Remains of WWII Butte Soldier To Return Home This Wednesday

A long overdue homecoming is set to take place here in Butte this week as Army Private Henry David Bordner is set to return more that eight decades after his death during World War II.

Private Bordner, born December 17, 1917 in Butte, was captured by Japanese forces during the early days of the war and endured the brutal Bataan Death March.  He later died on October 20, 1942, while held at the Cabanatuan Prisoner Camp, where he was buried in a mass grave.

For decades, Private Bordner's fate remained unresolved.  That all changed on April 2, 2025, when the Defense Department's POW/MIA Accounting Agency officially identified his remains through DNA and isotope testing, circumstantial evidence and anthropological analysis.  His identification brings long-awaited closure to his family, his story and to the community he left behind so many years ago.

Now, Butte residents will have an opportunity to honor one of their own.  Pvt. Bordner's remains are scheduled to arrive Wednesday, April 15th, between 3pm and 8pm.  An honor line will be organized along Airport Road, with the public encouraged to gather as the military aircraft approaches.

Tom Goyette of the United Veterans Council Honor Guard noted that community members may also line Harrison Avenue if they see a large military aircraft arriving during that time window.

Final services will follow on Friday, April 17th with interment at Mountain View Cemetery around noon.  Private Bordner's ceremony will include full military honors, marking a solemn but significant moment.

After more than 80 years, Pvt. Bordner is finally coming home.