DNA testing identifies WWII Marine after 80 years; returns home to 94-year-old Bay Area niece

Marine Pfc. Helmut Fred Behlert, killed in action during World War II at age 27, was finally identified after 80 years using advanced DNA technology. His remains had been moved to Hawaii without a known identity. Family DNA efforts began after a column about identifying missing American service members prompted a DNA submission by Green’s brother. In December, the Marines notified Green that “Uncle Helm” had been found and identified. His remains returned to the Bay Area in time for Memorial Day, and he was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno with full military honors. Family members and local leaders gathered to honor his service and sacrifice.

"Marine Pfc. Helmut Fred Behlert was buried with full military honors at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno. Ninety-four-year-old Ruth Green of El Sobrante said it felt like a miracle. The remains of her beloved “Uncle Helm” returned home just in time for Memorial Day. “Everything is just fitting into place. I guess there is a reason for everything, you know,” Green said."

"For 80 years, Behlert's remains were unidentified. They were moved to Hawaii, but no one knew who they belonged to. In 2001, Green's sister-in-law read a column by advice columnist Ann Landers about efforts to identify missing American service members through family DNA. Green's brother submitted a DNA sample."

"Last December, nearly 25 years later, Green received a call from the Marines that the remains of “Uncle Helm” had been found and identified. “That was amazing. At first, we thought it was a scam. I could not believe it,” Green said. Behlert's remains returned home last Thursday. Green was at San Francisco International Airport for the emotional homecoming."

"Green, her family, veterans' groups and local leaders gathered to remember Behlert's service and sacrifice and to honor his heroic actions. Behlert was killed in action during World War II at age 27. “I am proud of my uncle for his service and making our country safe so that we have a good place to live. It means a lot to me that he was willing to do that for his country,” Green said."

Read at ABC7 San Francisco