Remains of World War II Veteran Who Died in ‘Awful’ Prison Camp Will Finally Be Returned After 80 Years

Remains of WWII Veteran to Return Home After 80 Years

The long-awaited moment has arrived as the remains of a World War II soldier, who perished over 80 years ago, will finally be laid to rest in his homeland. U.S. Army Pvt. Blanchard Pruitt, hailing from Florien, Louisiana, was just 19 years old when he tragically passed away in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in the Philippines on January 1, 1943. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) confirmed the identification of his remains in March, setting the stage for his burial in his home state of Louisiana in September.

Blanchard Pruitt, the second-eldest amongst eight siblings, left his family with a legacy of closure sought for decades. According to local news outlet WLBT 5, his niece, Sherry Pruitt, shared insights into the family’s journey to find his remains. She revealed that her grandparents were initially unaware of his demise and held onto hope for his return until they received a letter confirming his death after eight to nine months of agonizing uncertainty. Now, the younger generation of the family stands poised to finally achieve the closure they have been yearning for.

Sherry disclosed that her uncle volunteered for the U.S. army at the tender age of 17. She speculated that he may have misrepresented his age, a common practice during that era when young men were eager to serve their country in times of strife. Through the dedicated efforts of Sherry’s brother, Danny, who provided a crucial DNA sample at the request of her older sister, Sheila, Blanchard’s remains were positively identified. The family is resolute in their plans to honor Blanchard with a wake followed by a proper burial, alongside his mother.

Blanchard’s forthcoming burial will reflect a poignant reunion with his mother, a reunion she had yearned for throughout the years of his absence. The remnants of a man who experienced the horrors of war and imprisonment at a camp in Cabanatuan, Philippines, following capture in 1942, were initially interred in a Manila cemetery. The family’s determination and unwavering commitment have led to this significant moment of solace and closure, bringing them one step closer to honoring and remembering Pvt. Blanchard Pruitt’s sacrifice.

The remarkable journey to locate and repatriate Blanchard Pruitt’s remains stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and justice during one of the darkest chapters in human history. While much time has passed since his untimely demise, the unwavering dedication of his family ensures that Pvt. Blanchard Pruitt’s memory will endure through generations, preserving the courage and sacrifice of a young man who gave his all for his country.

The solemn moment of his burial in Louisiana will not only mark the completion of a long and arduous journey for the Pruitt family but also serve as a poignant reminder of the countless unsung heroes of World War II whose stories are etched in the annals of history. The return of Pvt. Blanchard Pruitt’s remains after 80 years stands as a touching tribute to his enduring spirit and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

As the final chapter in Pvt. Blanchard Pruitt’s story unfolds, his legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and remembrance, inspiring future generations to honor and respect the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives in service to their country. The return of his remains serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage exhibited by servicemen like Pvt. Pruitt, whose sacrifice will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all who hold dear the values of freedom, justice, and peace.