North Dakota family identifies remains of soldier who went missing in WWII

A North Dakota household tonight is aware of it will likely be an emotional homecoming the day Non-public First Class Robert Alexander is returned dwelling to acquainted floor right here in america.

What began in a tiny city in North Dakota throughout World Warfare II, will quickly finish in Arlington Nationwide Cemetery.

“It talks about quite a lot of troopers who have been in that very same unit, who have been lacking in motion,” Jason Benson, a great-nephew, mentioned as he went by means of historic paperwork.

Benson and his brother, Darren, web page by means of unimaginable piles of paper, documenting the lack of a terrific uncle in an unforgettable battle.

“It has plenty of historic info on the battle itself,” Benson mentioned.

Robert Alexander was simply 23 when he enlisted within the Military within the fall of 1941. It could be the summer time of 1944, on the island of Saipan within the South Pacific, when Robert and so most of the twenty seventh Infantry Division would face the unthinkable: a Japanese power, trapped, who refused to give up.

As they obtained near the highest of the island and there was no escape for the Japanese, the senior leaders did a suicide pact and the remaining 3,000-5,000 troopers led what historians have famous as the most important suicidal, bonzai assault of World Warfare II.

For years, Robert’s household knew he was listed as lacking and later presumed lifeless. His stays are within the U.S. Cemetery within the Philippines, however due to new know-how and DNA from Jason and Darren’s household, Robert’s stays have been ID’d. He is coming dwelling.

“Bringing Robert dwelling and celebrating these remaining World Warfare II vets, the few who’re left and celebrating those that sacrificed all,” Darren Benson, a great-nephew, mentioned.

Robert and most of his unit have been both killed or injured through the Battle of Saipan. Some nonetheless stay unidentified. The Bensons hope Robert’s story will spark extra households to donate DNA, to unravel much more of those World Warfare Two Heroes’ tales.

“To listen to that information after 78 years that he has been recognized and can be introduced again to america ( Arlington Nationwide Cemetery), what an honor to acknowledge his sacrifice and combating for our freedoms in World Warfare II,” Jason mentioned.

As soon as particulars are labored out, a particular household graveside service, full with navy honors, can be held at Arlington Nationwide Cemetery.