Charlotte Welcomes Home WWII Hero After Nearly Eight Decades
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a heartwarming turn of events, the city of Charlotte is preparing to lay to rest 2nd Lt. John H. Harris, a brave bombardier from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. This special moment is set to take place on Tuesday, a day that will bring some much-needed closure to Harris’s family and a community that has long remembered his heroism.
A Long and Winding Journey
At just 23 years old, Harris was serving bravely as part of the 732nd Bombardment Squadron when tragedy struck on April 8, 1944. His aircraft, a B-24H “Liberator” nicknamed Little Joe, was shot down during a bombing mission over the German city of Brunswick. It was a harrowing moment in history—one where no crew members were seen escaping the plane before it crashed near Salzwedel. Sadly, their fates remained unknown, leaving families in anguish.
For decades, Harris’s family lived with an aching absence, so the official accounting of his remains on June 20, 2024, was a significant relief. It came as a beacon of hope, ushering in a long-awaited chapter of closure they never thought possible.
Piecing Together History
The journey to identify Harris’s remains began with a breakthrough in 2015. Thanks to the work of the Missing Allied Air Crew Research Team, investigators gathered fresh leads from local German residents. They uncovered a second crash site that had previously gone unnoticed, igniting new hope in the long-standing mystery.
Between 2021 and 2023, teams from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) meticulously conducted excavations at these sites. Their hard work paid off as they recovered wreckage and possible remains. The identification process involved a series of scientific techniques, including anthropological analysis, dental review, and mitochondrial DNA analysis, all of which led to the confirmation of Harris’s identity.
Honoring a Hero
As he returns to the fold, Harris’s name, which had once been etched in sorrow on the Walls of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery, will now be honored in a new light. A special rosette will accompany his name, representing this long-awaited accounting.
On the day of his funeral, Harris will be laid to rest with full military honors in Columbia, South Carolina, a fitting tribute to a young man who courageously served his country during one of its darkest hours. This ceremony is not just a moment for his family but a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the war.
A Community Together
As the community of Charlotte and beyond prepares to say goodbye to John H. Harris, there’s a palpable sense of pride mixed with sadness. His story resonates with many people: a daring young man who answered the call of duty, a family who never gave up hope, and a community that stands behind its heroes.
If you’re looking to stay updated on this remarkable story and other breaking news in the area, don’t forget to check your mobile settings for updates. While this chapter draws to a close, the memory of John H. Harris will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
