What is the best way to find a Veteran or their family to return something from that Veteran to them?

2023-06-30T17:31:59-04:00

What is the best way to find a Veteran or their family to return something from that Veteran to them? I came across a real USMC Stamped Ka-Bar knive that also is etched with his name, actual service serial #, unit information, and info about the unit he went ashore with during the Battle of Guadalcanal. The other side lists service, US Marine Corp 1st Marine Division, WWII/Korea (8 campaigns combined) and early Vietnam (a couple different campaigns). It appears to be something he was awarded or given, either as a retirement thing or possibly posthumously.

My wife and I went to a farm show one day with a large auction happening. There were also numerous small tables with wares setup that looked to be people that move around to different flea markets and such. At one table, I noticed this blade sitting there with the etching on it and realized it was real. I bought the thing for a couple dollars and told the vendor this needs to go to the family of this guy, not sold as a flea market thing.

But I am having a problem trying to find any information so that I can find and return this and the holder to the family. I can't see something like this being just thrown in a box by someone and given to good will or whatever.

If I can find the family, I want to return it to them. If that fails, I plan on giving it to the local V/A for their display cases of Veteran's awards etc.

Thanks for any help.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jun 30 at 2023 5:59 PM

2023-06-30T17:59:15-04:00

As you aren't authorized to receive detailed information, a National Archives* request will probably not get you much more information than you already have (you can always give it a shot though).

Two suggestions.

The first is to try to contact them through Headquarters, US Marine Corp*. Select "Personal Locator" and follow the directions.

The second is to try to contact them though the Veterans Administration.
1) Write a letter to the veteran and place it in an unsealed, stamped envelope.
2) Write a note to tell the VA who you are trying to reach and give as much identifying information as possible.
3) Enclosed this all in another envelope and send it to the nearest VA regional office* (or if in the vicinity, you can drop it off)
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* https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
* https://www.marines.mil/FAQ/
* VA Regional Offices - https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp

Request Military Service Records

Veterans and their next of kin can get FREE copies of their DD 214, and other military service records including Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Replacement Medals, and Medical and Health Records.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 30 at 2023 9:32 PM

2023-06-30T21:32:53-04:00

PO1 Todd B. Thank you for caring! America need more people who care!

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jul 1 at 2023 1:49 AM

2023-07-01T01:49:07-04:00

You Could Try A Website Called , Together We Served.
I Had Luck Finding A Marine Buddy From 40 Years Ago
Another Simple Way Is To Do A Google Search.
Type In His Name, Rank And Unit , You Might Get Lucky ?