A special service for Staff Sergeant (SSgt.) Paul Heggemeier was held on Saturday, Oct. 12.
SSgt. Heggemeier was captured by the Japanese at the Battle of Bataan, which ended on April 9, 1942, and died in a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp in the Philippines on June 29, 1942, although his death was not confirmed until after the war came to an end.
SSgt. Heggemeier, along with numerous other deceased prisoners, had been buried in a mass grave as the war continued. This site was excavated after the war with the remains that could be identified being returned to their families for burial. A graveside service was held for SSgt. Heggemeier on Oct. 15, 1949. More remains were recently identified as SSgt. Heggemier and his remains were disinterred in July. He was then taken to Hawaii where his remains were re-examined. Last week, SSgt. Heggemeier returned to Greenwood County.
Members of the Patriot Guard and military personnel accompanied SSgt. Heggemeier’s remains from Koup Funeral Home in Eureka to Blakely Cemetery in Madison.
SSgt. Heggemeier’s closest living relative is his nephew Bob Kimberlin of Madison. During the service, Kimberlin was presented the American Flag as well as a gift from the Patriot Guard.
