WWII prisoner of war laid to rest in Southern California after 82 years

A 26-year-old United States Army Air Force Private First Class who died 82 years ago today while defending his country during World War II was finally brought home and laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery.  

Charles Powers, who hailed from Riverside, was a member of the 28^th Material Squadron 20^th Air Force Base group in 1941.  

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands where Powers was stationed. In April of 1942, U.S. forces ultimately surrendered at the Bataan Peninsula.  

Powers was among those forced onto the 65-mile Bataan death march before they were placed in a prisoner of war camp, where he fell ill and died months later. He was buried in a common grave.  

It was through scientific advances all these years later that his remains were returned home this week, so generations of his family could sit before his American flag-draped coffin to honor his legacy and service.  

His namesake and nephew spoke to KTLA’s Shelby Nelson.  

“Finally, we’re representing the family to put him in his final resting place,” Charles Powers, who never got to meet his uncle, said. “He’s never been forgotten to me because my name is Charles. I was named after him.”  

The two were connected through DNA after his uncle’s remains were recovered in Manila among many other fallen soldiers.  

“I’m grateful for them and their service,” the younger Powers explained. “I think they can understand this more because it’s about not being forgotten.”  

While his burial brings closure to many of his descendants, family and supporters said they hope the ultimate sacrifice he made can help unify us all during a time of division.