RADCLIFF, Ky. (WDRB) -- Private First Class Charles Wells is finally home in Kentucky 79 years after his passing. And dozens of people showed up Thursday to thank him for his service and his sacrifice.
His escort into the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff was followed with a crowd of people lining up to pay their respects.
"It's sad, but I'm glad he's home," said Lillie Mae Wells Wolf, Wells' cousin.
A column of "Merrill's Marauders" march along a trail in North Burma where they are headed for action against the Japanese, March 23, 1944. PFC Charles W. Wells from Louisville, Ky., was a member of the unit before he was killed in action. (AP Photo)
Wells enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Burma during World War II. He served as an infantry soldier as a member of the Merrill's Marauders. In 1944, the Marauders were sent to recover northern Burma to clear the way for the construction of the Ledo Road, according to military records.
On June 30, 1944, Wells was killed during a battle with the Japanese over an airfield and major crossroad near the Myitkyina area. Because conditions were so bad, Wells was one of two soldiers buried in a common grave.
After WWII, the U.S. military went back into the area to locate missing soldiers. Wells' body was discovered in the common grave, but no one could identify him. He was moved to a subsequent burial grave in India before being moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1947. There, he was laid to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as an "unknown soldier."
DNA samples were eventually matched to Wells' family, and he was identified on May 26, 2023.
Born in April 1923 and a native of Grayson County, Kentucky, Wells was just 21 when he was killed overseas.
"It's just an honor, a privilege, to be able to honor him after all these years," said Diana Reinhardt, Wells' niece.
Reinhardt was handed the folded flag that was draped over her uncle's casket during Thursday's service. She never knew her Uncle Charles, however, bringing him home has not only taught her about his story but also introduced her to other Wells family members.
"We had never met any of them until today," she said. "And actually, his picture, I didn't know what he looked like until yesterday."
Likely one of the only people there who actually knew wells growing up, Wells Wolf said he was closer with her older sisters but she remembered him from her childhood.
"He was just a real pleasant boy and he didn't get into any trouble that I knew of," she said. "He as a good kid."
For others in attendance at Thursday's ceremony, their connection comes from being a veteran themselves. Mark Romines said he has a cousin and friends who are buried at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central and has been to several funerals here this year to support fellow veterans.
"Bringing us together, that's all there is to it," he said. "Just got to get everybody home."
Cemetery Manager Shane Lagrone said the Radcliff community shows incredible support for veterans.
"The love and the respect they have for all the military — regardless of the branch, not just the Army — is above and beyond," Lagrone said. "They truly are one big family here."
He said more than 9,500 people are buried there, people who earned those spots, including Private Wells, through the ultimate sacrifice.
"Having him being placed with us, even so long after his death, allows all these other veterans to actually come out and see the honors being recognized," Lagrone said.
He said it means a lot to have this commitment to bring veterans like Wells back home.
And home is finally here for Private First Class Charles Wells.
For more information on the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and its work to identify fallen soldiers, click here.
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