World War II soldier’s dog tag found in France, returned to nephew in Longview

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - After being lost for more than 70 years, a special part of one East Texas veteran’s life is now home in Longview.

Private 1st Class John Henry Williams of Lindale served in World War II after he enlisted in 1943 at just 18 years old.

“He defended the country; helped serve, and defended the country,” nephew Willie Clark said.

This summer, his dog tag was returned to his nephew Willie Clark of Longview.

“Makes me feel real proud,” Clark said. “I didn’t know him, but I feel like I know him now.”

Clark is also a veteran. He served in the United States Army from 1979-1984. He is one of 15+ family members who served the country.

In Clark’s living room, he has a collage of his family members who served along with his awards he received while serving.

“With my stuff, them, and I served, it makes me ... I glow when I come through here every morning. And my son he kind of, you know, he salutes.”

Texas Veterans Commission multimedia specialist Julia Conners said TVC found a Facebook message asking if the organization can help them find the Williams family because they found his dog tag in France.

“The dog tag was found along the beach in Normandy,” Texas Veterans Commission multimedia specialist Julia Conners said. “It was all crusty because it’s been there. It’s a WWII dog tag, all crusty and everything. They cleaned it all up, and discovered the name John H. Williams on there.”

The dog tag was shipped home this summer.

“Something from the past come back and I said ‘Well, I don’t know if my uncle’s reaching out or somebody’s reaching out to me, but that piece of him came back home,’” Clark said.

Clark shares his uncle’s story, “So, he won’t be forgotten. So, none of them won’t be forgotten.”

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