Remains of World War II pilot brought back to his hometown
The remains of a pilot whose plane was shot down during a mission in Italy in 1943 have arrived in Maryland years later and were welcomed with a ceremony.
The remains of First Lieutenant Walter Bateman, a Maryland pilot who lost his life in Italy during World War II, were brought back to his hometown after 83 years and welcomed with a ceremony.
Arrival and welcoming ceremony for the remains
The remains of the U.S. airman who lost his life during World War II arrived at Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport on Friday. The memory of our Maryland pilot was honored with a welcoming ceremony.
The 1943 crash incident
U.S. Army Air Forces First Lieutenant Walter Bateman was only 22 years old when he piloted a B-24D Liberator bomber. It was stated that the plane was shot down on August 16, 1943, during a mission targeting enemy airfields in Foggia, Italy. Officials stated that none of the 10 crew members on board survived.
Identification and funeral
Pilot Bateman's remains were successfully identified earlier this year by the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Following the return of the remains to his hometown, it was noted that he will be laid to rest on September 6 at the Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in the city of Joppa, Maryland.