An American soldier has finally returned to the United States after 70 years in Europe. On Monday, the body of a WWII soldier arrived at Eppley Airfield as members of the VFW saluted their fallen comrade.
The soldier had been buried in a German cemetery for decades, but has now been returned to American soil so scientists at Offutt Air Force Base can identify the body. Once the remains are identified, they'll be able to tell who the soldier was, what unit they were with and can then be returned to his family.
State Commander for the VFW department of Nebraska Larry Gerlt tells 6 News that they were honored to welcome the soldier home. "When they come through Delta air cargo only the military escort is with them, which according to military guidelines as long as they have one person rendering a salute while the casket is moved, that’s efficient courtesies, but we at the VFW believe all fallen heroes deserve as many military honors, full military honors if at all possible.”
Over 82,000 military members are still unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War and Cold War.
(Photo courtesy of 6 News)