RELEASE: Gottheimer Reunites Family of North Jersey WWI Veteran with Purple Heart, Service Medals

Above: Gottheimer reunites family of WWI veteran with service medals.

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Today, July 14, 2025, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) reunited family members of late World War I veteran Savos Loukides with medals earned during his service — a long-lost Purple Heart, a World War I Victory Medal, and a World War I Victory Button. Gottheimer also flew an American flag over the United States Capitol in Savos’ honor.

Gottheimer presented the medals and flag to Savos Loukides’ son and daughter-in-law, Gus Loukides and Susan Loukides of Montvale.

“One of the biggest honors of my job is to help veterans like Savos Loukides and their families get the recognition they’ve rightfully earned for giving so much to our country. Savos’ story is an incredible American one. He was an immigrant who enlisted in World War I, was shot and gassed with chemical weapons in service to our country, and then came home, built a business, and raised a family,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We must always get the backs of veterans who have fought so hard to protect our lives and freedoms. It’s the least we can do — after they’ve fought for us, to protect our great flag and country, we must fight to ensure they get the honor and recognition they deserve.”

Savos Loukides immigrated to the United States from Turkey and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Loukides served in the 309th Infantry and completed five military campaigns in France during World War I. During his service, he was shot at and wounded by chemical weapons and was then honorably discharged for his injuries. Following his service, he settled in Patterson, New Jersey, and was a local business owner.

Below: Gottheimer reunites family of WWI veteran with service medals.

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