An Iowa soldier who disappeared during World War II is being buried in eastern Iowa today and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags be flown at half-staff today in his honor.

Private Laurel Ebert of Blairstown disappeared after nine soldiers went on a mission to silence a Japanese machine gun in what is now Papua New Guinea. Ebert was one of six soldiers who did not return. The date was November 26, 1942. Ebert was listed as missing in action. In January of 1943, his remains were found and interred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. However, they were not able to be identified until this July, thanks to new technology.

A memorial service for Private Ebert is being held at 10 a.m. this morning at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown. He'll be buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery south of Blairstown with full military honors. The United States Army will conduct military rites.

Iowa National Guard
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
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