Indianapolis Fire Department divers found Sammy L. Davis' medal on the city's south side, but police declined to release details of where or how the medal was recovered, saying the information would jeopardize an ongoing investigation.

Gaetano Barbieri

Authorities identified Gaetano Barbieri, 35, as a suspect in the medal's disappearance and a rash of vehicle break-ins. He was arrested Friday on charges in at least two cases, but as of Monday, he wasn't charged in connection with the medal's disappearance, police said.

Davis, who was visiting Indianapolis last week, told police last week that someone apparently had broken into his car outside the Wingate Inn and stolen the medal on Thursday.

The medal is the nation's highest military honor. Davis received it because of his heroics in Vietnam in November 1967, when the severely wounded Davis ignored orders to take cover, held off an enemy attack and rescued three comrades, RTV6's Jack Rinehart reported.

Davis, a Mooresville native who lives in Illinois, said by phone Monday that he was grateful that the medal was recovered.

"It's been very hard the last four days not knowing where the medal was (or) if it would ever be recovered, but thanks to the efforts of many, a great burden was lifted off my of soul," Davis said.

Public safety officials will return the medal to Davis during a ceremony in Indianapolis on Thursday, Rinehart reported.

Previous Stories:

• July 16, 2005: Veteran Missing Medal Gets Support From Fellow Vets
• July 15, 2005: War Veteran's Medal Of Honor Stolen