MIA of 70 Years Returns
Frederick Langhorst was reported missing in action on July 17, 1945. He was the copilot in a crew of four ferrying fuel from India to China. The route was known as the “Hump” since it took them over the Himalayas. They were flying a C-109. This plane was affectionately known as “1-oh-Boom” for its propensity to blow up when ferrying fuel.
The aircraft fragments were discovered in 2007 by Clayton Kuhles, a hiker who was searching for missing aircraft. In 2009 a group, contracted by the military, verified the find. Some human remains were found by both parties. The condition of the bones were found to be “consistent with trauma sustained in a rapid deceleration event”.
The military requested DNA from Lt. Langhorst’s daughter, his nieces and his nephews. The results are bringing his remains home to his daughter, Gail Langhorst Hladky of Battle Creek. A funeral is planned for November 26th at 11:00a.m. at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service.
Lt. Langhorst’s family is grateful to Mr. Kuhles for finding him. Also to the military for verifying the find, identifying him, bringing him home and giving him the same care and honors that our current lost heroes are given.