JACKSON TOWNSHIP -- War medals were stolen from the home of a 90-year-old veteran in Monroe County.
The thieves not only stole priceless medals, they also ransacked the house and even helped themselves to drinks in the fridge.
Canio DiGerardo, 90, served his country during World War II as a Marine.
Now, troopers are trying to figure out just who may have stolen priceless war medals from his home near Tannersville.
DiGerardo displays all of his Marine memorabilia proudly at his Jackson Township home. But caretakers Karen and Gene Uzzolino say recently someone broke in and stole from the man who served his country.
"He noticed that the door over there was smashed in. When he came in the place was a wreck," Karen Uzzolino said.
The World War II veteran was in Florida while a burglar ransacked his home. Empty hooks on the walls mark where medals, paintings, and a cuckoo clock were displayed.
His caretakers say DiGerardo was at the Battle of Iwo Jima and took pride in his service.
"He's so loving and caring and he gives to the community and this is his home and it's a shame," Uzzolino said.
Neighbors say it wasn't just a smash and grab, the thief rifled through playing cards and even stole drinks in the fridge.
"To break into somebody's house you'd think you'd be nervous and want to get out, but to hang out and drink that's kind of crazy," said neighbor Lisa Bradley.
There seems to be no rhyme or reason to what these thieves decided to take. For instance, they smashed a case holding a flag, but then left it right on the table.
Neighbors think that the house was targeted by someone who knew the neighborhood.
"They're all vacation houses, so they're open and they know it. Whoever lives in here knows that nobody's home."
DiGerardo's close friends in the Poconos just have one simple request for the person responsible.
"You're talking about an over 90-year-old gentleman who served our country for you, bring them back," Bradley said.
DiGerardo is expected to take a trip up to the Poconos from Florida within the next few weeks to see the damage for himself.
State police are asking anyone with information to give them a call.