Remains of KY soldier return home after 79 years
LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ)- A World War II soldier from Kentucky who had been missing in action for decades has finally returned home.
“It’s pretty amazing to see him come home,” says Brandon Wade, the great nephew of Henry Wade.
Army PFC Henry Wade of Decatur fought in World War II. In November 1944, Wade was assigned to Company K, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, as an infantryman. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near the Germeter-Hürtgen Road where they encountered heavy resistance. That is believed to be where Wade lost his life.
“For him to come home, he’s going to get nothing less than a presidential motorcade. It’s so important. He’s 24 years old, infinitely. He gave his life for this country fighting in World War 2,” says Todd Matonich, president of the Rolling Thunder KY 5.
In 1951- he was declared non-recoverable and a prisoner of war missing in action .
That is until this year when scientists used DNA and other technology to make a positive identification on human remains that were found in Hurtgen Germany between 1946 and 1950.
“Shocking at first. You know, thank goodness for technology and the DNA that made this happen. A lot of family, a lot of people put a lot of work into this. Years of searching and we just never thought this would happen,” says Brandon Wade.
In May 2023, Wade’s family was made aware of the identification.
“This is something that nobody in our family expected to see in our lifetime. I’m honored to be here and to see him come home,” says Brandon Wade.
Wade’s family drove from Kentucky and other states to Bluegrass Airport to welcome those remains home.
“We have family that have driven from other states, stayed in hotel rooms, people we don’t see but maybe once every few years. They made this trip to come down for this moment,” says Brandon Wade.
The family was escorted by members of the Rolling Thunder KY 5, a nonprofit that educates and advocates legislation for veterans and those missing in action.
“For us to do this and for us to come out here and bring him home, its so emotional and its such an honor. You cant put it into words,” says Matonich.
The motorcade traveled 84 miles to Russell Springs, Kentucky for Wade’s final resting place.
All to make sure he’s never forgotten.
“It’s all about making him known, because a lot people are like we had not idea we were still missing somebody from Russell County. So for us to be able to do that, I want everybody to know,” says Matonich.
“It’s unreal. This is something that nobody in the family ever expected to see in our lifetime. and I’m honored,” says Brandon Wade.
Henry Wade will be buried November 29th.
He becomes the 26th person MIA since 2017 that Rolling Thunder has helped return to their final resting place.
