{"id":116542,"date":"2025-07-16T01:36:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T05:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/?p=116542"},"modified":"2025-07-21T13:09:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T17:09:40","slug":"bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Bringing them Home: America\u2019s WWII Burial Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In July 1862, Congress authorized President Abraham Lincoln to establish national cemeteries \u201cfor the soldiers who shall die in the service of the country.\u201d This was before there was a federal agency dedicated to Veterans\u2019 affairs, so the responsibility for the cemeteries initially fell to the Army Quartermaster General. They created the first standardized burial practices for U.S. war dead, and although practices have changed throughout the decades, he National Cemetery Administration (NCA) continues to uphold the highest model of excellence when honoring deceased Veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_46e2a3-39.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_46e2a3-39 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:776px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_46e2a3-39.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_46e2a3-39 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_46e2a3-39 figure{max-width:776px;}.kb-image116542_46e2a3-39 .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_46e2a3-39 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_46e2a3-39 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_46e2a3-39\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"889\" height=\"596\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg?w=889\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg?w=889\" alt=\"Photograph of Civil War period headstone at Alexandria National Cemetery, one of the 14 original National Cemeteries founded in 1862 (VA).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116552\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27889%27%20height%3D%27596%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20889%20596%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27889%27%20height%3D%27596%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg?resize=300,201 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg?resize=600,402 600w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg?resize=768,515 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/01.jpg 889w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Civil War era headstones at Alexandria National Cemetery, one of the fourteen original national cemeteries founded in 1862. (<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/\">VA<\/a>).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_5288ed-3b.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_5288ed-3b .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:490px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_5288ed-3b.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_5288ed-3b .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_5288ed-3b figure{max-width:490px;}.kb-image116542_5288ed-3b .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_5288ed-3b .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_5288ed-3b .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_5288ed-3b\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/02.png\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"493\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/02.png?w=493\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/02.png?w=493\" alt=\"Photograph of European officer pointing to a map of isolated burials to be exhumed for repatriation, c. 1946.; (NARA).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116551\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27493%27%20height%3D%27362%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20493%20362%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27493%27%20height%3D%27362%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/02.png?resize=300,220 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/02.png 493w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>A European officer points at a map of grave sites to be exhumed for repatriation, c. 1946. (National Archives)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the United States joined World War I, the American Grave Registration Service began repatriating the remains of all fallen Americans. This practice changed after General John J. Pershing expressed his desire for proper cemeteries and monuments dedicated to the men who had died on European soil. From then on, the government gave surviving family members the choice to return their soldier\u2019s remains to the United States for burial, or to inter them in cemeteries constructed at the battlefields.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_d64170-23.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_d64170-23 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:238px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_d64170-23.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_d64170-23 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_d64170-23 figure{max-width:238px;}.kb-image116542_d64170-23 .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_d64170-23 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_d64170-23 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_d64170-23\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/03.jpg\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"219\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/03.jpg?w=219\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/03.jpg?w=219\" alt=\"Interwar-period brochure produced by ABMC depicting the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery (LOC).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116550\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27219%27%20height%3D%27511%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20219%20511%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27219%27%20height%3D%27511%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/03.jpg?resize=129,300 129w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/03.jpg 219w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Interwar-period brochure produced by ABMC depicting the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery (LOC).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the Second World War, the national cemetery system faced an influx of burials not seen since its founding. There was also, again, a degree of uncertainty over where fallen American soldiers would be put to rest. Some assumed that families of the deceased would want their loved ones buried in the United States, but Western European countries were willing to continue caring for American war dead in the same way they had after the First World War. Ultimately, surviving family members were again given a choice in the disposition of their loved ones\u2019 remains. They could be buried in an overseas cemetery permanently cared for by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), or they could be returned home for reinterment in a national or local cemetery.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_1531f9-d7.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_1531f9-d7 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:447px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_1531f9-d7.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_1531f9-d7 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_1531f9-d7 figure{max-width:447px;}.kb-image116542_1531f9-d7 .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_1531f9-d7 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_1531f9-d7 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_1531f9-d7\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/04.png\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"431\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/04.png?w=431\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/04.png?w=431\" alt=\"Official seal of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the agency responsible for managing overseas monuments and cemeteries (ABMC).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116549\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27431%27%20height%3D%27442%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20431%20442%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27431%27%20height%3D%27442%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/04.png?resize=293,300 293w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/04.png 431w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Official seal of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the agency responsible for managing overseas monuments and cemeteries. (ABMC)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For families who chose to have their soldier\u2019s remains returned to the United States, the process often took years to complete. Repatriation was especially difficult when remains could not be identified. \u201cUnknown\u201d individuals were usually buried overseas. Today, however, modern science can often identify previously unknown remains. Many of those remains are then returned to the United States for reunification with the soldier\u2019s family. Take, for example, the story of Private James Loterbaugh, an American soldier from Roseville, Ohio. He died in Germany in 1944, but his remains could not be positively identified until 2023, when the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency confirmed his identity. In the summer of 2025, more than 80 years since his death, James Loterbaugh was laid to rest in Dayton National Cemetery.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_d6188c-5c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_d6188c-5c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:227px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_d6188c-5c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_d6188c-5c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_d6188c-5c figure{max-width:227px;}.kb-image116542_d6188c-5c .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_d6188c-5c .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_d6188c-5c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_d6188c-5c\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/05.jpg\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"226\" height=\"298\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27226%27%20height%3D%27298%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20226%20298%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27226%27%20height%3D%27298%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/05.jpg?w=226\" alt=\"Photograph of Private James Loterbaugh, whose remains were unidentified for 8 decades before being repatriated to Dayton National Cemetery (FindAGrave).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116548\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Private James Loterbaugh, whose remains were unidentified for eight decades before being repatriated to Dayton National Cemetery in 2025. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findagrave.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">FindAGrave<\/a>).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Museums collect artifacts because of the stories they tell. The following objects from the National VA History Center tell the story of how families of fallen World War II soldiers chose to honor their loved ones and preserve the memory of their service forever.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_df7861-49.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_df7861-49 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:450px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_df7861-49.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_df7861-49 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_df7861-49 figure{max-width:450px;}.kb-image116542_df7861-49 .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_df7861-49 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_df7861-49 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_df7861-49\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/06.png\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"447\" height=\"222\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/06.png?w=447\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/06.png?w=447\" alt=\"The casket case used to transport the remains of Pvt. Andrew Vadasz back to the United States. Note that the \u201clid\u201d says \u201cThis side down\u201d, meaning that the body of the case would have been placed on top of the platform while in-use (VA).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116547\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27447%27%20height%3D%27222%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20447%20222%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27447%27%20height%3D%27222%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/06.png?resize=300,149 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/06.png 447w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 447px) 100vw, 447px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The casket case used to transport the remains of Private Andrew Vadasz back to the United States. Note that the lid says \u201cThis side down,\u201d meaning that the body of the case would have been placed on top of the platform while in use. (<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/\">VA<\/a>).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first artifact is a large metal and wood box with handles and latches on each side. The text on the box reads, \u201cANDREW A. VADASZ, PFC USAGF, FOR GIVEN FUNL. HOME, S PROSPECT ST., HARTVILLE, OH,\u201d telling us that this is the case used to transport the remains of Private Andrew Vadasz back to Ohio.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_31e357-ce.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_31e357-ce .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:474px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_31e357-ce.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_31e357-ce .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_31e357-ce figure{max-width:474px;}.kb-image116542_31e357-ce .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_31e357-ce .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_31e357-ce .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_31e357-ce\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/07.png\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/07.png?w=469\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/07.png?w=469\" alt=\"Photos of World War II repatriation efforts; Casket case loaded onto an Army transport ship, Antwerp, Belgium 1947 (TOP); Casket cases receiving inspection at the Atlanta General Depot before transport to their final destinations, Conley, Georgia 1949 (BOTTOM), (NARA).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116546\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27469%27%20height%3D%27449%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20469%20449%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27469%27%20height%3D%27449%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/07.png?resize=300,287 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/07.png 469w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Top: Casket cases loaded onto an Army transport ship in Antwerp, Belgium, 1947.; Bottom: Casket cases in Conley, Georgia, receiving inspection at the Atlanta General Depot before transport to their final destinations, 1949. (National Archives)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vadasz was born in 1918, and he served in eastern France in 1944. In July 1948, local newspapers reported the arrival of a ship transporting the remains of more than 200 Ohioans, including Vadasz, back to the United States. Four years after his death, Vadasz was laid to rest in his hometown cemetery, with the national cemetery standard headstone.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:325px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e figure{max-width:325px;}.kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_be8bc3-0e\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/08.jpg\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"319\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/08.jpg?w=319\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/08.jpg?w=319\" alt=\"Headstone for Pvt. Andrew Vadasz as it appears today in Hartville, Ohio (FindAGrave).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116545\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27319%27%20height%3D%27481%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20319%20481%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27319%27%20height%3D%27481%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/08.jpg?resize=199,300 199w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/08.jpg 319w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Headstone for Private Andrew Vadasz in Hartville, Ohio. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findagrave.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">FindAGrave<\/a>).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vadasz\u2019s family chose to honor their son by returning him to Ohio. Other families who lost loved ones in the war chose for their remains to be honored in the places where they died.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_ac9902-dd.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_ac9902-dd .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:598px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_ac9902-dd.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_ac9902-dd .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_ac9902-dd figure{max-width:598px;}.kb-image116542_ac9902-dd .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_ac9902-dd .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_ac9902-dd .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_ac9902-dd\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/09.png\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"594\" height=\"474\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/09.png?w=594\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/09.png?w=594\" alt=\"The memorial flag presented to the family of Mark Lapolla after his death in 1945. It is likely this flag covered Mark\u2019s casket prior to burial (VA).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116544\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27594%27%20height%3D%27474%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20594%20474%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27594%27%20height%3D%27474%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/09.png?resize=300,239 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/09.png 594w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The memorial flag presented to the family of Mark Lapolla after his death in 1945. It is likely this flag covered Mark\u2019s casket prior to burial. (<a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/\">VA<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second artifact is this flag, which was presented to the family of Flight Officer Mark O. Lapolla, from Suffern, New York. Lapolla\u2019s plane went missing in January 1945 and he was pronounced dead the following year. His family chose for their son to be interred in the Florence American Cemetery in Florence, Italy. In such cases, families are given an American flagwhich is draped over their loved one\u2019s casket prior to burial.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image116542_1ee722-d3.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image116542_1ee722-d3 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:776px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_1ee722-d3.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image116542_1ee722-d3 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image116542_1ee722-d3 figure{max-width:776px;}.kb-image116542_1ee722-d3 .image-is-svg, .kb-image116542_1ee722-d3 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image116542_1ee722-d3 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image116542_1ee722-d3\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"942\" height=\"459\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png?w=942\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png?w=942\" alt=\"Photograph (left) of Mark Lapolla\u2019s Latin Cross headstone at the Florence American Cemetery in Florence, Italy (FindAGrave); Scan (right) of the newspaper article reporting on F.O. Lapolla\u2019s disappearance (Newspapers.com).\" class=\"lazyload kb-img wp-image-116543\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27942%27%20height%3D%27459%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20942%20459%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27942%27%20height%3D%27459%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png?resize=300,146 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png?resize=600,292 600w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png?resize=768,374 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/10.png 942w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 942px) 100vw, 942px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Left: Mark Lapolla\u2019s Latin Cross headstone at the Florence American Cemetery in Florence, Italy. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findagrave.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">FindAGrave<\/a>); Right: Scan of the newspaper article reporting Lapolla\u2019s disappearance. (<a href=\"https:\/\/Newspapers.com\" rel=\"noopener\">Newspapers.com<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the last 250 years, loved ones lost in war have been remembered and honored for their sacrifice in many ways. NCA describes the WWII Burial Program, specifically, as \u201ca promise kept to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.\u201d The National VA History Center shares these and other stories of America\u2019s service to Veterans and preserves these histories for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information about the WWII Burial Program, check out NCA\u2019s publication written as part of the World War II 75th Commemorative Series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cem.va.gov\/docs\/wcag\/history\/WWII-Burial-Program-America.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Stories Like This<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/100-objects\/object-6-repatriation-album\/\">Object 6:\u00a01948 Repatriation Album of Alaska World War II Dead<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/100-objects\/object-53-vietnam-unknown-ceremony\/\">Object 53: Funeral Ceremony For Vietnam Unknown<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/featured-stories\/national-cemetery-system-1973\/\">1973 \u2013 National Cemetery System Joins VA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VA History is defined by public service to those who have fought for this country. For nearly 250 years, Americans have responded to the challenges Veterans face in innovative ways. But what happens for those who do not return home? This is the story of three Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting fascism in Europe, how each one was honored after death, and how the VA History Office is preserving their story.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":116553,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[20],"class_list":["post-116542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-curator-corner","tag-national-cemetery-administration"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program\/","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Bringing them Home: America\u2019s WWII Burial Program","url":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/Thumb.png?w=300","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/07\/Thumb.png"},"articleSection":"Curator Corner","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Department of Veteran Affairs"}],"creator":["Department of Veteran Affairs"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"VA History","logo":""},"keywords":["national cemetery administration"],"dateCreated":"2025-07-16T05:36:44Z","datePublished":"2025-07-16T05:36:44Z","dateModified":"2025-07-21T17:09:40Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Bringing them Home: America\\u2019s WWII Burial Program\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/history\\\/bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/history\\\/bringing-them-home-americas-wwii-burial-program\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/history\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/10\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Thumb.png?w=300\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/history\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/10\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Thumb.png\"},\"articleSection\":\"Curator Corner\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Department of Veteran Affairs\"}],\"creator\":[\"Department of Veteran Affairs\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"VA History\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"national cemetery administration\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2025-07-16T05:36:44Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-16T05:36:44Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-21T17:09:40Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/department.va.gov\/p.js"},"meta_box":{"external_links":"0","endorsement":"0","subheading":"","featured_image_alt_text":"","byline":"","author_title":"","external_source":"","external_source_url":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116542","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/105"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116542"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116542\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116616,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116542\/revisions\/116616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116542"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116542"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116542"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}