WFLA:
Susan Hillard was on vacation with family in Greece when KARK sent her some amazing news.
The cross belonging to her uncle, Pvt. Robert Hillard was discovered on the WWII battlefield where he died nearly 100 years ago.
“Oh, that’s cool!” Susan said. “That’s so cool! We were both shocked.”
Pvt. Hillard was killed in the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. His body was left behind in a hasty grave and his remains have been lost to history ever since.
His cross was found by History Flight, a non-profit that works hard to bring these missing Marines home.
“It’s something tangible that we haven’t had,” Susan said.
Now, Pvt. Hillard’s cross, photo and story are on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Washington, D.C.
“It’s pretty cool that a boy from Big Fork is getting a little attention,” Susan said.