The remains of an airman from Florida who was killed when his plane was shot down more than 70 years ago during World War II, were recently identified and returned to his Bay area family on Wednesday.
"It’s just very much an honor to be able to bring him home," said Janda Fussell, 45, from Lithia. "He was truly an American hero and truly an amazing person."
U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. James F. Gatlin, 25, was the co-pilot of a bomber that crashed on Dec. 23, 1944, after being struck by enemy fire near Ahrweiler, Germany, according to the Department of Defense. Gatlin and four other crew members were reported killed in action and his remains were not recovered until after the war, according to the Missing Personnel Office.
Gatlin's first cousin, Connie Howard, 84, said she gave her DNA to the military and they were able to make a match.
"Prior to doing the DNA, I had done my own search on the internet," she said. "Seventy years, I never gave up."
Gatlin's remains had been kept in Hawaii and after being identified they arrived at Tampa International Airport on Wednesday. Gatlin's family were on the tarmac where a ceremony was held for the airman.
"I think it’s pretty extraordinary that the military can do these miracles for us and be so respectful," said cousin Holly Henry, 66.
"It’s very emotional for me," Howard said. "I corresponded with him from the time that he went in service until we got the letter back, missing in action."
Gatlin was living in Jacksonville when he enlisted in the Air Force. The airman's remains will be buried in Bushnell on Friday. Gatlin's family from Lithia will host a memorial service for him at Hopewell Baptist Church in Plant City on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.