Stolen Medal of Honor returned
Published: July 21, 2005
As the only living Hoosier ever to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, Sammy L. Davis of Martinsville usually gets a warm greeting.
As the only Hoosier to ever have his medal stolen, you get a little bit more.
During a ceremony on the steps of the War Memorial, Marion County Public Safety Director told those gathered, “You cannot steal honor, you cannot steal integrity, you cannot steal dedication and commitment to your nation.”
Someone stole Davis’ briefcase containing the medal last week. Indianapolis Police tracked it to the White River and the Indianapolis Fire Department retrieved it.
IPD Detective Ron Gray said, “If I could give anything back to all of America and the people here, I wish you could have been on the bank when that suitcase came up.”
About 300 were there when Detective Gray put the Medal of Honor President Lyndon Johnson gave Davis, back where it belonged.
“The reason I earned this on November 18, 1967,” said Davis, “although it was in time of war, it was because of love; because I loved my brothers, because I did my job. The reason it is back around my neck today is for the same reason.”
Davis admits he could get a replica or replacement medal, but he just doesn’t think that is right. That is why this day is so important. “If it was not the original medal part of its soul would be missing. So I am glad to have the original back.”
So are his son and daughter-in-law and plenty of others.
Sgt. Davis thanked Turner and once again offered to serve. “You get what you give. You all have given everything. I’ll sweep floors for you if you need it.”
Turner responded, “Mr. Davis, it’s been an honor.”
Mission accomplished.
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