WWII Hero Pvt. William E. Calkins Finally Returns Home to Oregon with Military Honors

The remains of World War II U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins were brought home to his Oregon relatives with planeside honors Sept. 6.Photo byOregon Department of Military Affairs

By Kristy Tallman, September 7, 2024

PORTLAND, OR – After nearly 80 years, the remains of U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins, who served in World War II, were brought home to Oregon on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The repatriation ceremony took place with planeside honors at Portland International Airport, where his Oregon relatives received him.

The remains of WWII U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins were returned to his Oregon family with planeside honors on Sept. 6, 2024.Photo byOregon Department of Military Affairs

Pvt. Calkins will be laid to rest with full military honors on Sept. 13, 2024, at noon at Fir Lawn Memorial Park in Hillsboro, Oregon. The ceremony represents the final chapter of Pvt. Calkins' long journey home, honoring his service and ultimate sacrifice for his country.

WWII U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins' remains were returned to his Oregon family with planeside honors on Sept. 6, 2024.Photo byOregon Department of Military Affairs

Pvt. Calkins served during World War II, and his remains were recently identified through the tireless work of the U.S. military's repatriation efforts. The Oregon National Guard was present to render honors at the airport as his remains were returned to his family.

WWII U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins' remains were returned to his Oregon family with planeside honors on Sept. 6, 2024.Photo byOregon Department of Military Affairs

For more details, a video of the repatriation ceremony:

If you've enjoyed this article, please consider: Buying Me a Coffee, I am an Independent Journalist traipsing through the censorship to bring you the best local, state, and national news stories available.

By Kristy Tallman, September 7, 2024

The Republic News

If you have a news story or video you'd like shared, email kristy.tallman@therepublicheadlines.com.

#WWII #WilliamECalkins #Oregon #Repatriation #MilitaryHonors #Portland #Hillsboro #OregonNationalGuard #FallenSoldier #KristyTallman