Peace Garden News

The Missouri River Quilts of Valor hosted a ceremony in Bismarck, North Dakota, to honor the military service of Private Franklin Joseph DuFrame and his family. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer presented a replacement Purple Heart medal to recognize Pvt. DuFrame's sacrifice during World War II. The original medal had been lost.

Cramer, who serves on both the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, awarded the Purple Heart to Donald Franklin DuFrame, Pvt. DuFrame’s son and a Vietnam War veteran. Cramer also gave the family a flag flown over the United States Capitol in tribute to Pvt. DuFrame’s service.

“The Purple Heart is a tangible legacy to the heroic service and selfless sacrifice of Franklin DuFrame during WWII,” said Cramer. “It was important that we obtain this replacement medal that Franklin earned and Don desperately sought as a tribute and connection to the father he never knew."

Donald DuFrame expressed gratitude for receiving the medal, stating, “I see in this Purple Heart how my dad gave his life for our country and our freedoms.”

The event included other honors such as a Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin for Donald DuFrame's service and a Quilt of Valor made by MRQV members. Alice Delzer from AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary delivered an invocation, followed by patriotic songs led by Arlene Meissel.

Breeanna DuFrame played a crucial role in obtaining her great-grandfather's replacement medal by reaching out to Senator Cramer's office for assistance. She expressed appreciation for everyone involved in making it possible.

Pvt. Franklin Joseph DuFrame served with the U.S. Army during World War II and died from wounds sustained in action at age 24. His records were lost in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center, but recent efforts have uncovered more details about his service.

Purple Heart medals are awarded to those wounded or killed due to enemy action in armed conflict and are among the oldest military honors still given today.