A military and funeral honors team loads the flag-draped coffin containing the remains of Illinois Army National Guard Pfc. Harry Jerele into a hearse at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago Oct. 1, 2024. Jerele was a World War II prisoner of war who died in captivity in 1943.
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CHICAGO – Illinois Army National Guard Pfc. Harry Jerele of Berkeley, Illinois, is finally home, nearly 84 years after Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion, based in Maywood, was activated for federal service on Nov. 25, 1940.
The flag-draped coffin containing his remains arrived Oct. 1 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport aboard American Airlines Flight 2412.
A Military Funeral and Honors team conducted the dignified transfer of remains from the airline to a hearse from Russo’s Hillside Chapels.
Among those awaiting his arrival were his niece, Rosemarie Dillon of Chicago, who was 5 years old when Jerele went overseas, and her daughter, Illinois National Guard veteran Sharon Nakamua. Maj. Karen Hernandez, the 108th Medical Battalion’s force health protection officer, represented the Illinois National Guard.
“It is an honor to represent the Illinois National Guard at Pfc. Jerele’s homecoming,” Hernandez said. “He has an incredible story, and to be able to represent the Illinois National Guard when he is reunited with his family is incredible.“
Jerele was a World War II prisoner of war who died in captivity in 1943 at the age of 26. His remains were identified Dec. 20, using anthropological analysis, circumstantial evidence and mitochondrial DNA analysis.
The family was overwhelmed with emotions as Jerele’s remains were transported from the aircraft to the hearse.
“It is exciting to have him home after all these years,” Dillon said. “I’m just sad my mother, his sister, and his mother were not here to witness his return.”
Visitation at Russo’s Hillside Chapels is Oct. 3 from 4-7 p.m., with burial with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
