Military Dog Tags Found on Banks of Missouri River
David Owen & Bill Sapp
Military Dog Tags Found: A Heartwarming Story of Honor and Friendship
In the quiet town of Clinton, Missouri, a remarkable story of honor, friendship, and dedication unfolded as military dog tags, lost for decades, were found and the blight to return them to their rightful owners began. This heartwarming tale sheds light on the unwavering commitment of veterans to honor their comrades and preserve the memory of those who served alongside them.
The Discovery of Military Dog Tags
William Sapp, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, discovered over a dozen military dog tags near the old Kansas City dump site along the Missouri River. As an avid explorer, Sapp had collected many treasures throughout the years, but none as priceless as these forgotten mementos of the past.
A Mission of Love and Respect
After being diagnosed with cancer, Sapp's desire to see the military dog tags returned to the veterans and their families became a top priority. Seeking guidance and assistance, he reached out to his friend and fellow comrade, David Owen, a Marine Corps veteran (Sgt USMC- 1969/72).
The Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project Steps In
Through a series of internet searches, David Owen connected with Sue Quinn-Morris of the Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project. This volunteer-run Project specializes in finding and returning military dog tags to their rightful owners.
The Journey Begins
And so, the trio’s journey began to return these precious military dog tags.
With a meticulous system for research honed over years in returning dog tags, Quinn-Morris hunkered down determined to honor these veterans. She knew that each tag would present its own unique stories and challenges. Sometimes, the information she uncovered would lead her down unexpected paths, revealing stories of courage, sacrifice, and heroism that had long been forgotten.
As the veterans and their families were located, the next step fell to Owen who would follow through with returning the dog tags – sometimes in a face to face meeting or a package sent through the mail, each return brought closure and honor to those who had served our country. The dog tags plight covered numerous states – from Missouri, to Arkansas, Texas, California, Iowa and more.
Bill Sapp returning military dog tag of Gerald Courier to his wife, son and grandchildren
As the journey unfolded, coincidences and connections intertwined, weaving a bond and friendship that transcended time and distance. The mission they embarked on together was not just about returning the lost dog tags but about discovering the intricate threads that connect us all. Sue's involvement in facilitating the return of dog tags to Jack Huhn, Dave Owen’s fellow USMC Tanker back in 2012, added a layer of serendipity to the unfolding events. And to add a touch of irony, the very location where the dog tags were found has now transformed into a 900-acre park, overseen by the son of one of the dog tag owners. Life's tapestry is indeed a complex and beautiful web of connections and unanticipated twists, proving that sometimes the most remarkable journeys stem from the most unexpected beginnings.
Honoring the Efforts of Bill Sapp
In December of 2023, in a heartwarming presentation, David Owen presented Bill Sapp a Commendation Plaque on behalf of himself and Sue Quinn-Morris of Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project. Bill Sapp's efforts in ensuring the safe return of his comrades' military dog tags truly highlights his commitment to honoring their memory.
Fulfilling a Promise of Honor and a Final Farewell
Tragically, Bill Sapp passed away in May, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication. He was laid to rest with full military honors in Englewood Cemetery, surrounded by his beloved family, friends, and neighbors. Despite his illness, Sapp never lost his sense of gratitude and wonder, fulfilling one of his final wishes by witnessing a solar eclipse alongside his brother and David Owen. (obit)
In the quiet moments of reflection and remembrance, we are reminded of the selfless sacrifices made by our veterans and the enduring bonds that connect us as a nation. The story of the military dog tags found by William Sapp serves as a poignant reminder of the honor, respect, and camaraderie that define the spirit of service. Through the efforts of dedicated individuals like Sapp, Owen, and Quinn-Morris, the legacy of our veterans lives on, cherished and celebrated for generations to come.
See below for the names and stories of the military dog tags returned and their journey home....
