07/16/2026
I found a vintage 4X Beaver Stetson hat at the Goodwill bins - an item I could list on eBay for $399! And then….I got home and noticed a card tucked into the brim. Full name and address. This hat was so important to him that he had a “return to owner” card just in case. So I looked him up.
What a legacy! 24 years of service. Decorated Air Force officer. Two wars. Two Purple Hearts. He was even an engineer on the Apollo and other shuttle programs. And a French Legion of Honor recipient - he most likely received this for being integral in the liberation of France during WWII.
His name was Lt. Col. Ralph D. McKee. He lived mainly in Rockledge FL. Nashville family members were listed as granddaughter, Shannon E. Hill (Gregory); great-granddaughters, Blair Alexandra Hill, Holland McKee Hill; great-grandson, Gregory H. Hill, Jr.
Now I have to decide: sell the hat or find his family. It feels like this hat belongs back with his family.
Share and repost this video and hopefully one of the family members will see it.
Follow along - Part 2 coming soon.
thrifting | Goodwill finds | vintage Stetson hat | thrift store story | military history | estate sale finds | part 1