WWII soldier’s remains brought home after eight decades

CLARKSBURG, Mass. (NEWS10) -- The remains of a fallen World War II Marine were brought home eight decades after he was killed in the battle of Guadalcanal, and his gravesite was lost in the fog of war.  “His big dream was to be a marine. He enlisted at 17. My grandparents gave him permission to go in, and then he turned 18 on his way to Guadalcanal.” That is how Private First Class, Erwin Shaftsbury King’s niece, Lynda started to tell the story. She then describes his mission. “From what I understand, they went in before the infantry went in and they were surprised by a Japanese attack, and they were machine-gunned.”

What happened next is still unclear to the family. “The only thing I know is that my grandparents received a telegram. I think, first missing in action and then killed in action. He wasn't there but two days, from what I understand,” said Lynda.

As the fighting continued, King and the others killed were hastily buried. The location was lost in the fog of war. When the gravesites were finally found, DNA helped match them to their loved ones. Today was a day to remember his service and sacrifice, bringing far-flung family together. “My cousin Mark, it's the first time I've seen him in almost 30 years and my brother's coming up from Florida. My sister's coming down from New Hampshire, it’s something none of us ever thought would happen, ever,” said Lynda.

King’s great-niece, Dana shows NEWS10 Reporter James De La Fuente the casket being taken off the plane in Connecticut before King’s remains would be driven to his final resting place in Clarksburg. “This was the Marine Corps greeting us at the tarmac preparing us to go and take his remains off the plane. And this is him being unloaded which was a very moving moment for me. This is at the funeral home they put the flag at half-staff, with the wreath that's what we arrived to,” said Dana.

Lynda says she knows her family is with her today, “I asked for a sign and feathers are something that I use as a sign from people who've passed away. And when we got to the airport at my feet was a white feather. It was a glorious day before the feather, but this just says, Hi! I'm home. Thank you for bringing me home.”

The Marines never leave a marine behind. Marine Honor Guard, Chris McKay said, “One way or the other, we'll figure out how to get them home. And the fact that Erwin was able to come home today, it means a lot.”

“It took him 82 years to come home, which I think is a miracle. You can quote this, a friggin’ miracle,” said King’s niece, Lynda.