No one is sure just how Gene Kruck's mementos ended up at a flea market in San Bernardino, Calif., more than a decade after his death. But a history buff who collects military memorabilia saw a blue sleeve poking out of a plastic box and stopped for a closer look.
When Ron Hallock realized it was a genuine dark blue Navy jersey with boatswain's mate arm patch, he called the vendor over and asked his price. Hallock paid $50 for a couple of uniform shirts. As he walked away, the vendor told him a large box came with the uniforms.
Hallock didn't want the box but took it any way and stored it in his garage where it sat for a couple of weeks before he opened it. That's when he discovered Eugene James Kruck's life.
From birth information to his career in the military _ records, certificates, medals and battle ribbons, a family picture album, a photo Gene Kruck snapped of President Harry Truman. A life.
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2...ea-market.html
Bookmarks