Friday, November 15, 2002
Marty Gallagher still doesn't know why the package of medals was left at his home.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Marty Gallagher has a warm feeling now that eight World War II Army awards and decorations left on his driveway are with their rightful owner.
"It feels good," said Gallagher, 65, of Park Avenue, who has sent the medals, including the Bronze Star, to the Army veteran's son, Charles Lodwick Jr. of Columbia, Mo.
Gallagher recalled finding a package Aug. 30, 1997. He clearly recalls the day because it was the same day a son, Mike, got married.
Initially, Gallagher and his wife thought it was a wedding gift that had been dropped off.
The package had been sent to Shirley A. Lodwick of Tod Avenue in Warren. The awards and decorations and an American flag were for her husband, Charles A. Lodwick Sr. The Department of the Army had sent them.
Search for owner
Gallagher tried to deliver the package to its owner but couldn't find anyone by the Lodwick name at the Warren address.
Unable to find the owner, Gallagher put the medals away for about a year.
In 1998, Gallagher said he began another search that took him to funeral homes and an Army recruiting office to find the veteran.
Again, Gallagher had no luck.
Last Friday, Gallagher, a Navy veteran, decided to take his quest to the media.
After the story appeared on the Internet, Gallagher was put in contact with the younger Lodwick in Columbia, Mo.
The medals and Combat Infantry Badge were awarded to Lodwick's father, Charles Lodwick Sr., who died in 1996 at age 81.
Gallagher, retired plant manager at Brainard Rivet Co. in Girard, sent the medals to the younger Lodwick.
"He was really surprised," Gallagher said of his telephone conversation with the son, who is a Civil War buff.
He knew nothing of his father's military experiences nor of the medals he was awarded, Gallagher explained. "He was really surprised," Gallagher said.
Still, Gallagher doesn't know why the package was dropped off at his home.
The best he can figure is that his sons, Mike and Marty, served in the Marines and he flew the Marine flag.
yovich@vindy.com