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GI Bible finds its way home

31.12.69

A 20-year search for a World War II veteran from Albert ville came to a close Thursday when Albertville City Councilman Chuck Ellis delivered a piece of history to J.W. Thompson's widow, Lorene.

Ellis began a search two months ago for a veteran thought to be named Joe Thompson after receiving an email from Cynthia Marelia, the chief of staff for a Pennsylvania senator.

The email stated that a small WWII GI Bible was bought in New Jersey more than 20 years ago. The book bared a faded inscription that Marelia thought said, "Joe Thompson, Route 4, Albertville, Ala."

After several unsuccessful searches, she put the book away. Twenty years later, she found the book again and decided she might have more luck with today's modern technology. So she enlisted the help of Ellis.

But finding Joe Thompson of Route 4 proved to be difficult for Ellis as well because Route 4 no longer exists in Albertville.

However, while walking his dog through Memory Hill Cemetery, Ellis discovered a tombstone with the name "Thompson" and a small American flag. Upon further examination, he found the words "J.W. Thompson, WWII, Korean Conflict."

Source: Sand Mountain Reporter