(WDHN) — A family has received a cherished piece of their history that was lost for 80 years. Sergeant Jackson McGill served overseas – and his family received his military dog tag lost in France.

Nearly eight decades after the WWII Vet’s B17 crashed over France – his family like grandson Matthew McGill are baffled that little pieces of copper and nickel are still around.

A French gardener gave it to Valerie Prehoda in 2021 while with her American legion team in France. Prehoda says returning it to family became an immediate priority.

McGill’s oldest child — Karen – is humbled to now hold this piece of her father’s life in her hand.

She’s ready to pass her father’s legacy onward – to her nephew Matthew.