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TELL CITY, Ind.–A man who was shot down during the largest air operation of World War II is finally home. The body of Private First Class Clifford M. Mills arrived in Louisville last night, where it was escorted to the state line by the Kentucky Patriot Guard. The Indiana State Police then escorted his body to Tell City.

Mills’ remains were ID’d in January through DNA and dental records. 

“Not just this veteran, but all veterans. They deserve as much as we can give them in honoring their service to our country,” said Thomas Baker, a leader with the Kentucky Patriot Guard, talking to WAVE 3 TV.

Mills was shot down in 1944 over the Netherlands, as part of Operation: Market Garden. His body was thought lost and he was listed as missing in action. The remains that were buried in an American cemetery in Belgium weren’t identified until January.

Mills will be buried next to his wife in Tell City. She died never knowing what became of him.

PHOTO: PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW /Getty Images