An Alabama man was digging through his late father’s belongings alongside family members when he came across a compass that one day belonged to an infantryman from Gilroy during World War II.
Brian McDaniel, who contacted the Gilroy Dispatch, said he hopes what once gave D. Hitchcock direction while serving overseas will one day return to his family’s hands – or even his own, if he’s still alive.
“Let’s find this guy or his family,” McDaniel said Wednesday, offering up the chrome Wittnauer compass to its rightful owner. “Personal items, especially those from World War II, have value – but it would have more value to us if we made a family happy. It’s just what makes sense.”
The compass has an inscription carved into the inside cover reading: “PFC D. Hitchcock Co C 125th INF,” presumably meaning Private First Class D. Hitchcock, 125th Infantry Regiment, Company C.
After researching what history he could track down about the item, McDaniel showed the relic to his mother. She recalled purchasing the compass at an antique shop in New Mexico more than 15 years ago. They both agree it should become a treasured possession belonging to a Hitchcock family member.
McDaniel comes from a military family himself, he said. His own grandfather served in World War II and McDaniel said he appreciates the tangible connection to family history these once coveted wartime artifacts can hold to the next-of-kin.
“I want somebody who is a family member or who knew the guy to get it and somebody who cares. That’s the most important thing,” he added. “It’s possible he could still be alive.”
An infantryman with the last name Hitchcock must have at least made it home safely, according to a search of the U.S. Army’s list of missing and honored dead from World War II.
More information
Anyone who recognizes the name on the inscription can contact reporter Chris Foy at cf**@gi************.com or call 408-847-7139.
