Handguns

Man Returns Stolen 1911 to Medal of Honor Winner

George Berry, 71, returned a once-stolen 1911 to the former Marine who had earned a Medal of Honor with it.

By NRA Staff (RSS)

August 15, 2011

8/15/2011

George Berry of Medford, Ore., only wanted to buy a historic 1911 pistol, but wound up getting far more than he had sought. After purchasing a pistol at auction, he did some digging into the name engraved on the side and found it belonged to living Medal of Honor recipient John McGinty. McGinty had reported it stolen in 1978.

Berry returned the pistol to McGinty and asked for nothing in return.

Read the full story at the Oregon Mail Tribune and be sure to brush up on other links between the 1911 and the Medal of Honor.

Tags:  1911,  handguns,  medal of honor,  model 1911,  vietnam,  world war i,  world war ii

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12 Responses to Man Returns Stolen 1911 to Medal of Honor Winner

Michael Robinson wrote:
April 23, 2012

Read the entire story of this gun. It a a story of THREE heroes, three real MEN doing what real MEN do. BE MEN

Craig wrote:
October 24, 2011

Seems to me that the auction house should have done some checking. You have a name AND a serial number. This gentleman did not have any problem finding the owner.

Bob wrote:
August 27, 2011

I would bet it was sold at an estate auction. Almost every time you hear that term, other than the providence auctions of high dollar weapons, it is the clearance sale following the death of an individual.

Wim wrote:
August 19, 2011

From NCIC: Gun file: a. Unrecovered weapons will be retained in file for an indefinite period until action is taken by the originating agency to clear the record.

John wrote:
August 19, 2011

reply to Derek - yours was a good comment,but it said sold at auction . Please do not give anti-gun groups any comments about gun shows and stolen weapons changing hands! PS i do not think this was your intention .

John wrote:
August 18, 2011

It would have gone into ncic in '78. I don't recall about guns, but stolen vehicles only stay listed for 2 years...go figure

Steve Lamperti wrote:
August 18, 2011

I have a lot of respect for the gentleman who returned the gun. Even if he wasn't a MOH hero, he served our country and he deserves all of our gratitude and respect. Thank You for your service!

Jim wrote:
August 18, 2011

As a retired law enforcement officer I can tell you it is a shame that after several years the stolen guns do seem to disappear from the NCIC system. My Dad who lived in Dallas, Texas had three handguns stolen. I called the Dallas PD to run a check on the guns after several years went by and I was informed they were no longer in the system. I always thought this is wrong and these stolen firearms should never be removed until they are found.

Derek wrote:
August 17, 2011

This was also in 1978, Its doubtful a gun stolen in 1978 would have ended up in any kind of computer database. And while it doesnt say so in the article, i would also be willing to bet two things, A. The guy who sold it last wasnt the one who stole it originally. and B. it was sold at a gun show. But good on the buyer for returning it to such a distinguished servicemen! World needs more like him!

Damon wrote:
August 17, 2011

I wish more people had this kind of decency. My dad had several guns stolen in the 80's, haven't seen or heard anything about them since.

Jeff wrote:
August 16, 2011

I agree with Pete, why was the pistol allowed to be sold in the first place?

Pete wrote:
August 16, 2011

I have heard others say that stolen firearms are dropped from NCIC after a few years...the NRA should look into this. Are thieves getting a free ride because of some bureaucratic decision to drop stolen guns after a few years...?