Washington, June 5 (IANS) This World War II veteran lost his wallet in 1941 but got it back 69 years later, complete with photographs and his Social Security card.

Robert Bell, 88, lost his wallet in 1941, when he had gone for four months of training in hydraulics repair at the Chicago Vocational School.

The wallet contained photos of Bell in his Navy uniform and of his then-girlfriend, who later became his wife and died in a car accident when their son was three years old.

Bell's wallet, found 25 years later by electrician Bob Jordan in a basement crawl space at the school, also held his his Social Security card and other documents.

Jordon could not find Bell despite making several attempts over the years. Last year, he finally handed the wallet to Joseph Craig of Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 in Illinois.

Craig then took help of another veteran, Alberto Velasco, an aide to Congressman Peter Roskam in Illinois, and asked the Social Security Administration to contact Bell.

Bell was stunned, and looked forward to showing the photos to his son, reported The Salt Lake Tribune.

"I was just so excited, I still can't believe it," he said. "I can't believe that it had stayed down there for so long".

Craig said: "These veterans, they've done so much for us, it's nice to be able to give back even a small way."