Bible to be returned to WWII veteran | Community Spirit

By Stephen McLamb

A Pennsylvania state senator is trying to track down an Albertville World War II veteran, or at least his family.

The senator wants to return the man's service Bible.

WAFF is told the Bible was purchased at a yard sale and was given to the senator as a gift.

But the senator is a member of the military, and he wanted to get it to its rightful owners, so they contacted Albertville city officials.

The Bible has the name “Joe Thompson, Route 4, Albertville, Alabama” written on the inside cover.

Councilman Chuck Ellis said he was contacted last month by Senator Mike Stack's office saying they wanted to return the Bible to Thompson or his family.

Ellis said many soldiers sold items to get back home after the war and believes this may be why the Bible is not with Thompson's family.

Ellis said he was glad to help because he knows what it would mean.

“Little did they know when they notified a councilman in little, small Albertville, Alabama that they were notifying a veteran who has been in the military also.  And, you know, I told them I'm going to get on this and we're going to see what we can do,” said Ellis.

If anyone knows Joe Thompson or any of his family, you are asked to contact Albertville City Hall at 256-891-8200.

Councilman Ellis said if any of Thompson's family cannot be found, he plans to donate the Bible to the Albertville Museum.

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