What To Do With Found Dogtags

What To Do With Found Dogtags

After a number of cable TV news stories about lost dogtags found
around the world were aired recently, dogtags are now suddenly being
'found' in uncountable numbers... the majority of these 'found'
dogtags are bogus, having been recently 'manufactured' and aged by
complex antiquing to appear a generation or more old.

Virtually everyone who "finds" dogtags expresses a personal desire to
return them either to the veteran or his/her family. Some 'finders'
hope for a reward. Others desire publicity. Some are just lonely and
want to contact an American family. While others are hoping for
something of benefit other than money. In most cases the 'finders'
will hold the dogtags 'hostage' until/unless they can personally
contact the veteran or his/her family.

Here is how you can help stop the current dogtag scam...

American veterans and veterans organizations can end the 'found
dogtag' scam by responding to all reports, whether genuine or not,
with the following message::

Officially, lost dogtags are the Property of the United States
Government. Lost dogtags are not the Property of the veteran
who wore them, nor are they the property of the veterans
family.
Found dogtags should be mailed to the Department of Defense or
the local U.S. Embassy.

Or, you can direct dogtag 'finders' to this website:

http://members.aol.com/veterans/dogtag.htm

WEBMASTERS: A link to this website is not necessary. You are
encouraged to create your own webpage on your site providing the
information displayed on the above website. Spread the word.

---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com