Remains of a World War II veteran returned to the USA for burial after more than 80 years

After more than 80 years, the remains of an 18-year-old killed overseas during World War II will be returned to the United States and buried at Riverside National Cemetery.

Private First Class Charles Powers was still a teenager when he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Philippines. He was killed a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“They attacked Pearl Harbor and for the next three days they attacked bases in the Philippines,” said Charles Powers, who bears the name of his uncle who died a hero. “They held out until April and without reinforcements they were almost starving. They were short of food and supplies, so they basically surrendered and that became the Bataan Death March.”

The march is notorious for the severe mistreatment that some 75,000 prisoners of war were subjected to during the 65-mile march. Powers survived the march but died some time later.

Although he never met the man he was named after, he is touched by the large crowd that turned out for a memorial service Tuesday as Powers’ remains were transferred from Ontario Airport to the morgue in Menifee.

“I’m absolutely proud of it – I’m proud of the fact that I’m even associated with him,” Powers said.

He says his uncle was missing and presumed dead until the end of the war. In 2017, the family’s suspicions were confirmed when the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency requested DNA samples to try to identify their missing relative.

Now, 82 years later, he will be buried on Thursday along with more than 300,000 military personnel at Riverside National Cemetery.

With more than 80,000 people still missing from World War II, people who joined the procession on Thursday are confident that those who died fighting for their country will be able to return to their homes for their final resting place.

“This is a wonderful thing and they should keep doing this until they get everyone home,” said Bobbie Neff, a Menifee resident who joined the procession.