Mystery of Missing Houston WWII Soldier Finally Solved
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After more than 80 years, a missing Houston soldier from World War II has been identified.
Houston WWII soldier lost on D-Day identified after 80 years through DNA
Private First Class Nicholas Hartman died during the D-Day invasion in Normandy in 1944. He was 20 years old.
His landing craft was hit by enemy fire and struck a mine. It exploded, and his remains were never identified, until now.
Thanks to DNA testing, the U.S. Department of Defense matched Hartman’s remains with DNA from living relatives.
“I couldn’t believe they found him after all these years,” said Celestia Hankel, Hartman’s grandniece in Louisiana.
“I never thought anything would come of it,” added Norman Graves, Hartman’s nephew in Washington state.
Though Graves never met his uncle, he displays his medals at home. “I’m so grateful to the Army,” he said.
Hartman grew up in Houston. He once delivered newspapers for the Houston Chronicle and was featured in a story while still in 7th grade.
His mother, Nanny Hartman, never gave up hope. “She waited by the door many times, hoping he’d come home,” said Graves.
Now, he finally will.
Hartman’s remains will be flown to Houston soon. His family plans to bury him at Hollywood Cemetery, near his mother.
He will receive full military honors.
After eight decades, Private First Class Nicholas Hartman is finally coming home.
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