'Bringing family home': Butte welcomes home Pvt. Harry Bordner, POW who died in WWII

While the cold winds blew near the Bert Mooney Airport early Wednesday evening, dozens of people stood watch on Airport Road.

Despite the drop in temperature and sudden wind gusts, they were not going anywhere.

The remains of Army Pvt. Henry “Harry” Bordner, a World War II prisoner of war, were set to arrive aboard a military transport plane from McChord Air Force Base in Washington.

Nearby, a 15-member military honor guard stood quietly at attention.

More people lined up their vehicles on Harrison Avenue. They, too, were waiting.

All were there to complete a mission — Butte takes care of its own.

Pvt. Bordner, 24, survived the infamous Bataan Death March, an act of extreme cruelty by the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II, only to die on Oct. 20, 1942, in a Japanese POW camp and be buried in a mass grave.

His remains, marked unknown, were later interred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. Last year, Bordner's remains were positively identified and word reached Butte that he was, at long last, coming home.

Before the transport plane landed, firefighters from Butte-Silver Bow, along with all the nearby volunteer departments, lined their trucks side by side, their lights flashing.

“We are here to welcome him home,” said Ed Fisher of the Boulevard Volunteer Fire Department.

In front of the trucks, firefighters’ uniforms were placed.

A spokesperson with the Atherton Volunteers said it is a tradition that when one of their own dies, the uniform is prominently displayed.

Although Bordner was never a firefighter, the uniforms were placed out of respect for the WWII private and as a representation of their unwavering gratitude.

B-SB Sheriff Ed Lester said it was an honor to have his officers assist in the escort for Pvt. Bordner.

“We all need to take time to understand the tremendous sacrifice that was made by our Greatest Generation,” said Sheriff Lester. “That generation literally saved the world.”

Officer Jorey Thatcher said he was absolutely honored to assist in the escort.

“It’s amazing that all the veterans and first responders are here to make sure Pvt. Bordner’s service does not go unrecognized,” said Thatcher.

Bill Holton has been down this path before.

His brother, Air Force Capt. Robert Holton, was killed in 1972 when his fighter jet was shot down during the Vietnam War. Forty-five years later, the pilot’s remains were retrieved and brought home to Butte.

As the wind whistled, Holton said he needed to come and honor Pvt. Bordner and all the men and women who were killed in action or remain missing in action.

“I just wish they could all come home,” said Holton.

Tom Goyette with the United Veterans Council said it was important that the military honor guard be in attendance.

“We are bringing family home,” said Goyette.

Mike Lawson of the Southwest Detachment Marine Corps League 724 said he and his fellow veterans came to the airport out of respect for Pvt. Bordner and to say thank you.

“We got to honor our veterans,” said Lawson, “especially our POWs.”

A public visitation for Pvt. Bordner will be held Friday at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 2100 Farragut Ave., from 10:30 to 11 a.m. A procession will follow at noon, along with a graveside service at 12:15 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, 3910 Harrison Ave., in which Pvt. Bordner will be interred with full military honors.