Search is on for owner of Purple Heart left at SDPD memorial

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — The memorial outside Police Headquarters is growing by the day, but on Wednesday, there was a bit of a mystery.

Someone left a Purple Heart next to an American Flag on the memorial for Officer DeGuzman.

That medal is now in the hands of the police, but they’d like to know the story behind it.

Related Link: Memorial funds, funeral arrangements made for fallen Officer DeGuzman

The Purple Heart is the first and oldest military medial in America. It was originally created by George Washington as a token of respect for troops who died or were injured in battle.

In some cases, the medal with have a name inscribed on the back, but most don’t.

The medal left at Police Headquarters has no name on it and no way to track down the owner.

Historically, a Purple Heart is passed down to a family member who keeps it as a reminder of the sacrifice.

Related Link: DOVE vigil held for fallen San Diego police officer

So, the police would like to find the person who dropped it off to thank them personally and to hear the story behind it.

Whoever left it behind was clearly emotionally moved to the point of passing it down to Officer DeGuzman, instead of his own family.

The Purple Heart is the ultimate symbol of the ultimate sacrifice and Officer DeGuzman clearly did that.