Story. Story about an American soldier who was killed in action on June 6, 1944, and is buried in Normandy.

The American Air Force's second lieutenant, who was killed on June 6, 1944, was laid to rest at the Colleville–sur-Mer military cemetery, Calvados.

Story. Story about an American soldier who was killed in action on June 6, 1944, and is buried in Normandy.

The American Air Force's second lieutenant, who was killed on June 6, 1944, was laid to rest at the Colleville–sur-Mer military cemetery, Calvados.

William J. McGowan was originally from Minnesota and died in Normandy during the Allied landings. He was on a mission close to Saint-Lo at the time. In a press release, the American Battle Monuments Commission (an American public body that manages the site) stated that he was identified in 2019.

Scott Desjardins, administrator for the American Cemetery to more than 9,300 white crosses that line a green lawn overlooking Omaha Beach, said that it's rare.

The moving ceremony was attended by over 100 people. It took place in the bright sunlight. Paul Stouffer (nephew of the buried soldier) delivered the eulogy. In his honor, salutes were fired and the American dead bell rang.

"It's very moving to be able honor the service, actions, and sacrifice of a member the 'Greatest Generation' nearly 80 years after his passing in front of his loved ones. This is part the American Battle Monuments Commission's mission and it echoes General John J. Pershing’s promise that "time will not tarnish their deeds," Scott Desjardins said, as quoted in the communiqué.

His family was given the option of either repatriating his remains to America or burying him at the American cemetery in Colleville. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the burial had to be delayed.