WWII Soldier returns to Taunton, buried 74 years later

By: Scott Cook

Email: scook@abc6.com

Twitter: @JScottCook

TAUNTON, M.A. (WLNE) — A World War II veteran, shot and killed in action in Germany, finally made his way home and was laid to rest in Taunton Thursday.

Technical Sergeant, John Brady, was shot down in 1944, never to return home to his wife and newborn son, until now.

Thursday morning, a procession was held in Taunton with dozens of local people, most of them strangers, lining the streets to pay respect to Technical Sergeant Brady.

"Bringing him home, it’s an opportunity to honor another great American who joined our armed services and defended our country,” said Bill Ivey, who came out to pay his respects.

"It doesn’t matter what service, how long they served, it’s the camaraderie, the brotherhood, and the outright respect everyone who made the ultimate sacrifice deserves," said National Guardsman Specialist, Jose Rodrigues, who also showed up to pay his respects.

Sgt. Brady was killed in action in Germany in 1944, leaving behind his wife and newborn son.

Recently his remains were found on a German farm, and DNA tests concluded they belonged to Sgt. Brady.

"It’s immense joy,” said Brady’s son, Michael. “Nobody ever expected this would happen."

73-year-old, Michael Brady, who was just 2 months old when his father was killed, was on hand for the procession and burial.

"I’m beyond words,” the younger Brady said. “It’s so wonderful. It’s not a time of sadness. It’s a time of closure for the family. I’m just glad I lived long enough to see it happen."

Following the procession, Sgt. Brady was laid to his final resting place at Saint Francis Old Cemetery.

He was buried with his parents on what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018