I am the Casualty Assistance Officer for the family of Pvt. Willard D.
Merrill who died in WWII as a Cabanatuan Prisoner of War in 1942. His
remains were recently identified and his next of kin is scheduling to have
his remains flown to Bangor, Maine on June 7th. He will be buried in
Dover-Foxcroft. I will not have the flight itinerary until 10 days prior to
June 7th according to the Army Casualty Office. His remains are currently
in Hawaii.
Barton Merrill is the nephew to Pvt. Willard Merrill and is currently a
member of the Chadbourne-Merrill American Legion Post 29 which was named
after this Soldier and his brother, both of who served and died in the
Cabanatuan POW Camp in the Philippines. Even thou Willard Merrill is
scheduled to be interned in Dover Foxcroft in June, his brother Barton
Merrill is currently still buried in the Philippines. The family is hopeful
to find the means to raise the money to have him also brought home when
possible.
I am reaching out because I was hoping to see if the Legion Riders and
Patriot Riders may be interested in participating in the Dignified Transfer
of Pvt. Willard D. Merrill on June 7th, and may wish to join the escort to
transfer this Soldier to the Funeral Home in Dover-Foxcroft. I have a
contact with the Maine State Police who is coordinating this effort.
I am hopeful to work with the American Legion and others to participate in
Funeral Honors for this Soldier. Please feel free to contact me if you are
interested in participating. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you in
advance for your time and consideration.
https://www.newscentermaine.
roft-maine-wwii-prisoner-of-
INFORMATION:
Dignified Transfer Details:
June 7th, 2025
Logan International Airport
Estimated flight arrival @ 3:30PM
Escort to Lary Funeral Homes in Dover-Foxcroft
Repatriation / Graveside Service Details:
Monday, June 9th at 11:00 AM
Dover Cemetery
171 Vaughn Road
Dover-Foxcroft, ME