WWII airman's remains buried in Tallahassee National Cemetery nearly 80 years after his death

More than 70 years after his death, U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. William O. Wood was laid to rest at Tallahassee National Cemetery Monday.

Wood died during World War II after his aircraft was hit and crashed during the largest bombing mission against the oil fields in Romania. A positive DNA match made the homecoming possible and his closest relatives, who live outside Tallahassee, and dozens of others attended the service to pay a final tribute to the fallen airman.

The sky opened up as Wood's procession approached the ceremony site. Blue skies surrounded the region, but during the ceremony rain poured.

Air Force veteran Raymond Miller attended Wood's burial ceremony. Miller was born just a few months after Sgt. Wood's death. The proximity of the start of his life and the death of Wood moved the fellow soldier.

"To think 79 years ago this man gave his life to give me the freedoms I have, I was overwhelmed by it all," he said. 

Miller's father was also a veteran and served around the same time as Wood. Miller said he was profoundly aware that Wood did not have the opportunity to enjoy having a family and long life like his father did. 

"I appreciate his sacrifice, and to see people remembering someone is humbling," he said. 

During the ceremony, Wood's family accepted the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart on his behalf. The rain subsided as the memorial ended, clearing in time for Wood's relatives to say their final goodbyes at his grave. 

Back story:

• Missing World War II airman returns home, honored at Tallahassee airport before burial
• Lost to family for 79 years, World War II airman coming home to US for Tallahassee burial

Contact Chasity Maynard cmaynard@tallahassee.com or @chasitymaynard0 on Twitter.