WWII Veteran’s Dog Tag Found in England After 80 Years

A long-lost dog tag belonging to James M. Underwood, a World War II veteran, has been reunited with his family nearly 80 years after it was last worn. The tag surfaced in England and has provided valuable insights into Underwood’s military experience, deepening the connection his daughter, Karen Finnerty, feels to her father’s legacy.

Discovery of the Dog Tag

The remarkable find occurred when Karl Cranham, a resident of Britain, stumbled upon the dog tag while exploring the Savernake Forest. During a hike, Cranham discovered the metal object lodged in the mud, initially believing it to be part of a collection of old bottles. Upon closer examination, he confirmed it was Underwood’s dog tag, prompting a determined effort to return it to its rightful owner or their family.

Cranham began his quest by contacting the Barnesville Herald Gazette, a local newspaper, as Tifton, Georgia, was inscribed on the tag. The publication’s editor, Walter Geiger, worked with a local historian to identify Finnerty as one of Underwood’s children. In August 2025, Geiger reached out to Finnerty, sharing the news of the incredible discovery.

A Journey into the Past

After initial communications facilitated by the newspaper, Finnerty and Cranham began discussing the dog tag directly. Their conversations built anticipation as Cranham prepared to mail the tag to Finnerty. Upon receiving it, Finnerty felt a surge of inspiration to learn more about her father’s military service, which he had seldom discussed with the family.

Her research unveiled significant aspects of Underwood’s wartime journey. He served in the 267th Field Artillery Battalion under General George Patton and participated in critical operations, including support at Normandy. The investigation also revealed his transition from training as a paratrooper to serving in a support role after sustaining a shoulder injury.

Finnerty learned that Underwood’s battalion played a vital role in liberating French towns from German control and guarding bridges as they advanced through Europe. This newfound knowledge provided a deeper understanding of her father’s character and experiences during the war.

“I feel like we’ve been reconnected to that part of my dad’s life — it’s a treasure,” Finnerty expressed, reflecting on the profound impact of the dog’s tag discovery. “It’s just miraculous that this dog tag was there for 82 years.”

As a way to honor her father’s memory, Finnerty plans to share the dog tag with her siblings, Cindy Underwood-Fuller and Larry Roberts, ensuring they too can appreciate the significance of this piece of family history. Additionally, she hopes to have the tag displayed in a shadow box alongside a reissued set of medals commemorating Underwood’s service in World War II.

This reunion of the dog tag not only symbolizes a connection to the past but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the war, resonating with families far beyond the confines of history books.