Americans Rally to Honor British WWII Soldiers Laid to Rest on US Soil
Bringing the Boys Back Home Is Part of International Commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of the Allied Victory in the Second World War
(Dallas, TX - April 17, 2025) - To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, volunteers from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) are honoring 423 British servicemen who were killed while training in the U.S. during World War II and remain buried on American soil. The “Bringing the Boys Back Home” initiative reconnects the legacy of these fallen heroes with their families in the United Kingdom.
In March and April, volunteers set out to reach all 423 gravesites in 71 cemeteries across 28 states – from Maine to Hawaii. Once there, volunteers tended to the graves, some of which have been neglected for years, and made a non-destructive rubbing of each headstone.
The completed rubbings were catalogued and photographed at CAF National Headquarters—Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center in Dallas to ensure that all gravesites were accounted for. As a special honor, the rubbings will be transported from the U.S. to the U.K. aboard the CAF’s 1944 Douglas R4D aircraft, named Ready 4 Duty – itself a World War II Navy veteran, which begins its transatlantic flight on April 24 as part of this year’s historic Navy to Victory Tour.
“U.S. and British forces trained and fought valiantly together during World War II. We’re honored to commemorate their sacrifices and to help ensure their memory endures for future generations,” said CAF President/CEO David Oliver.
Other organizations participating in the initiative include the British Embassy, Ministry of Defense, the British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell, Texas; Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Ala.; the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Va.; the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii; Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston, S.C.; and the British Commonwealth Remembrance Project USA.
“What a wonderful gesture by our American allies,” said 104-year-old Colin Bell, a Royal Air Force bomber pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, and British flight instructor based in the U.S. during the early years of World War II. “Bringing the Boys Back Home properly recognizes the sacrifices made by these brave individuals, some of whom I served with, 80 years after they paid the ultimate price to protect our liberties and freedoms.”
This initiative supports the Commemorative Air Force’s mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor through flight experiences and living history programs. These efforts are made possible through generous donations. To support this program, please visit the CAF Dallas/Fort Worth Wing website dfwwing.com.
Media can contact Christopher Volpe, PhD for more information at (817) 739-2996 or NavytoVictory@cafhq.org.
About Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of military aviation. With an airworthy fleet of over 180 vintage military aircraft—the world’s most extensive flying collection of World War II-era aircraft—the CAF brings history to life through flight and living history experiences. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the CAF operates numerous locations nationwide, all united by a shared mission: to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. Each year, through the efforts of thousands of volunteers, the CAF’s educational programs engage an estimated 20 million Americans, offering hands-on access to history that is both unique and impactful. Learn more at www.commemorativeairforce.org.
About Navy To Victory Tour The "Navy to Victory Tour" is a mission led by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dallas/ Fort Worth Wing to honor the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and other aviation milestones. The tour features the Douglas R4D-6S, named "Ready 4 Duty," which will embark on a 12-week, 12,000-mile journey across the United States, Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. It also celebrates the 90th anniversary of the DC-3's first flight, the 100th anniversary of Pratt & Whitney engines, and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. Learn more about this mission at https://www.dfwwing.com/navytovictory.
About Ready 4 Duty Transport Aircraft Built in 1944, Ready 4 Duty is a Douglas R4D-6S, the U.S. Navy’s version of the legendary DC-3 and C-47. The last of its kind still flying, the aircraft is a centerpiece of the Dallas/Fort Worth Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of World War II aviation. Learn more at www.dfwwing.com.
Go Ahead and Share this page!
