AUSTIN, Texas – Authorities returned the remains of 1st Lt. Woody T. Owen, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran whose body remained unidentified for more than 80 years, to his hometown of Elgin, Texas, where family members and military personnel gathered this week to lay him to rest with full honors.
Relatives of Owen traveled to Elgin to attend the burial service and to receive his remains, which the military identified decades after his death during World War II.
Uniformed service members participated in the ceremony in Elgin and conducted military funeral honors as part of the formal interment for Owen.
Military officials coordinated the return of Owen’s remains from federal custody to his family in Texas after the completion of identification procedures.
Family members and attendees in Elgin observed a graveside service that included the folding and presentation of the American flag in recognition of Owen’s World War II service.
Local veterans’ organizations in the Elgin area took part in the ceremony and joined relatives and service members in paying final respects to Owen.
Officials scheduled the return and burial of Owen’s remains in coordination with his surviving family members to ensure his interment took place in his hometown.