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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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