POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Imagine going 75 years without having closure following your sibling's death.

  • Alfred Sandini's remains have been identified
  • His plane went down in 1944 during World War II
  • He will be buried next to his mother in Massachusetts
  • More Polk County headlines

A veteran living in Polk County just recently received notice that his brother's remains had been identified, after he went missing in action during World War II.

John Sandini lives in Winter Haven and served in the war with three of his brothers, including Alfred Sandini.

In February 1944, a telegram came to his home to inform his family Alfred was missing in action. He was an airman and the plane he was in went down.

"I was home on leave when the telegram came saying he was missing in action," said Sandini.

Sandini and his two brothers were drafted, but Alfred enlisted.

"He wanted to fight for the United States," said Sandini.

Alfred's remains were found, but somehow they were never brought home. First they were buried in China, then brought to Hawaii. Last summer they were dug up and sent to a lab.

"They sent me the material to check DNA and put a swab in my mouth," said Sandini.

Sandini's DNA was matched to Alfred's teeth.

"It's amazing. Somehow, somewhere, somebody said to me or my family, 'Hey we’re going to find Alfred,' and they did," said Sandini.

Now Sandini is planning a burial for him. The 93-year-old says he wants him to be buried next to their mother in Massachusetts.

"There's nothing worse than a mother losing a child, no matter how many children they have, and she was quite emotionally rocked after losing one son," said Sandini.

Sandini says his mother always hoped he was a prisoner of war, one day coming home. 

He is relieved he can bring Alfred back to her. The funeral will be held July 20.