English: Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William Montgomery in Section 78 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 13, 2023.

Montgomery served with the 844th Bombardment Squadron, 489th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Eight Air Force, during World War II. On June 22, 1944, Montgomery’s B-24H bomber was struck by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a target in France. The damage caused an estimated 100 holes in the aircraft, and seriously compromised flight controls. The crew managed to reach England, where the order to bail out was given. Seven of the ten crew members successfully bailed out and survived, while Montgomery, the co-pilot, and the engineer crashed with the aircraft. While Montgomery’s identification tag was discovered at the crash site, his remains were not located, and the American Grave Registration Command concluded he was non-recoverable.

A local aviation archaeology group attempted to excavate the crash site in 1974, and investigation and recovery efforts by Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) took place in 2017 and 2019. During a subsequent June 2021 recovery mission, DPAA found possible human remains and material evidence.

To identify these remains as Montgomery’s, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis as well as material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), analysis. Montgomery’s remains were finally accounted for on Jan. 10, 2023.

Montgomery’s awards include a Purple Heart and an Air Medal. Montgomery’s nephew, William Montgomery (who was named after his late uncle), received the U.S. flag from his uncle’s service. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)