(WWJ) After more than 70 years, the remains of a U.S. Army Sergeant from the Detroit area were returned home.
Sergeant Jesse Hill’s family shed tears as his casket arrived at Detroit Metro Airport Tuesday.
Delta Airlines gave him a hero’s welcome.
“They gave the plane the spray with the firetrucks, one on each side. As it approached the gate, they sprayed over it which is one of the highest honors they give. Delta had an honor guard there. Being there, was such a gracious day.” Sgt. Hill’s brother, Tom Hill, told WWJ.
He was taken to Desmond and Sons funeral home in Troy.
Sgt. Hill's remains were found in May 2020, but his homecoming delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to his family.
Hill, only a young child when his big brother disappeared, said he prayed to be reunited with him one day.
“I knew it would come. I didn’t know when. I just prayed for it to come sooner than later. But I did have a feeling it would come," Hill said.
His parents died without knowing what happened to their son.
"I could just see my Mom and Dad there," Hill told WWJ. "Because they yearned for him to come home, one way or another, and they never got the satisfaction of knowing what we know today. But I'm sure they know now. And I'm sure he is up in Heaven with them."
Sgt. Hill, born in Highland Park, was known to his loved ones as “Johnny.” He was only 20 when he died.
According to the Korean War Project, Sgt. Hill was deemed missing in action (MIA) after fighting in North Korea near the Chosin Reservoir, a man-made lake, in the winter of 1950.
He was presumed dead three years later.
WDIV-ClickonDetroit reported Hill received the call last year from the army, only one day after his birthday, that his brother had been found. His body was identified through DNA technology, according to WDIV.
Sgt. Hill will be laid to rest on Friday at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Five of the thirteen Hill siblings will be there to say goodbye to their brother.
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