Veteran reunites with father's stolen bronze star after 20-year search
EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The photos on the walls of the American Legion Post 346 in East Stroudsburg tell the stories of the people who served our country, like Korean War veteran Don Shaller of Henryville.
"They came and got me, they drafted me, and I ended up over in Korea, and while I was there, I ended up cooking a meal for President Johnson," said Don Shaller of Henryville.
Shaller's father, Clyde, was also in the service- earning a prestigious honor.
"The bronze star medal is awarded to Tech Sergeant Clyde Shaller, Company G, 351st Infantry Regiment, for meritorious service in combat from 10 November 1944 to 5 February 1945 in Italy," said Commander Dave Siegle.
Twenty years ago, Shaller's home was broken into. The thieves took his most prized possession, his father's bronze star.
"We were away, and when we came home, we realized things were missing. And this particular star I wasn't aware to that for quite a while after," said Shaller.
After the burglary, Shaller never thought he'd get the star back.
But now, that day has come, and the bronze star is back in his hands, thanks to the help of Congressman Rob Bresnahan's office.
"It's an award that he was deserving of, and I think that today is about him and the service in which his father dedicated to this country," said Rep. Rob Bresnahan, 8th Congressional District.
This isn't the same star that was stolen, but Representative Bresnahan and his team made sure the Shaller family received a new symbol of Clyde's heroism.
"It means a lot to have it back in the family, and this will go in a place where they will never get it," said Shaller.
Bresnahan says the process took several months—a special reunion, just in time for Veterans Day.