Kentucky State Police Escort Vietnam War Airman’s Remains Home to Berea After 57 Years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than five decades after he was declared missing in action, the remains of U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Henry Gerald Gish have finally returned home to Kentucky, where he was laid to rest in Berea with full military honors.

Remains Escorted to Berea

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) provided an escort as SSG Gish’s remains arrived at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Thursday morning. A solemn procession of troopers and law enforcement officers accompanied him to Berea, where family and community members gathered to honor his sacrifice.

A Life Lost in the Vietnam War

In March 1968, Gish was assigned to a classified radar site in Laos during the Vietnam War. He and 10 other Americans were killed when their position was overrun by Vietnamese commandos.

For decades, Gish was listed as missing in action, with his fate uncertain. His family lived for years with unanswered questions about what had happened.

Discovery and Identification

Recent efforts to locate and identify the remains of U.S. servicemembers led to the recovery of Gish’s remains. After extensive examination, they were positively identified and prepared for return to Kentucky.

Honored With Full Military Tribute

Upon arrival in Berea, Gish received a full military tribute, reflecting the nation’s gratitude for his service and sacrifice. Family, veterans, and community members paid their respects to a soldier who gave his life more than 57 years ago in defense of his country.

The homecoming of SSG Henry Gerald Gish brings long-awaited closure to his family and ensures his sacrifice in the Vietnam War will never be forgotten. For more Kentucky community and veterans’ stories, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.