​Maris Grove Resident Receives 2018 Freedom Medal Award

Maris Grove resident and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Alan Macauley received the 2018 Freedom Medal Award from the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association in partnership with the Delaware County Council on December 19. The award was presented to him before Maris Grove’s community’s Town Hall meeting with more than 100 family members, friends, members of the Maris Grove Veterans Association, community members, residents and staff in attendance.

Alan Macauley, a Ridley High School graduate, enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18 and went straight to San Diego, California, for boot camp training. He was a member of the 5th Marine Division during the invasion of Iwo Jima where he spent 19 days before he was severely wounded when his left arm, shoulder, and back were hit by machine gun fire. Because of his injury, Macauley would spend almost another year in three different Naval hospitals recovering from the wounds. He was awarded the Purple Heart, The Presidential Unit Citation, the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with Battle Star and the Victory Medal. Upon discharge, Alan returned to Pennsylvania, attended St. Joseph’s University, and later began a career as a Court Reporter.

“Thank you to Alan for his incredible service to our county,” said Executive Director Maureen Heckler. “The Maris Grove community is honored to have Alan as part of our community.”

About Maris Grove: Maris Grove, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 87-acre campus in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The community is located in Delaware County and is home to more than 1,600 residents. Additional information about Maris Grove can be found at MarisGrove.com.