Full military honours likely for fallen Sask. soldier from WW II, family told
DNA testing confirmed body of Lawrence Gordon found
Lawrence Gordon, a Saskatchewan man who served in the U.S. Army in the Second World War, will likely receive full military honours when his remains are brought to his home town this summer.
Gordon, from Eastend, Sask., was a private who died in a battle in the summer of 1944 in Normandy, France. His armoured vehicle was destroyed by a German shell and his body was never found.
Family members, however, finally located his remains 69 years later. His body had been mistakenly buried in a German army cemetery. Last month, results of DNA testing confirmed the soldier's identity.
The Gordon family sought military honours for their fallen relative but the U.S. Defence Department was reluctant.
Then, earlier this week, the family learned officials now believe full military honours, described as "suitable to his service and sacrifice" were likely to be bestowed upon Gordon.
The soldier's nephew and namesake, Lawrence R. Gordon, told CBC News the family is pleased with that.