Pat Hartigan believes his father would have given those responsible for stealing the Second World War veteran’s medals a second chance.
Sgt. Daniel Hartigan, who parachuted into Normandy ahead of the Allied D-Day invasion of 1944, died in 2001, leaving his campaign medals to his son.
But those cherished mementos of his father’s valiant service were stolen from the younger Hartigan’s Hawkwood home July 21, leading to a public appeal Tuesday for their return.
“What my dad would say is that people deserve a second chance,” said Hartigan, who also had jewelry, watches and silverware taken during the heist.
“I think he’d say they deserve a second chance to return the medals and make it right.”
The elder Hartigan was injured by shrapnel as his 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion dropped behind enemy lines to help pave the way for the Allied beachhead at Normandy that broke the backs of their Nazi foes.
His son said that didn’t deter him long from returning to the field to battle 10 straight days without sleep to help win the most pivotal battle of the Second World War.
The stolen medals are reflections of his service, and Hartigan said the family is desperate to see them returned.
Calgary police Staff Sgt. Doug Crippen said while medals do come with some value to those trying to hock them, it’s nothing compared to the value of the items as memories for both the veterans and their families.
“They have some value, but more value to the family,” he said, adding it wouldn’t be unusual to see the pilfered prizes posted to a site like Kijiji.
Pat Hartigan said he’s hopeful the precious medals will be found.
“There seems to be a good recovery rate thanks to the Internet and police,” he said.
If you have any information about the stolen medals or the break-in call police at 403-266-1234 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
On Twitter: @SUNShawnLogan
Calgary man"s Second World War medals stolen
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