John M. Steele’s dog tag
© Airborne Museum
Each soldier carries two identification plates, also known as “Dog Tags”, that they wear around their neck, tied with a small chain. In the event of their death, one of the plates is buried with the body in order to facilitate identification, while the other one is given to the officer leading the unit. This model was introduced in 1940, and is made of monel, brass and stainless steel. The following information are engraved on the plate: First and last name, identification number, date of tetanus vaccine and of its booster, blood type, and name and address of the person to inform, and the religion. This plate belonged to PFC John M. Steele, F Co. 505th PIR of the 82nd Airborne, who stayed hooked on Sainte-Mère-Eglise’s church steeple on June 6 1944 at 1:50am.
