Pat Conlon, grandson of decorated war veteran Elmer James Conlon, says it was “gut-wrenching” to have his grandfather’s war medals stolen moments before he was due to be reunited with them after more than 40 years.
The medals had been lost to the family for decades but, after a long search, they were finally tracked down and sent by courier to Pat. Just metres from their destination, the priceless family heirloom was stolen from a rural mailbox near Wellsford — before Pat could reach them.
“They were the only thing I had from my grandfather,” Pat said. “To think they were finally coming back built my hopes up — I was overjoyed about the whole thing.”
Elmer James Conlon, originally from Brooklyn, New York, served in the American Navy aboard the battleship Louisiana. He “jumped ship” in Auckland, New Zealand, and eventually settled in the small Northland town of Herekino.
To gain New Zealand citizenship, Elmer fought in the First World War, including at the Battle of the Somme, where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his service. He is buried in the Soldiers’ Section at Hamilton Gardens.
Pat, who had replicas of the medals made to wear at Anzac Day dawn parades, said the day held deep personal significance. “To me, New Zealand Day is Anzac Day — because that’s when we are all united.”
To the person who took the parcel, Pat was not seeking to press charges — he only wanted the precious memorabilia returned. “All I want is the medals,” he said. “They could be put somewhere and I could go collect them. No questions asked.”
Police have been approached for a comment.
By Marlo Donoghue