The search for the owner of found war medals on the Gold Coast

At first Currumbin resident Michelle Chodat thought she had found some money, but it turned out to be a collection of war medals dating back to the 19th century. Are they yours?

DURING one of Michelle Chodat’s daily walks with her dog Koda, the Currumbin resident found a collection of war medals dating back to the 19th century.

The medals were found by Ms Chodat on the Winders Park track, near the pelican statues over the long weekend.

The 50-year-old said when she first found the purse full of war medals while walking her Neapolitan Mastiff, she thought it was money.

“Koda was winging because she loves a night walk, so I drove down here for a walk,” the former Currumbin RSL cocktail bar operator said.

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Michelle Chodat, 50, and dog Koda at the spot in Winders Park where she found eight War Medals. Supplied

“I was walking near the pelicans and tripped on a purse and thought it might have been money because of the rattling.”

After finding the medals on Monday, Ms Chodat informed the police and contacted Crime Watch.

Since a post was put on the Crime Watch Now Gold Coast Facebook page Monday night, Ms Chodat said she had been flooded with queries.

“There’s been about 900 people who responded and the police lady reckons a few people have claimed they’re theirs,” she said.

Found War Medals in the Currumbin area by Michelle Chodat, 50, while walking dog Koda at Winders Park. Supplied

“I had a look online at medals being sold and similar ones are going for $7,5000.”

Unable to take the medals to an RSL because they’re all closed under COVID-19 restrictions, Ms Chodat is unsure how else she can find the owner.

“You look online and see medals going for that much, you know some people are just claiming them for the money,” she said.

“I know they’re valuable to someone out there, so I just want to find them.”