MARION, Ind. (WTHR) – A World War II veteran is finally coming home.
His mother wanted his body returned for burial and now 76 years later, it finally will be.
"It's an honor. This guy's a hero. He deserves all the credit in the world. He was 17, died at 18 for his country," Bill Freet stated.
Marion National Cemetery is the resting place for over 8,000 soldiers. Next month another Hoosier will be laid to rest there.
Private Fred Freet was killed in action during World War II in 1943.
"This is the island of Tarawa," his nephew Bill Freet said pointing at the Gilbert Islands on a laminated map. The battle would take 76 hours and thousands of lives.
"About 500 missing. They couldn't find his remains at that time," breaking his mother’s heart.
There were letters from his mom to the military saying, "I want my son's body sent home."
Now 76 years later, it finally will be thanks to a group entitled "Honor Flight."
"On their tour of the Gilbert Islands they located an area they excavated and it turned out to be an undiscovered cemetery," Jason Fafinski the Funeral Director for Needham Storey Wampner Funeral Service explained.
"I remember seeing this one out at Grandma's," said Freet.
He never met his Uncle Fred. Bill was born 10 years after Fred's death. To Bill, he was a picture on his grandmother's wall.
"We are dealing with a generation getting smaller by the day. The Greatest Generation. Being able to help with closure for a member of that generation gives me great pride," said Fafinski.
His memorial will soon be removed and buried with Private Freet when his body arrives next month. He will be buried just across from his brother, fulfilling his mother’s wishes.
"We can have closure. This guy can get his honor he deserves," said Freet.
Freet will be buried at Marion National Cemetery on April 18. Everyone is invited to attend.
Freet's 80-year-old half-brother, who lives in Arkansas, will be making the trip next month for the service.