About Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

January 21,2002

HARMAN PRESENTS PURPLE HEART TO SISTER OF FALLEN WORLD WAR II SAILOR

-- eBay Auctioneer Offers Honored Family Relic for Sale to Highest Bidder --

-- Rep. Harman Secures Replacement Medal on Behalf of Family Members --

REDONDO BEACH An El Segundo woman, unaware that her brother had been awarded a Purple Heart until six weeks ago when her nephew saw it featured in an eBay auction, received a replacement medal today through the efforts of Rep. Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach).

Martha Pessia and her husband Benny said they came close to purchasing the medal, but they suspected it might have been counterfeit, and were unwilling to pay the dealer’s price of $425. Instead, they contacted Harman for help.

“It’s very important to honor the courage and sacrifice of the members of our military,” Harman said, during a brief ceremony in her office.

Pessia’s brother, Joseph Anthony Gocella, the thirteenth of fourteen children, was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery during World War II. Gocella, along with 60 other seamen, was killed when five Japanese Kamikaze suicide planes struck the USS Emmons on April 6, 1945. He was 26 years old.

A representative of the Veterans Administration told the Pessias that obtaining a replacement medal through the administration was possible, but could take up to two years. Harman’s staff was able to secure the medal in just 42 days.

Navy Captain Rusty Mirick and Rep. Harman presented a new Purple Heart to Martha Pessia today “on behalf of a grateful nation”.

“I’m proud of our tradition, I’m proud of your brother, I’m proud of my staff and I’m proud of our nation,” Harman said.

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