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| Zachary Taylor National Cemetery |
This is the letter sent to Peter Demers, the father of Sgt George Demers, by the Department of Army, Memorial Division
dated July 29, 1949.
"The Department of the Army desires that you be given the most recent information concerning your son, the late Sergeant
George P. Demers. His remains were initially buried with others of his comrades who met their death in the same incident.
Since that time the American Graves Registration Service has, without success, explored every clue that might lead to individual
identification of any of the remains, and has been at last been forced to conclude that only a group identification of the
remains is possible. They are now casketed and, pending return to the United States, are now being held at the United States
Armed Forces Cemetery, Yokohama #1, Japan.
All remains in this group will be brought back simultaneously for interment in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, located
at Louisville, Kentucky.
This plan for the burial, of all known groups of men for whom individual identity cannot be established, in one of our
country's shrines is based upon the provisions of Public Law 383, 79th Congress, as amended by Section 3, Public Law 368,
80th Congress.
Final interment in a National Cemetery in the United States, where perpetual care will be given the graves, is fitting
and proper. This particular National Cemetery was selected in order that no undue burden of travel might be placed on any
one family wishing to attend the services.
You and the next of kin of the other men will be notified of the date and time of the final interment sufficiently in advance
to permit you and any interested persons to attend the ceremonies. In order that you may receive information concerning these
final rites, it is essential, in case you change your address, that you promptly inform the Commanding Officer, Chicago Quartermaster
Depot, Attention AGRD, 1819 West Pershing Road, Chicago 9, Illinois."
Sincerely Yours, E.V Freeman. Colonel, QMC, Memorial Division
Letter to Peter Demers (father) from the Memorial Division dated January 11, 1952
"Reference is made to the interment of your son, the late Sergeant George P. Demers, and his comrades,
which was made in Grave 179, Section E, Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
It is regretted that because of the fact it was impossible to identify individually the remains of your son, you were deprived
of the comfort and consolation you might have been afforded by interring his remains at home. It is felt that you might like
to have the inclosed photographs of the stone which has been placed at the grave.
You are assured that the grave will always be cared for in a manner fully commensurate with the sacrifice
your son has made for his country. Any desired information concerning the grave or the cemetery will be furnished upon request."
Sincerely Yours, Jas. F. Watt, Lt. Colonel, QMC, Memorial Division
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| Lt Robert G. Phillips' grave site in Phoenix |
Lt Robert G. Phillips died on March 6, 1970 in Phoenix and is buried at the East Rest Haven Park and Mortuary located
at 4310 East Southern in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lt. Phillips attended the services at the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery when his crew was buried there. He spoke to
all the families answering their many questions regarding the death of their loved ones. At the time he was a patient
at the VA Hospital in Chicago but managed to get released for the day to go to Louisville. After the services he went back
to the VA Hospital.
Lt Phillips was the Bombardier on Z Square 7 and the only survivor when it was shot down in Tokyo Bay. He survived
months of torture and horrific treatment at the Japanese POW camps. However, Lt Phillips suffered severely from Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder from which he never recovered.
Pictures of the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery were provided by Vera Buchanan, niece of Sgt Louis
Dorio, the tailgunner of Z Square 7. Thank you, Vera!
The picture of Lt. Robert Phillips tombstone in Phoenix was provided by his niece, Robin Phillips.
Thank you, Robin!
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