Major Anthony Sordill
– 9th Medical Battalion, 9th Infantry Division –
Major Anthony Sordill
Anthony Sordill was born on July 24th 1911, in Montclair, Essex New Jersey. His parents were Leonard and Angela Sordill.
He would later enlist into the United States Army on the 3rd of December 1942 at Newwark, New Jersey and became a Medical Officer, making it to the rank of Major.
While serving with the 9th Medical Battalion as part of the 9th Infantry Division, Major Sordill’s bravery and self–sacrifice were witnessed by his unit and his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while under heavy fire earned him the Silver Star on 01 May 1943. The Silver Star is our country’s third highest decoration for Valor.
Anthony survived the war and returned home to New Jersey and passed away many years later on July 17th, 1997 in Cranford, Union, New Jersey.
His awards and decorations consist of the Silver Star, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrow Head Device and 3 Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, and Combat Medical Badge.
Medals find their way back to family:
Last month, In September 2015, my friend Zachariah Fike of Purple Hearts Reunited (PHR) was contacted by Mr. Nick Del Prete of Toms River, NJ. Now a retired Army Veteran, Mr. Del Prete often visits his local flea market. While rummaging through a box for sale, he discovered all of Major Sordill’s medals and dog tags. Knowing of their significance, he quickly rescued them and contacted PHR for assistance in locating the family.
Anthony Sordill Silver Star Medal and Dog Tag.
Through an Ancestry search, PHR was able to locate Mr. Donato, a distant relative of Major Sordill, who was able to pass on contact information for his Niece.
His Niece, Mrs. Janet Oscar, was able to provide the contact information for his Granddaughter.
On 10th of November 2015, the lost military medals of WWII hero Major Anthony Sordill were returned to his granddaughter in Toms River, NJ. This joint ceremony between Purple Hearts Reunited and Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 36 took place at American Legion Post 129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753.
Returning of medals – picture copyright by Zachariah Fike Purple Hearts Reunited
A video of the returning of the Major Sordill’s medals can be viewed here:
Major Sordill’s Granddaughter, Mrs. Cheryl Purro received the medals. She believes the medals were lost after Super Storm Sandy and is delighted to have them returned to her family.
We will never forget the dedication of Major Sordill to help wounded and dying men in battle.
A special thank you to Zachariah Fike of the great Purple Hearts Reunited who shared this amazing story with me.
9th Infantry Division in WWII 