NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A World War II veteran whose remains were returned to New Orleans decades after he died on a Pacific island, has been laid to rest in his hometown.

Funeral services were held Saturday for Pvt. Earl Joseph Keating.

Keating died Dec. 5, 1942 on the island of New Guinea.

But it wasn't until decades later that his remains were discovered by a villager out hunting.

His remains were returned to New Orleans Monday.

After the funeral service, his remains were driven by the World War II museum where the flag lowered to half-staff.

Keating is actually buried in two places. Some of his remains were so intertwined with that of a friend that they were buried side by side with his remains at Arlington National Cemetery in March.

 

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