Some 30 years ago Bobbi and her father were out medal detecting in Shreveport, Louisiana and came across an old dog tag.  Originally, unsure of what it was, it got tucked away. Life went on, and after some time and realizing what it was, she began her quest to try and find the owner of the dog tag.

Having some difficulties in making any headway, she contacted Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project to see if they could help. That call paid off immediately. They were able to confirm the veteran, his service number, and provided information about his family and tragic death.

Osmond Newell Hill (born December 21, 1886 ) was a Pvt in the Army, 18th Infantry. On February 19, 1919,  sick with bronchitis, he set sail for home from St Nazaire, France.

Being orphaned at a young age, he would be going home to his sisters. Arriving at Newport News, VA on March 12, 1919, he made his way home to his sisters home, Emma Gabbard, in Redding Arkansas.

On May 19, 1919, Osmond Hill and Frank Huggins, both employed with Dow Huggins, were hauling lumber from the mill on Mountain Creek to Cass. Behind B. M. Welton's field near the Lost Louisiana mine, they were crossing the ford with a load when a sudden rise struck them, washing them down stream.

Tragically, Osmond Hill was drowned by the six foot wall of water from the flash flood crossing the Mulberry River, along with his team of mules and Huggins team of horses. Huggins survived. 

Osmond Hills body was found behind Huggin's wagon, his jumper sleeve being caught on an iron projecting from the back of the wagon.

Osmond Hill was the only son of Mr and Mrs. John F. Hill, who both died when Osmond and his only sister were small. He had just returned from the Army a few weeks before his untimely death.

He was buried at Welton Cemetery, in Ozark, Arkansas.

Family details are being provided to Bobbi so she may reunite Osmond's family with his dog tag.