A Purple Heart from World War II has made its way back home to the Hudson Valley.

The Purple Heart was given to World War II hero Stanley Boorman. He was killed in action in January 1945, and his body was never recovered. 

Commander Howard Goldin, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 120, says Boorman was shot down after a bombing run in Japan. 

"He went on the very first bombing run in Japan and dropped his bombs on the factory,” says Goldin. “When he was coming back, he was shot down." 

Boorman was a graduate of Spring Valley High School in Rockland County. 

The medal was found at a flea market and traced back to Boorman. With no living relatives, it was decided to give the medal to his old high school. 

“His legacy, especially for these students, will see this beautiful plaque every day and recognize his ultimate sacrifice that he gave,” says Sgt. Richard Gerbeth, an Iraqi Purple Heart  veteran. 

Only 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been awarded to our military heroes.