PRINCETON, W. Va. (WVVA) – A local World War II soldier is getting the homecoming he deserves after making the ultimate sacrifice in France nearly eighty years ago.

Private First Class Mose Vance was reported missing and presumed dead on January 11, 1945. His mother sent letters to the Army in an attempt to locate her son’s remains, but died without receiving a final letter.

However, thanks to Vance’s family members, his remains were identified and returned. A memorial service was held on Saturday to honor his sacrifice.

Although some of the surviving family members were unable to attend the funeral due to their age, it was well attended by many younger descendants. One of those present was Norman Vance, Mose Vance’s great-nephew. Norman Vance traveled from Tennessee to be present at this final farewell, as he was one of the family members who had a DNA sample taken to identify Mose Vance’s remains.

“He gave his life for our country and our freedom. To have them lie there, I felt he needed to return to our soil, and I agreed with anything the government could do to make that happen, so I did my part,” Norman Vance said.

William “Chester” Ball, Mose Vance’s nephew and a family member who was instrumental in his homecoming, says this moment brings mixed emotions as so many family members have died without their loved ones returning. However, it is also a happy time for the family as they can reconnect this McDowell County native with the land he loved.

“…He missed home so much. When he wrote, he always talked about home, how much he missed the people at home, how much he missed the place where he was born and raised. If it meant that much to him, it means just as much to us,” says Ball.

Vance will be buried on Bradshaw Mountain between the parents he missed so much. Ball thanks everyone who helped bring this hero home.

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