U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-Deltona) presented Pfc. John P. Firestone with a Purple Heart Medal in honor of his service to our nation. Pfc. Firestone served during World War II as a Light Machine Gunner. He was awarded the Purple Heart on March 15, 1945 for his extraordinary courage and heroic action in Germany but never received the medal. The ceremony was held at the Deltona Health Care facility where he now resides.
“I am honored to be able to present Pfc. Firestone with this long overdue Purple Heart medal, awarded only to those who have shown immeasurable strength in the face of danger,” said Rep. Mica. “Today, with tremendous pride, I join his family and friends as we honor his personal sacrifice and service to our nation.”
Raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, John P. Firestone was one of 16 children. After high school, on June 12, 1936, he enlisted with the National Guard medical regiment. After serving for several years, he moved to Maryland and worked as a tool and dye worker, making airplane parts. It was then when he met Anne Scheibe, whom he later married in April 1941. He became step-father to Anne’s daughter, Carol, and they went on to have one daughter together, Lauren.
On June 23, 1944, he joined the U.S. Army where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. While serving in Germany, he was injured when a mortar went off, destroying his eardrum and killing his best friend beside him.
He earned his Purple Heart award on March 15, 1945 for his extraordinary actions in Germany and was later honorably discharged from duty.
Pfc. Firestone traveled back to Maryland and served as a Baltimore City Police Office for over 20 years until he retired in the mid-1970s. One particular story about his service that stands out regards his “Big Bust”. He was patrolling his area by foot and noticed that part of the door to a storefront had been removed. As he burst through the door catching the culprits red-handed – 8- and 9- year old children stealing candy.
He currently resides in Deltona, Florida where he moved after his retirement. In addition to his wife, Anne, and their two children, Carol and Lauren, he has seven grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren, and 7 great-great- grandchildren.