Detectives with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in San
Martin think that someone or some family is missing an old war
relic that holds sentimental value.
By Lori Stuenkel
San Martin – Detectives with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in San Martin think that someone or some family is missing an old war relic that holds sentimental value.
Among a number of recovered stolen items that remain unclaimed more than a year after the burglars were caught is a one-quart aluminum Army canteen that appears to be from the World War II era. Etched all over the surface are the names of European cities and towns.
“These are all places that U.S. troops visited in World War II, especially after D-Day,” said Detective Jeffrey McCoy. “Someone took a great deal of time and effort carving all these names on here.”
Some of the places listed are Marseilles, Strasburg, Mets, and Munich. Also scratched into the surface is the name “Mark T. Grafing” and the date March 8, 1945, which is Victory in Europe, or V-E, Day.
The canteen, which rests in an outer cup with a handle, may have sentimental value for its owner or its owner’s family, said McCoy, who has been in the Navy for 25 years.
It is one of a group of antique items that were recovered, along with tools and firearms, at a Morgan Hill home last March. Most of the other items have been collected by their owners, but a few others remain, including U.S. Marine Corps hat pins, some sort of torch device, and antique tools. Shane Hinchberger is being charged in connection with the burglaries.
For more information on the recovered items, contact Detective McCoy at 686-3663.
