Today was officially declared Sergeant Joseph Bud Richardville Day in Vincennes, honoring the local hero who served in the Graves Registration Service during World War II, including in Normandy on D-Day. Though his remains rest in France, Richardville was symbolically brought home and honored at the Indiana Military Museum with a special proclamation and a plaque recognizing his service.

Vincennes City Council President Brian Grove read the proclamation, highlighting Richardville’s challenging role in locating, identifying, and burying the dead. His niece, Regina Liparoto, spearheaded the event, which coincided with the release of Your Forgotten Sons, a novel inspired by Richardville’s life, written by Liparoto’s best friend, Anne Montgomery.

Montgomery expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s been five years since Regina and I started this project, and I can’t believe it’s finally come to this. We’re honored that so many people came today to appreciate and honor what Bud did for his country.”

The ceremony concluded with a gun salute and the playing of Taps.