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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Long-Lost WWII Soldier Finally Identified After 80 Years
After more than 80 years, the remains of US Army Private 1st Class Harry Jerele, a soldier who died in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, have been identified. Jerele, a native of Illinois, passed away at the age of 26 due to pneumonia while in captivity in the Philippines. His body was buried in a mass grave along with other deceased prisoners.
The Emotional Journey to Identify Jerele’s Remains
In 2020, forensic scientists exhumed the remains from the mass grave and used various methods such as anthropological analysis and DNA testing to confirm that they belonged to Jerele. This breakthrough comes after years of efforts by Jerele’s family members, including his niece, Rosemary Dillon, who expressed immense relief and joy upon learning about the identification.
A Miraculous Homecoming for Jerele
Rosemary Dillon, the only surviving relative of Jerele, described the identification of his remains as a miracle. She fondly remembers Jerele as a quiet man who loved to sing and play the guitar. Dillon expressed her wish that her mother and grandmother could witness Jerele’s final journey back home to Illinois.
Remembering Jerele’s Roots in Berkeley, Illinois
Jerele hailed from the small town of Berkeley, where he was one of seven children born to Leopold Jerle and Mary Flori-Jerele on February 1, 1916. He joined the military in 1940 and served with Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion in the Philippines before being taken as a prisoner of war following the American surrender in 1942.
The Tragic Fate of US Prisoners at Cabanatuan
Jerele and his fellow soldiers endured unimaginable hardships at the Cabanatuan prison camp, where more than 2,500 prisoners of war lost their lives during the war. The post-war efforts to identify and relocate the remains of those buried at Cabanatuan were complex, with many soldiers initially declared unidentifiable.
A Fitting Tribute to Jerele and His Comrades
Jerele’s impending burial in his homeland after 81 years serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by him and his fellow soldiers. The Illinois National Guard paid tribute to the men of Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion, highlighting their courage and dedication to serving their nation.
Bringing Closure to a Decades-Long Search
The identification of Harry Jerele’s remains marks a significant milestone in the quest to honour and remember the brave souls who fought in World War II. His homecoming to Illinois will be a moment of solemn reflection and gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
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