An almost forgotten story of two brothers from southern Alberta is now featured at The Military Museums in Calgary.

The Brothers in Arms exhibit highlights the accomplishments of Harold and Eldon Kearl of Cardston: one of them returned home from the war, the other didn't make it.

For Harold Kearl, it's a look at a key chapter in his family's history. For the historians who put the exhibit together, it's that and so much more.

"It's a tremendous story, and it's a story about people, not just the military. It's a story about family, it's a story about commitment," commented historian Don Smith.

Harold followed his brother Eldon into the Royal Canadian Air Force. Both ran bombing missions over Germany, but in January of 1944, just as Eldon was turning 24, his Lancaster was shot down.

"Eldon died the same week that Harold got his wings. Harold continued on and he flew the same number of missions that his brother did, successful missions. On the eighteenth mission, Eldon died. Harold never flew an eighteenth mission," said Robert Curtin, Digital Heritage President.

Harold stayed in Europe and promised his parents he would find the spot where Eldon died, but that was difficult because Reichenwalde was in Russian territory.

Armed only with a letter typed in Russian, Harold travelled behind the Iron Curtain and eventually found the crash site.

"Later the SS came and took down the markers but Karl, the kind German farmer, kept up the grave site and planted flowers. When we were there it looked very immaculate and it was beautifully kept," said Harold.

Harold tried to the pay the farmer for his trouble but he wouldn't accept any money.

"I said a short prayer by the gravesite, stood back and saluted Eldon's grave and then we returned to the car, travelled back along the highway, through Brandenburg Gate, through the rubble, back to our headquarters where we stayed for the night," added Harold.

"You know when you're researching something and you actually have tears coming down your cheeks as you read the material? That's how important it is to make sure these stories get told," said Smith.

Harold Kearl was recognized for his wartime bravery and returned to Alberta.

Eldon's remains now rest at the War Cemetery in Berlin.

Access to the Brothers in Arms exhibit is included in the regular price of admission to The Military Museums.