3 men from different branches of military tied together with a piece of patriotism

DEATSVILLE, Ala. (WSFA/Gray News) - Three men from three different branches of the military are connected by a powerful piece of patriotism.

It started with Lt. Charles Deyo, a torpedo boat commander in the Navy in World War II.

“He was so successful,” said Deyo’s grandson, Raymond Deyo. “I call him a natural born leader.”

When Charles Deyo returned home, he brought home a flag that was on his boat during missions. His family said that when he came home, he was a changed man.

The flag was later put in a storage unit for more than 70 years. Raymond Deyo, a Marine, decided it needed to be seen again.

“I kept telling myself, ‘We’ve got to find this flag a home,’” he said.

Raymond Deyo connected with Jeff Kimball, who is retired from the Air Force. He owns Matted Memories and More.

“We frame unique memories,” Kimball said.

Kimball said all the projects he works on at his store are special, but this one in particular had a special meaning because of its military tie.

“It gave me goose bumps. I didn’t really know where to start. I kept it for a few months, trying to come up with a unique design. I’m honored, deeply honored to be a part of that story,” he said.

Now, the flag rests in Raymond Deyo’s living room.

“So many people died for our freedom. Freedom isn’t free,” he said.

The flag that was brought home by a Navy sailor, uncovered by a Marine and showcased by an Airman found its new home in Alabama.