Belton's Heartfelt Homecoming: Long-Lost Hero of World War II

Photo byJAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

A long-lost hero is coming home. Tech. Sgt. Turner Y. Johnston, a brave World War II soldier, is finally finding his resting place in North Belton Cemetery this Saturday. The Dossman Funeral Home in Belton will be conducting a touching graveside service to honor his memory.

Turner Y. Johnston hailed from Loraine, Texas, and served as an engineer-gunner in the U.S. Army Air Forces, specifically with the 415th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), part of the 9th Air Force.

Johnston's story is one of courage and sacrifice. He was on board a B-24 Liberator bomber during a daring mission called Operation TIDAL WAVE. It was the largest bombing mission aimed at the enemy's oil fields and refineries in Ploiesti, near Bucharest, Romania. However, on August 1, 1943, their plane was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire, and it tragically crashed.

For decades, Johnston's remains remained unidentified. Those who couldn't be recognized were laid to rest as unknown soldiers in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiesti, Romania. He was just 21 years old.

But the story doesn't end there. After the war, efforts were made to identify all American service members. Over 80 unknown soldiers couldn't be named and were given a final resting place at the Ardennes American Cemetery and Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium.

In 2017, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) began a mission to bring closure to the families of those who didn't return. Unknown soldiers believed to be associated with the Operation TIDAL WAVE losses were exhumed and sent to the DPAA Laboratory in Nebraska for examination and identification.

Tech. Sgt. Turner Y. Johnston's identity was confirmed by the DPAA. Using advanced scientific methods, including DNA analysis, they pieced together his story, finally giving this hero the recognition he deserved.

Today, Turner Y. Johnston's name is etched on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery in Italy, a place dedicated to those still missing from World War II. To mark this momentous occasion, a rosette will be placed next to his name, signifying that he has been found.

This heartwarming reunion of a fallen hero with his homeland is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers in the name of freedom. Turner Y. Johnston's journey has come full circle, and his memory will forever live on.