Evergreen native killed during D-Day finally returns home
CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY)– After more decades of being pronounced dead, one Columbus County native is finally buried right next to his family.
On Saturday, Evergreen native William Burns was buried at Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery with full military honors after dying aboard the USS Glennon off the coast of Normandy on June 8, 1944.
During the D-Day invasion, the ship struck a sea mine, though the exact cause of Burns’ death remains unknown.
For years, the bodies recovered from the ship could not be identified. But thanks to advances in technology, Burns’ DNA was identified, allowing his remains to finally be returned home.
Harold Covington, Burns’ nephew, became emotional while receiving the flag honoring his uncle.
He says what brings him the most comfort is knowing Burns is finally reunited with his mother.
“I’m just thankful that his body made it back home and that his mother was finally able to have him returned to her,” Covington said. “She was finally able to accept it before she passed away.”
“I think losing him caused her to leave us early,” he added. “I know she wanted to be with him, and I know she was with him today.”
Burns lays right to his mother alongside other family members.
