Fallen Marine Returns Home
40-Year Wait Comes To End
MILWAUKEE -- Two strangers were able to comfort each other today as a 40-year wait finally came to the end.
The remains of Vietnam Marine Richard Fischer arrived at Mitchell International Airport this morning for burial.
Fischer of Madison was declared Òmissing in actionÓ in 1968. A military review board amended his status to presumed "killed in action" in 1978.
After nearly four decades, DNA positively identified his remains, allowing him to be sent home.
Fellow Marines and FischerÕs sister, Ann, watched as the body arrived. She said that after 39 years of never knowing, the pain and memories from that time came back.
Tammey Ward of Hubertus never knew Fischer. She was watching 12 News This Morning when she heard that FischerÕs remains were coming home, and she thought that the name sounded familiar.
Ward said in the early 1970s she wore a bracelet to show support for war personnel listed as missing or imprisoned.
She said that sheÕs always kept the bracelet and wondered if the man on it ever came home. Ward claimed that she wore the bracelet with FischerÕs name on it so much that it eventually broke.
ÒThere were many times when I cleaned out my jewelry box and thought, 'Should I toss it?'Ó she said. ÒAnd I thought, 'No, I have to hang on to this.'Ó
After years of waiting, Ward said she was happy that she could return the bracelet to the rightful owner.
WISN 12 arranged for Ward to present the bracelet to FischerÕs sister. She said that the whole thing was very emotional.
ÒShe said that she would bury him with the bracelet, which, thatÕs very touching,Ó Ward said.
The Patriot Guard Riders were also waiting at the airport to escort the body back to Madison. One rider said that this was a special occasion because they rarely escort victims from Vietnam.
ÒI have joy for what his family is going through, because they finally know. And that has to be a huge burden lifted off their shoulders,Ó Kevin Loecher said.
Visitation for Fischer will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, Wis. A memorial service and burial will follow.
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