Remains of MT soldier home after 4 decades

Posted: Aug 25, 2010 4:51 PM by Q2 News Staff
Updated: Aug 25, 2010 4:51 PM

BILLINGS - A full military funeral will be held in Laurel on Friday for a soldier killed during the Vietnam War nearly four decades ago.

Until recently, the remains of 1st Lieutenant Paul Magers, of Billings, had been missing since his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam on June 1, 1971. Now, 39 years later, Magers' remains are home after arriving at Billings Logan International Airport Wednesday afternoon.

The Department of Defense announced mid-August that Magers' remains had been located. Magers was just two weeks into his tour of duty when the Cobra helicopter he was flying was shot down.

Magers graduated from Billings Central High School and Regis College in Denver; he was just 25 years old when he died.

His remains will be flown home to Billings with a full military funeral set for August 27th at the Veterans Cemetery in Laurel. A vigil service and mass will be held at Holy Rosary church in Billings.

Major Tim Crowe of the Montana National Guard told us, "Paul Magers was proud and honored to serve his country. The family is grateful for the outpouring of support. We welcome Paul home."

U.S. Senator Jon Tester said, "I am pleased that Lt. Magers is being returned home with dignity. He will be laid to rest with honor and respect. Lt. Magers' homecoming is a reminder that all who have served our country deserve our gratitude. Sharla and I join all Montanans in extending our condolences to the Magers family."

Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on Friday, August 27.