WWII Aviator from Beaumont Returning Home After 80 Years

The remains of 2nd Lt. Frank Alfred Johnstone, killed in action in 1945, are finally being escorted back to Beaumont, Texas.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The remains of U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Frank Alfred Johnstone, a WWII hero from Beaumont, Texas, who was killed in action in 1945, are being returned to his hometown after 80 years. Johnstone's remains were recently identified through DNA analysis by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) following years of fieldwork and excavations at the crash site in Austria.

Why it matters

Johnstone's homecoming marks a significant moment for the Beaumont community, providing closure and honoring the sacrifice of a local war hero who was killed in action over 80 years ago. The identification of his remains through modern forensic techniques also highlights the ongoing efforts to account for and repatriate missing service members from past conflicts.

The details

On February 25, 1945, Johnstone's B-24 Liberator was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near Großraming, Austria, while on a bombing mission. Of the 12-man crew, nine parachuted to safety, but Johnstone was among the three who did not survive. After years of investigation and excavation at the crash site, Johnstone's remains were officially identified by the DPAA on February 6, 2025.

  • On February 25, 1945, Johnstone's B-24 Liberator crashed near Großraming, Austria.
  • In August 2013, a DPAA predecessor organization investigated the crash site.
  • Excavations were conducted by partner teams from the University of Maryland and the University of Vienna in 2017 and 2018.
  • Johnstone's remains were officially identified by the DPAA on February 6, 2025.
  • Johnstone's remains are being escorted to Beaumont, Texas, on February 20, 2026.

The players

2nd Lt. Frank Alfred Johnstone

A WWII hero from Beaumont, Texas, who was killed in action in 1945 when his B-24 Liberator was shot down over Austria.

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for identifying and repatriating the remains of missing service members from past conflicts.

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What’s next

Graveside services for 2nd Lt. Frank Alfred Johnstone are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont, Texas.

The takeaway

The identification and repatriation of 2nd Lt. Frank Alfred Johnstone's remains after 80 years highlights the ongoing efforts to account for and honor the sacrifices of missing service members from past conflicts. This homecoming provides closure for the Beaumont community and serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service to their country.