Army Pvt. Horace H. Middleton, a World War II hero, returned to Milton after almost 79 years.

Middle School and High School Librarian and Enrichment Teacher Ms. Natalie Myers-Easton said that Mr. Middleton enlisted in the U.S. Army after turning 18. When he enlisted, he missed his graduation at Northumberland High School in 1943, and his mother accepted his diploma for him, said Ms. Myers-Easton.

She added that his family was originally from Milton, but later moved to Northumberland.

According to Freshman Aaron Parker, the funeral procession paused at Mr. Middleton’s old house in Northumberland on his way back to Milton.

“Northumberland American Legion was in front of his house saluting the procession, in addition to neighbors and community members,” said Ms. Myers-Easton.

Mr. Middleton’s remains were identified in 2019 using DNA testing. She added that his return home was delayed because of the pandemic.

“At his first original temporary grave site, his remains were found under two Japanese soldiers.  He was later buried in numerous locations including the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu,” said Ms. Myers-Easton.

“Middleton was an infantryman that was reported to be killed July 12, 1944, during a siege of Myitkyina, Burma, two months after the Americans took an airfield from the Japanese,” she added.

Aaron said that Ms. Myers-Easton informed him of Mr. Middleton’s return, adding tha

t he is making a video in his memory for an enrichment project. He said that the video will be available on the school’s YouTube page when it is completed.

“There were tons of people who had flags up,” Aaron said. He added that Mr. Middleton’s return was celebrated by many.

Mr. John Bower, who is “a well-known historian in our area,” organized Mr. Middleton’s return, according to Ms. Myers-Easton. She added that he is Mr. Middleton’s distant cousin.