The remains of a soldier from Western North Carolina who died while fighting in World War II, are set to be returned. The remains of Staff Sergeant Charles Ray Smith from Henderson County are set to arrive at GSP airport, later this week.
Smith was listed as missing in action in 1943 after flying in a combat mission in Italy. Smith's remains and others from his squadron were later found in Italy and were buried in a cemetery there.
Smith's remains were exhumed a few years ago and he was officially identified earlier this year. Smith's remains are set to arrive, Friday night which will bring him back home more than 8 decades later.
