A WWII hero’s Purple Heart is waiting to go home! Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg is searching for Susan Santos, daughter of veteran Joseph Arruda, to return his unclaimed medals. This incredible quest highlights the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice. Can you help connect this family with their father’s long-lost honors?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has embarked on a poignant mission to honor a World War II hero, Staff Sergeant Joseph Arruda, by reuniting his family with long-unclaimed military distinctions, most notably his Purple Heart. This concerted effort, spearheaded by Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, highlights the state’s dedication to acknowledging the sacrifices of its WWII veterans and ensuring their legacies are preserved for future generations. The search for Arruda’s next of kin, particularly his daughter Susan Santos, represents a significant undertaking by the Unclaimed Property Division.

Treasurer Goldberg and her dedicated team from the Unclaimed Property Division initiated a widespread campaign to locate the rightful heirs of several military medals found in forgotten safe deposit boxes. While four cases have already seen successful resolutions, the quest to find Joseph Arruda’s family remains one of two outstanding mysteries. The drive behind this initiative stems from a deep respect for service personnel and an understanding of the profound emotional value these medals hold for families as a piece of unclaimed property.

Staff Sergeant Joseph Arruda, a distinguished WWII Veteran from the New Bedford-South Dartmouth area, served with valor for 27 months in the Asiatic-Pacific theater of operations as part of the 129th Infantry Regiment Company L. Born on March 11, 1922, and passing away in 1998, Arruda was honorably discharged in 1946. His military career represents a chapter of selfless dedication to his country, a legacy now awaiting its return to his descendants through the efforts of the Massachusetts Treasurer.

The contents of the unclaimed safe deposit box belonging to Arruda’s daughters are a testament to his decorated service. Beyond the Purple Heart Medal lapel pin, the box meticulously preserved a U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal and Ribbon, a World War II Victory Ribbon, an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with a Bronze 3⁄16-inch star, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button, affectionately known as the “Ruptured Duck.” Additionally, his ribbon bar proudly displayed the Purple Heart Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze stars, and a Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Under state regulations, safe deposit boxes become subject to a specific process if rental payments cease for over a year, leading to their being drilled open. The contents are then held for seven years before potentially being classified as unclaimed property. In this particular case, the Unclaimed Property Division is intensely focused on locating Arruda’s surviving daughter, Susan Santos, who is reportedly residing in New Bedford, aiming to deliver these invaluable military honors directly to her.

The search for these veterans’ families involves a blend of public appeals and meticulous genealogical research. Director of Publication and External Relations Christina Lambert confirmed that the team utilizes ancestry databases and other historical records to trace lineage. Crucially, the presence of Joseph Arruda’s discharge papers within the safe deposit box proved instrumental, aiding in the positive identification of the Purple Heart recipient and ensuring the integrity of the reunification effort.

Massachusetts Treasurer Goldberg emphasizes the deeply personal significance of their work, reflecting on the immense impact these reunions have on WWII veterans still living or on their families, especially grandchildren, who gain a tangible connection to their ancestors’ “amazing acts of selflessness.” While Arruda’s family is a primary focus, the office is also actively seeking the heirs of William Bemis, another World War II veteran from Springfield, whose Purple Heart also remains unclaimed. Individuals with information regarding Susan Santos or any details that could assist the Massachusetts Treasurer’s Office are urged to contact them at 617-367-0400 during business hours.