A Place to Rest

WWII MIA Returns Home to North Olmsted’s Sunset Memorial Park

Almost 80 years to the day, World War II Air Force 1st Lt. George Reuter, MIA, came home.

He arrived at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted where he was laid to rest with full military honors on Saturday, July 29.

“Bud was killed Aug. 1, 1943, in Romania when his B-24 plane was shot down,” Sunset Chapel Funeral Director Kate Hathaway reports.

“He was on a mission in Operation Tidal Wave. Their goal was to bomb the oil refineries. That way, it would damage the economy and help with the war efforts.”

The refineries, located in Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania, accounted for about one-third of Axis power oil needs during the war. They were known as “Hitler’s Gas Station.”

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced in January that U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. George J. Reuter, 25, killed during World War II, was accounted for Jan. 10, 2023.

In the summer of 1943, Reuter had been assigned to the 328th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force.

On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator aircraft on which Reuter was serving as the navigator was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation TIDAL WAVE, the largest bombing mission against the oil fields and refineries at Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania. His remains were not identified following the war. The remains that could not be identified were buried as Unknowns in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiesti, Prahova, Romania.

Almost exactly 80 years later, he returned “home” to North Olmsted where he was interred on July 29 near the resting places of his parents and other family members.

Reuters remains arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport about a week before the services.

“I drove the hearse to the airport the day Lt. Reuter came home,” said Kate Hathaway, Funeral Director, Sunset Chapel. “It was something I will likely never have the opportunity to repeat.

“The active-duty Army soldiers brought him off of the plane in the most respectful fashion, and placed the casket in the hearse.

“The family was able to join us for that brief ceremonial event. We returned to the funeral home and were able to open the casket.

“A replica of the 1943 Army Air Corps uniform was neatly pinned to the casket. The sight I cannot describe in words, other than the chills that were felt throughout the room”

Hundreds joined in the day of the services as the life and service of Lt. Reuter was recognized.

Military honors by the United States Army were followed by presentations from the Ohio Governor’s office, North Olmsted Mayor’s office, 93rd Bombardment Group, Patriot Guard Riders of Ohio and the 93rd Bomb Group Association. The Rev. Robin Dillon of Lakewood United Methodist Church eulogized Reuter and an honor plaque was presented by VFW Ohio Chairman Ralph Reynolds and Commander Colleen Whiley.

Betty Moore, Reuter’s niece, oldest living relative and oldest relative alive at the time of Reuter’s death, said, “My mother was 102 years old and until her day of passing she was anxiously awaiting her brother Bud’s return.

“We can’t put into words how glad we are that he has finally returned home. Evelyn Reuter Drummond passed away in 2018 never having the closure that we have today. I appreciate Sunset and our Military so much for their hard work and dedication to my uncle.”

“This is more than we were ever expecting to experience. It is everything he deserves,” added Betty’s husband, Allen Moore.

“I had the tremendous honor of working with the Reuter family as their funeral director,” said Hathaway. “We planned for months his homecoming and how they wanted to honor his life and service.

“So much hard work went into coordinating the service on July 29th. Sue Mertus (Family Service Advisor at Sunset Cemetery) reached out to several local businesses and restaurants to help the family make their travel from Georgia to Ohio easier. So many places were more than willing to donate not only to the family but for the service as well.

“People from all over Ohio called in prior to the service wanting to be involved, some as speakers others as observers.

“The family wanted us to stress that all are welcome, especially veterans.

“Our local VFW’s played a large part in the service, even though not all were participating in the service aspect, their presence spoke volumes.

The service was held right beside the gravesite of Reuter’s parents, per request of the family.

“They believe in a way, his parents’ were there on Saturday, at least in spirit,” said Hathaway. “They never got to see their son come home nor have a memorial for him.

“Now, all these years later, hundreds of strangers came to recognize his life and death. He is joined at our cemetery with his parents, brothers, sister, nephews, and other extended family members.

“It was a wonderful day to honor the life and service of Mr. George “Bud” Reuter. After 80 years, he is finally home and reunited with his family.”

(Ed.note: To learn more about Lt.Reuter’s service, search Operation Tidal Wave on You Tube).

Photos courtesy of H-6 Photo, www.facebook.com/H6Photo/