🏆 HONORABLE MENTION MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

[Papa Bear]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

Great story. Keep us informed. I grew up on base in Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point in the late 60's and early 70's, and everybody wore POW Bracelets back then. My dad did two tours in Vietnam Nam as well as most of my class mates father's. This story brings back memories close to home.

Thanks and Willdo!. You comments might explain why I found two of the them in the same area.

 

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[raycan]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

I attended Jr Hi at Brewster and Hi school at Lejeune high. Lived in Berkely Manor. We ran all over the base in those days by bus. From PX to Onslow Beach and Marston Pavillion. It was a good life for a dependent in those days.

 

[Papa Bear]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

Its confirmed. We will meet Friday evening.

 

[creskol]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

This is one of the best threads ever .. I find it to be quite moving! Papa Bear .. Thank you for sharing this whole adventure with us .. and thanks to all those who have posted in efforts to solve the mystery. I sure hope you can get a good photo of the reunion!

 

[Papa Bear]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

This is one of the best threads ever .. I find it to be quite moving! Papa Bear .. Thank you for sharing this whole adventure with us .. and thanks to all those who have posted in efforts to solve the mystery. I sure hope you can get a good photo of the reunion!

With luck we will leaving the base by 1530 on Friday. I will be taking my camera with me.

 

[Marinehunter]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

Way to go Marine! You know it is going to be emotional but it brings a little more to closure
Semper fi
Marinehunter (L/Cpl Coop 0331 1st Mar Div 68-70)

 

[Just some Guy]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

Well done,

can't wait to see the pics.

 

[oldsalty19]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

great job Papa......Vietnam MIAs don't get enough recognition......thankx

 

[marinedad]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *Update* Contact with daughter made

nice job papa bear.

 

[Papa Bear]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

It is 0130 in the morning, Eastern Standard Time, as I type this. I just got back from Cary, NC where The Good Sgt and I returned Col Lawrence Tatum's MIA bracelet to his wife, Mrs Tatum and his daughter Katherine. Also present was Katherine's husband, Frederic. We learned about what Mrs Tatum went through after Col Tatum was listed MIA, to how they met in Florida and were married in the same church as both their parents had been married in, in Kentucky. Both Mrs Tatum and Katherine were very thankful of the fact that we had driven nearly 3 hours to get the bracelet to them. We were treated a wonderful home cooked steak and potato dinner and enjoyed their company and conversation for two and half hours. Both The Good Sgt and I feel very privileged to have been in the company of Col Tatum's family tonight and we are both glad to have been able to bring the MIA bracelet home.

They are all wonderful people and I am glad to have met their acquaintance. I wish them all a continued long and blessed life.

*LATE ENTRY* Here is a photo of both mother and daughter standing with the bracelet. I must thank my wife who re-sized this for me at around midnight, Mountain Standard Time, and emailed it to me while I slept, so I was able to add it this morning at 0600 EST.

Mission Complete

 

[DrJoePrime]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

I've been reading your story (instead of going to bed).

That was an extraordinary effort and a wonderful ending to the great find! Col. Tatum's memory was very deservedly brought back for a little while.

I'm looking forward to seeing the photo.

Regards, Joe

 

[Gunrunner61]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

Papa Bear, Congradulations on an outstanding mission, alot of people would have put it in the junk box, or brought it out as one of those weird things found . to have gone to the extent that you did, shows that there are still good and honorable people in this world I cannot thank you enough for what you did, and I know that the family appreaciated the effort. Codo's to you . HH

 

[Papa Bear]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

I've been reading your story (instead of going to bed).

That was an extraordinary effort and a wonderful ending to the great find! Col. Tatum's memory was very deservedly brought back for a little while.

I'm looking forward to seeing the photo.

Regards, Joe

Thanks Joe,

Photo has been added to my 0130 post.

PB

 

[Papa Bear]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

Papa Bear, Congradulations on an outstanding mission, alot of people would have put it in the junk box, or brought it out as one of those weird things found . to have gone to the extent that you did, shows that there are still good and honorable people in this world I cannot thank you enough for what you did, and I know that the family appreaciated the effort. Codo's to you . HH

GR1,

No thanks needed. Both The Good Sgt and I were doing what we felt was right.

PB

 

[g-olden years]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

Really fine that you were able to give this bracelet to his family! As to your feeling bad about your sargeant digging your finds while finding nothing himself, you could do what my son and I do. (Together we own one detector.) Rather than one having all the fun of discovery, we take turns using the detector and each keep whatever we find! That way your sarge could enjoy discovery and also keep his finds! As my son is 30 years younger than my 70 years, he often digs my finds for me as well as his.
Any way you do it -- HH. Andi

 

[marinedad]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

it's all about doing the right thing. good ending to a wonderful but sad story. rip lawrence tatum. thanks papa bear.

 

[creskol]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

Outstanding! This whole beautiful story, capped by your statement "Both The Good Sgt and I were doing what we felt was right." speaks volumes about your character and integrity. They looked very happy and appreciative of your efforts, for which you are to be commended. What a happy ending!

 

[VB Sanddigger]

I love having a digger!

Great story!

 

[mfitzy111]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*



nuff said.

 

[kevkirki]

Re: MIA Bracelet "Hobo 27" *RETURNED*

what a great post!!!...perks to you for all your time and effort...great job!