arts
An 80-year-old promise ends with a WWII dog tag's return to Texas
By Sara Sanchez at NBC DFW
· June 10, 2026
· 4 min read
More than 80 years after two Allied soldiers exchanged military dog tags while imprisoned during World War II, their families reunited in Jacksboro to fulfill a promise neither veteran lived to keep. During World War II, Corporal Mervyn McCready of Australia and Private Garth Oliver of Jacksboro bec
Key takeaway During World War II, Corporal Mervyn McCready of Australia and Private Garth Oliver of Jacksboro became prisoners of war after the Allied surrender in Java in 1942.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The reunion in Jacksboro to return a WWII dog tag is a poignant reminder of the personal connections that transcend borders and time. For the people of Tarrant County and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this story has a unique resonance, given the region's strong military heritage and the presence of major military installations. The fact that the tag's journey ended in Jacksboro, a small town just northwest of Fort Worth, underscores the global reach of local families' histories. As the city of Fort Worth continues to grow and evolve, stories like this one highlight the importance of preserving the personal histories of its residents, including those who served in World War II. The Cultural District, with its museums and historical institutions, plays a vital role in collecting and sharing these stories, ensuring that the sacrifices and friendships forged during wartime are not forgotten.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 10, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Fort Worth stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering arts and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? More than 80 years after two Allied soldiers exchanged military dog tags while imprisoned during World War II, their families reunited in Jacksboro to fulfill a promise neither veteran lived to keep. During World War II, Corporal Mervyn McCready of Australia and Private Garth Oliver of Jacksboro bec
When was this published? This article was first published on June 10, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sara Sanchez at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More arts →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter