'It's very amazing': WWII paratrooper's remains returned home 75 years later

Mills, who died on September 18, 1944, during World War II, was buried in a cemetery for unknown soldiers in the Netherlands, until last week when, members of the 82nd Airborne Division joined his family in Troy, Indiana, to give him a full military burial.

Mills was a member of the 319th 82nd Airborne Division Glider unit. His glider crashed in Germany behind enemy lines.

Nowy Van Hedel, a Dutch researcher, adopted Mills' gravesite 12 years ago. During that time, he did everything he could to try to identify the soldier. In 2017, Van Hedel presented some findings to the U.S. military. That information and DNA testing helped to identify Mills and return him to his family.

Van Hedel was present for Mills’ return to the United States.

"It's like a piece of closure for me, but you also feel the pain because it's a funeral," Van Hedel said. "Even though he died 75 years ago for our freedom ... yeah, it means a lot to me."

Kelly Mudd, Mills' niece, was also on hand.

"We did not get into Troy until about 11 p.m., and there were people on the streets with flags and saluting," Mudd said. "It was just ... I don't know the words for it. It was very amazing."

Mills' niece says the event has brought her community together. She was overwhelmed by the support her family received and hopes other families of those missing in action get the same closure.

"I think it is very important that we bring home everyone that we can," Mudd said.

Mills' final resting place is beside his wife in his hometown.