Alameda Airman Laid To Rest 70-Years After Being Shot Down Over Germany In WWII
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- After seven decades, an airman from Alameda who was shot down in World War II was finally given a proper burial.
Bruce Cook was not yet born when his uncle's plane was shot down somewhere over Germany in 1944, and his family never knew exactly where until hikers spotted his remains 70-years later.
"About two years ago I got a call from the Army saying that they had located possible remains," Cook said.
After an exhaustive search and DNA matching, Lieutenant William Cook's remains were returned to Oakland for burial with full military honors.
Bruce says he is the last direct link to his uncle. His remains were placed alongside other family members.
"This is my duty, my responsibility."
He plans to keep the dog tags and pilot's wings found at the crash site.