What a beaut JHat!
My grandfather had a real nice bring back from his time in Europe (D-Day Vet, later received a purple heart inland). He showed it to me when I was 12 or 13 one summer along w/ his medals while he told me stories about the war. I'll never forget that night, as it was the ONE time he ever talked about the beach landing and what he saw that day. My dad said he never once talked about it to him either. I always hoped I would one day be able to hang onto it to keep in the family.
Unfortunately, when his Alzheimers got bad, an uncle who is no one's favorite walked off with it. He claims he still has it in safe keeping, but I'm not so sure. If I found out he sold it, "upset" will be the understatement of the century.
I'm hoping to reclaim it at some point, as if this questionable uncle passes it to his even more questionable kids, it'll most likely be hawked at the first opportunity.