Zweifel in Festus to Return WWI Medals Today

World War I hero Maj. Ernest W. Slusher received two medals for his valor more than 100 years ago.

The medals will finally arrive in his relative’s hands, Margaret Means of Jefferson County, in a ceremony at the Festus Public Library, at 400 West Main St., in Festus, MO., at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9.

Slusher’s medals were on display at the Missouri State Museum in the State Capitol for six months, said a news release from the State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s office.

Zweifel works with museums and veteran’s organizations, through the 2010 Veterans Medals Bill, to preserve and display military awards.

Slusher’s medals were transferred to the treasurer’s office, in a safe deposit box, as unclaimed property.

Means thought the two World War I medals were lost until they saw the items on the news.