Sunday, December 13, 2009

Major Joseph Chestnut

Here is a photo of my Mom's P.O.W. bracelet from the 1970's. I had been looking for it for a couple of years and luckily, it was recently found. These bracelets were a common sight during the 70's, each with the name of a P.O.W. or someone who was listed as MIA. I have thought about learning more about Major Chestnut and doing a speech about him, but my efforts from a few years ago were in vain. But, maybe I will try again sometime to learn this person's story. I found out a few things about him online and if you click the picture, it will bring you to some basic information. His remains were identified and returned to the U.S. in 1995 and he is now buried at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL. If you have any information for me about Major Chestnut, please contact me by email (under my profile).

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

My mom had the same bracelet. She was wearing it when I was born in 1973. I began wearing the bracelet in 1987. It broke in half in 1994. My mom and I have talked about trying to find out more about Major Chestnut. Please share anything you find out. Best, Christine

Jackie said...

Today is 2-10-11. I have the same bracelet, too! I am from Marion, IN. My friend & I were talking about our POW bracelets & decided to google the names on them. I found a little about Major Chestnut, then I came upon your blogsite. Thought I'd comment that I also have the same bracelet that your Mom had & your other reader, Christine.
Thanks.
Jackie Carl
Marion, IN

Alan Kirby said...

@Jackie: Thanks for sharing and it is good to know that other people are out thinking about this man who didn't get to come home. If you ever find more information, please let me know.

Anonymous said...

I was recently in Chicago and noticed a person wearing a braclet similar to a POW and it had Jesus on it. I explained about the POW bracelets and how you were to wear them until the person returned one way or another. I still had mine and it is Maj. Joseph Chestnut, dug it out, googled and found out about his remains being returned. Which even to this day, I was happy to find out and know that his family now has closer.
Cheryl Phillips, St. Louis, MO.

Anonymous said...

Yeah I have the same one as well. My mom got it when they were popular and had it in her jewlry box and I recently began wearing it. I would like to know a bit more about him. It is now 8/5/11

Anonymous said...

I graduated from high school in 1972, and I wore Maj. Joseph Chestnut's bracelet throughout my senior year. I kept the bracelet and I often wondered about his status. At least his family has closure now that his remains were identified. Never forget our men and women in the armed forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom.

Anonymous said...

I have Major Chestnut's bracelet, too. I am from Indianapolis, Indiana, and got my bracelet when I was in college at Indiana State University. I wore it for a long while, then the war was over and I put it in my jewelry box. I just happened to think about all the vets on the internet and thought I'd look him up. Nice to see his picture. I have relatives in Murfreesboro and intend to ask them if they knew him. If anyone knows of his relatives, I would like to contact them.

Joey Z said...

I also have Major Chestnut's bracelet, I'm from Greenwich, CT. My mom got the bracelet when I was growing up in the 70's as a young child. I wore the bracelet on and off up until high school in 1984. There was a revival of the MIA bracelet's during that time, red aluminum I believe, and my silver one was one of the only original ones I saw during that period. With the age of the Internet, I checked on Major Chestnut's MIA status over the years and I'm glad we recovered the remains. Every time I open my jewelry box, I think of the sacrifice Major Chestnut and all of our solders make every day for our freedom; thank you. Joe Z.