FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Missing in action for 66 years, 2nd Lt. Dewey Foster, a World War II pilot, is finally home with his family. Foster was laid to rest with full military honors on Feb. 22 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
"I almost didn't answer the phone," said Mary Flowers, Foster's sister. "But I saw that the call was coming from the U.S. government. They started asking me all kinds of questions, so I said, 'why are you asking me all these questions,' then they told me. I was thrilled to death."
Flowers, now 81 years old, said she was 15 years old the last time she saw her brother. He was 23 years old. Foster was born in Oklahoma but lived most of his life in Texas.
"It is just wonderful to bring him home, just wonderful," Flowers said.
According to military records, Foster, with the U.S. Army Air Forces, 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, was lost April 11, 1944, while on an escort mission in his P-47 D Thunderbolt aircraft northwest of Dumpu, Papua New Guinea. His remains were identified Nov. 2, 2010.
Among his remains were his military identification bracelet, a ring and other personal items.
"I never met my uncle but I always saw pictures of him," said Foster's niece, Amanda Kuykendall. "I was on my home from work when my mother called and said the government called and found 'brother' this is what my mother called him, not Dewey, we were so excited."
Amanda said her uncle was on a mission when he turned his plane around because of mechanical problems, but he was never seen again.
"We never gave up hope. The military has done a wonderful job," Kuykendall said. "We are happy for my mom. She knows what happened to him."
The family credits Joint Prisoners of War, Missing In Action Accounting Command whose mission is to account for U.S. military men and women who are missing from past wars and conflicts. Their motto is "Until They Come Home."
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