. If I find no other information about him in the papers, Was he killed in the battle of the bulge? Also I have a pair of his boots and shoes. When you died in WWII did they send that kind of stuff home to the family? Because the boots still have dirt on the bottom and I am just in awe to be honest. Am I holding a pair of boots that were maybe at the battle of the bulge? Also I did Google the date he died. If anyone has any specific info on that date or even know a source where I can purchase newspapers from that date it would greatly be appreciated.
Check the paperwork, it should have his unit listed on it. If so, then do a search on the unit. Lots of information available online about units, locations, battles etc. Also a lot of Unit Associations from WWII that are still active. Good luck!
24th of december is quite an important day in the battle of the bulge because it is pretty much the day that the German offensive grinded to a halt near Celles and around Bastogne.
The main American troops around Bastogne were the 101st airborne and the 10th armored while near Celles and the Meuse river it was the 2nd armored and the 4th cavalry. Most casualties on that date would be around Bastogne and would be 101st airborne.
Do you know where your grandfather is buried? I'm planning to go to Bastogne in the middle of May and I could take some pictures if that's OK with you?