This is the type of story that makes you believe in human decency again. Thanks to reporting at NBC5, we have a beautiful story about hope and finding closure. A WWII veteran was finally found after he had been labeled missing in action for 80 years. The family had all but given up hope on finding true closure for the man. However, thanks to some chance, the man's remains were found. And now the family finally has that closure they sought for years.
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WWII Hero
SSgt Felix Shostak was the veteran in question. He fought in the European theater during one of the worst conflicts America has been a part of.
In 1942, this man decided to serve the country. In what might be the most noble thing I've heard all week, it was because his brother Charles was also serving. According to Alan Cardinale, Felix's eldest nephew, Felix said to one of his brothers, "How can I allow my brothers to go to the front lines to be killed, while I hide in the kitchen?" Yeah, I know, as a writer that's poetic as hell. I think if you gave me years in a black box, I'd never write something like that.
He eventually became an airman and a turret gunner for a bomber. During the war, he was assigned to multiple missions. As ya do. And on one of those fateful missions, he was sadly shot down. This was over German-occupied France by the way. Not exactly the easiest spot to retrieve American soldiers.
He sadly passed away during this fateful crash, along with seven other young men. He was only 24 years of age.
Please Get To When The Veteran Was Found
Yes, the positive part of this story as promised.
In 2008, the first traces of the veteran since his reported death and MIA were discovered. Some french residents found his dog tags and class ring, and turned the possessions over to the military. Eventually, of course, they made their way to his family.
Felix's neice, Carol Shostak said of the matter, "It was just a surprise," adding, "I thought that they may have stopped, you know, looking after 2008."
A decade later, even better news was announced. Felix's remains had been excavated, and a DNA test had confirmed it was him. The family was thrilled.
Hopefully, even more veterans can be brought home from overseas.
