This is a WWII-period Purple Heart Medal with sewn slot brooch. It comes in a hard-to-find original early coffin style "fat" case with pin back ribbon bar. It is period hand engraved to "FRED M. HILDEBRAND". Identified as Cpl. Fred M Hildebrand a World War 1 Veteran with no recorded WWII Action. He was buried at Florida National cemetery. Interestingly enough a World War I veteran can absolutely hold a Purple Heart without having served in World War II. While the Purple Heart was not established in its modern form until 1932, its eligibility was made retroactive to April 5, 1917, making WWI combat wounded eligible for the medal or like ya said the family could request it.