Remains of US soldier killed in WWII returned to Pennsylvania after 80 years
The remains of US soldier John A Walko, who was killed in WWII, have been returned to his Pennsylvania hometown after 80 years. Identified through DNA analysis, Walko's remains were escorted home by a veteran’s motorcycle group, where he was honored by local residents. He was laid to rest alongside family members, marking a bittersweet closure for his relatives who had long awaited news of his fate.
- ▪John A Walko was identified through DNA after being missing for 80 years.
- ▪He died during the Battle of Aachen on October 20, 1944.
- ▪Walko's remains were previously classified as 'X-99 Henri-Chapelle' and were exhumed for identification.
- ▪His return was celebrated by local residents who greeted him with flags and honors.
- ▪Another WWII soldier, Robert J Barrat, was also identified and will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
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Wreaths are laid during the Memorial Day ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on 23 May 2026. Photograph: Matthew Kaminsky/EPAView image in fullscreenWreaths are laid during the Memorial Day ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on 23 May 2026. Photograph: Matthew Kaminsky/EPAUS newsRemains of US solider killed in WWII returned to Pennsylvania after 80 yearsJohn A Walko was identified through DNA and brought home to Pennsylvania 80 years after his WWII deathVictoria BekiempisMon 25 May 2026 11.09 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 11.11 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe remains of a US soldier killed during the second world war were returned to his Pennsylvania hometown more than 80 years after he died after DNA analysis identified him.John A Walko, a US army…
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