After 78 years on 8 April 2021 at BWI airport The Return Home Dignified Transfer of PFC. Raymond Warren U.S.M.C. Silver Star Recipient

Air Force Veteran Jerry White BWI Security

The Blue Guard ~ Howard County Pipes & Drums
Jack Mitchell, Jessie Vollmerhausen, Dan Coon

TSA Honor Guard for BWI Airport

PFC Raymond Warren was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on November 20, 1943.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Raymond Warren, 21, of Silverdale, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for on June 10, 2019.

American flight #1213 is bringing home PFC Raymond Warren of the United States Marine Corps. PFC Warren was “Killed in Action” on November 20, 1943 in the Battle of Tarawa. The battle took place during World War II on the Island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands in the Pacific Ocean. PFC Warren was 21 years old and was from Silverdale, Kansas.

Mike Dunn BWI Security

Marine Body Bearers stand at the ready for this dignified transfer of PFC Raymond Warren

Escorting home PFC. Raymond Warren was Marine SSGT. Samuel Kennard

Out of respect the planes passengers stay on board the aircraft until after the dignified transfer has taken place.

Hand Salute is call, Mike Dunn BWI Security salutes as the casket bearing the remains of PFC Raymond Warren is lowered down the ramp.

Marine Escort SSGT. Samuel Kennard comes to attention and renders his salute

Air Force Veteran Jerry White BWI Security pay his respects.

Marine Body Bearers move towards the casket

Marine Body Bearers place the casket containing the remains of PFC Raymond Warren into the hearse.

TAPS were played and one final salute.

A Full Honors burial was held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. on 13 April 2021 during Covid for PFC Raymond Warren.

Marine Barracks Washington DC Body Bearers with Marine Colonel Styskal

Casket is removed from hearse and moved to the caisson

Adjustments were made to secure the flag of Our Country

Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey fly over.

Navy Chaplain leads the way to Section 31 burial site.

Fort Myer caisson team

Remains of PFC. Raymond Warren are removed from caisson and carried by Marine Body Bearers to burial site.

“The Last to Let You Down.” They are the Body Bearers, an elite unit that carries Marines to their final resting place.
The Marines have a long-standing tradition of carrying the casket at shoulder height, which symbolizes the respect and honor given to the fallen. This practice reflects the Marine Corps' emphasis on discipline, precision, and ceremonial excellence.

Navy Chaplain addresses the family and prays for this fallen hero.

Rifle Salute

TAPS

Now the thirteen folds of the flag

Marine Colonel Styskal watches as Body Bearers finish folding the flag

Because of Covid Marine Colonel Styskal places the flag on a small table while saying “On behalf of the president of the United States, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service”.

A felt bag containing casings from the rifle salute are presented to the family by MSGT. Richard McGinn

Navy Chaplain says a few last words of comfort to family members

Fern Sumpter Winbush who serves as the Principal Deputy Director for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) makes a presentation to the family.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Raymond Warren, 21, of Silverdale, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for on June 10, 2019.

Family member Craig Emmerson places a single red rose on casket

S I L V E R C I T A T I O N :
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Raymond Warren (MCSN: 426717), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on November 20, 1943. Quickly realizing that a demolition group attacking a hostile bomb proof shelter was being pinned down by the Japanese within the structure, Private First Class Warren courageously exposed himself to heavy machine gun and mortar fire in order to divert the enemy to himself and allow the demolition group to advance. Fatally wounded during the violent action which followed, he steadfastly continued to support the advance until the assault units had placed their charges. Private First Class Warren's heroic spirit of self-sacrifice and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

In 2015, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed to be missing American service members who had been buried in Cemetery #27. The remains were accessioned into the DPAA laboratory.

To identify Pfc. Raymond Warren’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis.

DPAA is grateful to the Republic of Kiribati and History Flight, Inc. for their partnership in this mission.