After more than 70 years, the remains of World War II veteran Herbert W. Harms are returning to his hometown of Rutland.
According to a press release issued by the Illinois State Police, Harms has been listed as "killed in action" since 1944. He served as a B-17 tail gunner assigned with the 569th Bombardment Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group, 13th Combat Bombardment Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th Air Force.
The family made a promise: "When Herb is found, please bring him home, to be buried in the family plot."
On Aug. 16, 1944, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft artillery during an oil refinery bombing mission to Zeitz, Germany. The bomber, named the Dottie III - Green Banana crashed just outside the village of Cauerwitz, Germany. Eight of the nine crew member safely bailed out and were captured and held as prisoners. Harms did not survive the crash.
Harms was born on Oct. 4, 1915, in Rutland, to Harm G. and Edna Harms. He had six brothers; Warren, Elmer, Willard, Albert, Ralph, and Walter; and five sisters Leora, Louise, Myra, Wilma and Wahneta. Being the third oldest boy, he was known as the adventurer, according to the press release.
Harms is survived by his sister, Wahneta Hacker (Carl) and generations of nieces, nephews.
After graduating from Rutland High School in 1933, he completed a two year teacher's course at Illinois State University. Harms hitchhiked to Texas for work and eventually spent time in California. He mad his way to Alaska, hunting and working a gold claim. The fox furs he gave to his mother still remain in the family.
The Harms family extended a thanks to Chris Unitt, of England, for his diligent and continued research helping making it possible to get Harms identified.
A visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk. A military graveside service will follow immediately after, at the Rutland Cemetery.
A charitable donation can be made to Rutland American Legion (Attn: Richard Rossman...c/o P.O. Box 555, Toluca, IL 61367) or the Rutland Cemetery Association (Attn: Christ y Kline..c/o 302 S. Hickory, Dana, IL).