WWII soldier's remains brought home 66 years later

[undeterred]

For nearly 66 years, no one knew what happened to Richard P. Grutza. His family knew that he was aboard a B-25 Mitchell bomber, lost during World War II on Dec. 5, 1942. They knew that he was missing in action and presumed dead.

Months later, on March 8, 1943, a memorial service was held at St. Helen's church on the south side. It was not enough.

"That was the thing that Richard's mother felt so terribly badly about, that she couldn't bury him," sister-in-law Shirley Grutza said. "I saw the tears in his father's eyes when he talked about him being missing. And it really broke his mother's heart. I think she prayed every day they would get some news, that he would be found."

She did not live to see the day, but her prayers were answered. In September, word came that U.S. Army Air Force Cpl. Grutza's remains had been identified. Those remains were escorted to Milwaukee on Saturday. "He's coming home to his family," his sister-in-law said. "The bones they're sending back to us are definitely Richard's bones. He's finally coming home."



http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/36111959.html

A long time to wait, but home at last. :patriot:

[Thothmes]

1. Belated welcome home, Rest in Peace

[FARAFIELD]

2. GReat thanks for that

Its sad but I like reading about that. My Dad is 89 and a WWII marine, there are so few left.

[undeterred]

3. The story said he enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor

... almost a lifetime ago.

[pansypoo53219]

4. sheepshead.

German card game here in the land of beer + cheese.

[NoPasaran]

5. Welcome home, Corporal Grutza

A grateful nation appreciates your sacrifice.
:patriot:

[file83]

6. The article said that the crash site was essentially a huge crater

that filled with water. The crater was caused by the bombs on board going off on impact.

It was a world away - on some mountains side in the jungle. It's amazing they were able find anything after so long.

[undeterred]

9. Glad they were willing to go to so much effort after so many years.

[Octafish]

7. He gave his life so We the People can remain free.

We owe Cpl. Grutza and his colleagues our eternal gratitude.

[Historic NY]

8. Welcome home your service is done..RIP.

:patriot: