Long-Lost WWI Soldier George Humphrey Receives Military Funeral

World War I soldier George Humphrey died in France in 1918. Finally, he's being honored with the military funeral he deserves.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on June 23 2010

Creative Commons image by Beverly & Pack

In 1918, when a U.S. Marine named George Humphrey was gunned down by German troops in France, his fellow soldiers buried his body in the woods until someone could deliver him to his final resting spot. They drew a map of the area for his family, but sadly, no one was able to locate the soldier’s body.

But 92 years later, a hobbyist with a metal detector came across the remains. The relic hunter alerted police to his discovery, and they cataloged the find in a 74-page booklet. Humphrey’s helmet and several other personal items remained intact, and a New York Times article from 1918 that Humphrey had carried in his pocket was still legible. When the police confirmed Humphrey’s identity with his dental records, they got in touch with his living relatives, cousins John Humphrey, 90, Helen Neitzel, 77, and Frances Richter, 83.

The relatives were amazed. “I called my sister first and told her. She said, ‘Are you sure you’re not drinking?” Helen told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It’s just such an amazing story. I said I not drinking?’ had to go and see it through.”

They hadn’t known much about Humphrey, though they were aware that his body had never been found. “When we would visit Arlington National Cemetery, mother would point to the tomb of the unknown soldier and say that could be your cousin George,” said Edith.

Now, Edith and her relatives will be going back to the Arlington National Cemetery to see their cousin buried in his very own grave, no longer unknown.

Filed under: History,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

Six Great Stories for Veterans’ Day

Happy Veterans’ Day! In honor of our national holiday for war veterans, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite past features about military heroes. Read More
Frank Buckles, Oldest U.S. WWI Veteran, Receives Funeral of Honor

Frank Buckles, a World War I veteran who died at the age of 110, received a military funeral of honor. Read More
Soldier’s Lifesaving Parachute Transformed to Wedding Dress for His Bride

After using a parachute to survive a plane crash, Claude Hensinger gave the chute to his future bride to be used as a wedding dress. Read More
Soldier Reunited with the Dog Who Saved His Life

After a dog named Rufus helped fend off a suicide bomber, Sgt. Chris Duke decided to bring him home. Read More
A Fallen Soldier’s Last Gift: Bruce Hays and the Apache Project

After soldier Bruce Hays died in Afghanistan, his Wisconsin neighbors worked to restore an old truck that he'd promised to his wife Terry. Read More