BUCKNER, Mo. (KCTV) - This week marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. Japan formally surrendered in a ceremony on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. One local man’s interest in his family’s history led him to a priceless family heirloom from the war this year. It was something he wasn’t even looking for.

Joe Dean Holt McNeill was born in Lawrence County, MO, in 1919. He got married straight out of high school and worked on the railroad, according to his family. Then in 1946, he registered for the U.S. Army . He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Before he was honorably discharged, he received several accolades.

“He was awarded a Bronze Star and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon,” said Greg Daughterty, McNeill’s grandson and the Fort Osage Fire Chief.

Daugherty has a love

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