After six years of efforts by the family and assistance from Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks), the remains of U.S. Army Air Forces Chief Warrant Officer William J. McMichael, a Boyertown native and World War II POW/MIA, have been returned home.
Maloney described the long process, saying, “The search for answers as to the location and cause of death of U.S. Army Air Forces Chief Warrant Officer William J. McMichael were begun by his wife almost immediately after she was informed of his Prisoner of War (POW) status during WWII.”
He explained that he became involved when McMichael’s sister, Audrey McMichael, contacted his office in Boyertown about six years ago after continuing her sister-in-law’s quest for information. Maloney stated, “Audrey McMichael shared with us the story of her brother, William McMichael, who was distinguished with a Purple Heart, and remained persistent in her wish that his remains could be identified. Over the years, our office has assisted with contacting various federal agencies in requesting updates on the investigation of William’s death and the whereabouts of his remains. I also provided her with four POW-MIA Flags after she read of my POW-MIA flag law in one of my newsletters.”
William’s remains arrived at Catagnus Funeral Home this week. According to Maloney: “At the family’s request William’s remains will be interred Oct. 7 in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Catagnus Funeral Home will coordinate graveside services preceding the interment. For more information on this ceremony, please contact the funeral home at 610-367-4441.”
Further details revealed that McMichael was originally from Boyertown and had re-enlisted after previously serving seven years before being stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He was captured after Gen. Douglas MacArthur left and survived both capture and participation in the Bataan Death March.
Maloney recounted what followed: “What happened next was hell – after two-and-a-half years in a prison camp, he was placed aboard a Japanese ship with other POWs to be sent back to Japan. That ship was bombed by a U.S. carrier-based aircraft and all POWs were lost to the bottom of Subic Bay. When portions of leg bones were found on the ocean floor and matched William’s DNA, the search was finally over.”
Maloney also drew a personal connection: “At this same time, my uncle, also stationed in the Philippines, escaped the death march and went into the jungle to fight behind enemy lines. Not too many years ago, his remains were brought back and buried in Arlington Cemetery. I understand what having that closure means.”
Members of Berks County Vietnam Veterans as well as cadets from Boyertown School District’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps joined community members at Catagnus Funeral Home to honor McMichael upon arrival.
