Oklahoma Airman Buried 68 Years Later

NewsOn6.com & Lacie Lowry, News On 6

WETUMKA, Oklahoma -- A funeral service 68 years overdue finally happened Friday in Wetumka.

Staff Sergeant Glenn Webb was remembered as a young hero during World War II.

Webb was the co-pilot of a C-47 that was struck by enemy fire and crashed in New Guinea in October of 1942.  The plane was dropping supplies to ground troops when it was hit.

Webb, only 20 years old when he died, had only had his pilots license for four months.  His remains weren't found and identified until decades later.

"Today is just a very important day," Teresa Weisinger, Webb's niece, said.  "It's closure to our family after 68 years. We've waited so long to bring our uncle home."

Webb is survived by six nieces, a nephew, and numerous cousins. 

"The definition in Websters of a hero is one that is much admired or shows great courage," said Tim Webb, Glenn's nephew.  "And to me Glenn optimizes that definition."

Webb never married or had any children. But his short life and immense sacrifice was the legacy he left behind.

"He fought for our country, he's part of our freedom that we have today and I think that's how he needs to be remembered.

Webb was buried in a family plot in Wetumka Cemetery.