Montana Fallen Soldier Finally Arrives Home – 80 Years Later

I am incredibly fortunate to have family, relatives and friends who have all served their country in some way through the years.  Whether a grandfather in Korea, an uncle in the Vietnam war, or a father in the Montana National Guard, I am also fortunate that they all returned safely from their service.

via GIPHY

That isn't always the case, but with new advancements in forensic science, fallen unknown soldiers are finding their way home to families that have been searching for answers over years or even decades of mourning.  One of those newly identified soldiers is finally making a return to Montana.

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Montana Fallen Soldier Finally Arrives Home - 80 Years Later

Through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, U.S. Army Pvt. Harry David Bordner was brought home to Butte, Montana on April 15th, 2026.  Montana National Guard Airmen from the 120th Airlift Wing helped to carry out the C‑130H mission to return the remains to Bordner's hometown.

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Bordner served in World War II and was a member of the 194th Tank Battalion.  He even survived the Bataan Death March but would perish in captivity later during the war.  He had been interred as an unknown through the decades.  His remains were identified in 2025.

Soldier Receives Full Honors Upon Arrival at Airport in Butte

As part of the mission, the Montana National Guard Funeral Honors Team received the soldier and transferred them with the "full honors he earned through his service and sacrifice" to his country.  A Casualty Assistance Officer was also on hand supporting the Bordner family throughout the process.

To express just how important the mission was to the MAG and the family, Col. John Salotti, 120th Operations Group commander, said of the operation that "This mission represents something bigger than a single flight. It reflects our nation’s unwavering commitment to never leave a service member behind.”