Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

65 Years After Death, Body of Korean War Veteran Returns Home to San Diego
NBC San Diego ^ | 1/7 | Steven Luke

Posted on 01/07/2017 1:18:34 PM PST by nickcarraway

The long overdue homecoming on Jan. 8 of the body of U.S. Army Major Jack Griffith – who died 65 years ago -- brought the tarmac at the San Diego International Airport to a brief standstill while people paid their respects

More than six decades after his death, a U.S. military veteran who served in the Korean War finally made his way home to San Diego.

On Saturday, the body of U.S. Army Major Jack Griffith arrived at Lindbergh Field in a coffin draped with the American Flag. A military funeral honors team helped move the coffin from the plane.

The dignified transfer and emotional, long overdue homecoming brought the airport tarmac to a brief, solemn standstill as people paid their respects to the military veteran.

Griffith’s family waited at the tarmac, taking part in the touching tribute. They hugged and gazed at their loved one’s coffin. After a lifetime of waiting for Griffith, he was home.

The veteran died 65 years ago while in captivity as a Prisoner of War in Korea. Surviving POWs reported Griffith’s death but his death certificate showed there were no remains to prove it.

For his family, his death was a painful mystery for decades.

Thanks to modern DNA analysis and dental records, family members recently learned of his body buried inside a grave in Hawaii.

Now, his family and friends will be able to hold a proper burial for the veteran.


TOPICS: History; Local News; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: fallen; koreanwar; welcomehome

Video at site.

1 posted on 01/07/2017 1:18:34 PM PST by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Unless he’s a zombie title should read “is returned home”.


2 posted on 01/07/2017 1:42:24 PM PST by dblshot (I am John Galt.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: dblshot

Well, yes. There is something in the use of the straight-up present tense that implies the body returned under its own power.

That said, I’m very glad this man’s family can honor his life by disposing his remains with reverence.


3 posted on 01/07/2017 1:47:56 PM PST by Tax-chick ("He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed." Pv. 19:17)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Long time in coming I’d like to know how his remains were buried in the punchbowl in Hawaii when he was a POW in north korea.Did the commies return remains of unidentified pows some time back?


4 posted on 01/07/2017 3:25:18 PM PST by HANG THE EXPENSE (Life's tough.It's tougher when you're stupid.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

RIP.


5 posted on 01/07/2017 6:31:08 PM PST by fieldmarshaldj (Je Suis Pepe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson