Few people have been prouder of their Father than Vancouver’s Penny Ross. And she has every right to be proud of her Dad, retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Donald K. Ross.
Most of us of the baby boomer generation grew up with fathers that served in World War Two and performed heroically and are also proud of their sacrifices.
But Penny’s father went well above and beyond on December 7, 1941, not just surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, but becoming the very first recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War Two for his actions aboard the U.S.S. Nevada.
He passed away in 1992, leaving his Medal of Honor in the care of Penny who has proudly displayed it at commemorations of the December 7 attack.
Sadly, Penny returned to her home late afternoon January 19 only to discover someone had broken in and burglarized her home. They stole a computer, some jewelry and although they missed her father Medal of Honor, they did steal the watch he also received.
While some of the items have been recovered, the watch remains missing and as one would expect, Penny would like it returned.
Below are photos of another MoH recipients’ watch that would look like the missing one, the difference being engraved on the back would be the name, Donald K. Ross and 6/280. The watches were presented to Medal of Honor recipients when Ronald Reagan was President by the Seiko Watch Company. (I was just informed by Penny that her Dad’s name was not engraved on the back, just the number 6/280)
Should you see someone selling this watch or on display in a pawn shop, it is stolen! It has not been authorized for sale by its owner who wants it back in honor of and in the memory of her Father, a real hero.
Whoever stole this watch, you cannot steal someone’s honor or valor. It is theirs for eternity. You may steal a symbol of their valor and wrongfully claim it as yours, but you are still just a cheap, common thief.
If you have this watch or know who does, do the right thing and return it. It is not a common watch and the likelihood of you being caught with it are very good.
You may contact me through this blog to return it or through your Police Department, I will not give out Penny’s contact information.
Please, if you see this watch, help get it back to its rightful owner.
Contact: lewwaters@gmail.com
