Remains of World War II veteran identified, returned home after 82 years

LYNN, Mass. (CNN) - After more than eight decades, the remains of a World War II veteran are finally home.

Pvt. Joseph Gala was laid to rest in Lynn, Massachusetts, on Thursday.

Gala, who was 21 when he died, entered the military in 1943 and was killed in action the following year in Burma.

His remains were classified as missing in action and remained that way for 82 years. However, DNA advancement helped officials identify his remains.

“And our family, mother, aunt, uncles, grandparents, I know they’re really happy,” Rose DiGregory, Gala’s niece, said.

A ceremony with full military honors was held in the World War II section of Pine Grove Cemetery.