Photos

Retired Col. Elwin B. Hart presents the flag to Pfc. Elmer L. Mathies’ sister Mary Jo during a memorial service held for Mathies in Hereford, Texas, May 28, 2016. Hart was Mathies’ platoon sergeant during his service in World War II. Mathies was killed in action during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. His remains were found and recovered on the island in 2015 by the nonprofit organization History Flight, which is dedicated to preserving and honoring World War II, Vietnam and Gulf War combat veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Ramirez/ Released)