Korean War Vet Finally Laid To Rest Nearly 63 Years After His Death
INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A Korean War veteran who died more than 60 years ago, was finally laid to rest Saturday.
His remains were only recently returned to Los Angeles.
CBS2's Art Barron attended the moving and emotional service for Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Gantt.
He said the passage of time has not tarnished or diminished Clara Gantt's love for her late husband.
Now 94, Mrs. Gantt said this was a day she long lived for.
"I was praying to the Lord," she said, "to let me live to see the closure with my husband."
Gantt added, "My husband was a wonderful man, he was a good husband."
The American flag was draped over Gantt's casket. He was a field medic in the Army.
His remains, reported Barron, passed by a plethora of American flags. He was buried with full military honors and all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it.
"I remember him especially because he was so helpful to this young greenhorn, as they called us in those days," recalled Ret. Lt. Col. Solomon Jamerson.
Gantt was a POW, captured in 1950. He died in March 1951. He was awarded numerous medals, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
"This is the greatest gift I could see," said Gary Boyle with the Coalition of Families."A wife receive him back."
"This is something very special, very, very unique," said Vietnam War Veteran Daniel Hernandez, Sr. "For this lady to have her husband come home, after 60 years of not knowing where he was at, this is just a special, special occasion."
The ceremony was not just a celebration of his life. Barron said it was also a celebration of a love affair. Mrs. Gantt never remarried.
"I had a lovely time being a married woman," she said.
Mrs. Gantt was asked how she felt about finally getting her closure after more than six decades.
"I wish it could have been earlier," she said.
