A few years ago, I moved into the attic of my parents house. It is an old farmhouse built right after WW2. My bedroom has a big crawlspace in it that has been used for storage since the house was built. a couple of years ago, I was cleaning it out and I found a set of tags that must have belonged to someone who used to have my bedroom. I sort of forgot about them until recently. Should I do something with them? Turn them in somewhere or something?
2006-09-18 04:43:12 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Chances are, if the tags are as old as you indicate, the original owner is no longer in the military. When dog tags are issued, they are used primarily for identification under battlefield conditions. Before going into battle, anyone in need of new tags would be issued a new set. So, from an “official” standpoint, there is no need to do anything with them.
From a personal standpoint, you may find it interesting to return them to the original owner or the owner’s family if you can identify them. However, don’t be surprised to find many people looking at you with that “what in the world are you doing” look. To many GI’s, since the tags are easily replaced, they don’t hold very strong bonds with the tags unless there are extenuating conditions (like medics who had to read so many of them.)
Good luck.
2006-09-18 05:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by R_SHARP 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
call the Red Cross. They have a wonderful program that lets THEM contact the service member for you. You just need a last name and the last 4 of their social security number (both of which are on the dog tags). If they determine that the person is no longer in the service, call the Department of Veterans Affairs. They can figure it out from there. It would be nice for the family of the service member to have them, if you're willing to part with them.
2006-09-18 04:53:15 · answer #2 · answered by daytonalily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got some history right there in your hands.
There is nothing you NEED do but what I would do is try to find out all about who this soldier was, what did he do in WW 2.
only a very tiny percentage of our veterans from WW 2 are still alive today and the few who remain are going fast. On one of our last trips back home we took my Moms Video Camera and sat down with my Grandfather and asked him to tell us about his experiances. Our Vets are a treasure chest of History that sadly will not be with us much longer.
Do your best to find out who this person is. Even if he is not still Alive I would think his Children or Grandchildren would love to have this piece of their Grandfathers history.
Check with your local VFW or VA. Try various Government Agencies and even try contacting whichever Branch of the Military this person served in.
2006-09-18 07:16:41 · answer #3 · answered by CG-23 Sailor 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a United States Air Force Master Sergeant (retired).
It is entirely up to you but, If you see fit to contact me through my profile, I would consider it an honor to handle this issue for you. I assure you, they will not be discarded. I will use every resource at my disposal to return them to the service member or their family.
There are few things I have lost, over the years, that I would like back more than my Viet Nam "dog tags". It may be sentimental of me but it's a fact. Like the Mastercard commercial, "some things are priceless".
2006-09-18 05:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you tried looking up that person on the internet? If there is a military base located by you I would contact the MPs there or call the red cross I think that would be so wonderful to be able to give them to the family of that service member. Imagine how stunned they would be that after all this time you are giving them this gift! My grandfather served in WWII and I would love for that to happen to me!
2006-09-18 06:28:40 · answer #5 · answered by ArmyWife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could contact the V.A. and report it to them. The tags will have enough information on them to identify the serviceman they belonged to. (or should, if his records were'nt destroyed in the fire in military personnel records) Or you could search on the net using the info. Any number of organizations may be able to help. (V.F.W. or similar). Legally? There's no legal requirement for ya to look for the person. If you want to keep em, nobody'll stop ya. Me, I'd try to find the person. If he's still alive it'd be a cool surprise to have em returned.
2006-09-24 13:09:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were most likely important to someone especially now that everyone seems to be doing family research. I would suggest that you contact your local VFW post or Legion post. They should be able to help you find the rightful family owner. If not contact your local senator or congressman.
2006-09-18 04:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by irishwitch2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is really cool. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs and see where they can direct you...I'm sure the family would love to have them if you can track them down!
2006-09-18 04:51:45 · answer #8 · answered by nic_tammyscott 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call vet of foreign wars they care mor ethen some jinglr head at the va they will trace it down to the rightful owner os family, those are very important keepsakes both to the vet and family i still wera mine after retirement and 36 yrs after getting them issued
2006-09-25 03:25:10 · answer #9 · answered by aldo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people think I look like a dog. Are they dog tags? I wear dog tags around my neck sometimes and put them in the glass of water next to my teeth.
2006-09-18 05:06:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋