Niagara hosts ceremonial transfer of WWII USCG POW remains

By Airman Kelsey Martinez, 914th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs / Published November 02, 2019

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Honor Guard members from the U.S. Coast Guard lift Lt. Thomas Crotty’s casket during a ceremonial transfer at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., November 1, 2019. After 77 years, Lt. Crotty’s remains were positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kelsey Martinez)

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Honor Guard members from the U.S. Coast Guard carry Lt. Thomas Crotty’s casket through hangar 850 at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., November 1, 2019. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and family members gathered to honor the return of Lt. Crotty after 77 years. His remains had been positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kelsey Martinez)

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Honor Guard members from the U.S. Coast Guard hold Lt. Thomas Crotty’s casket before placing it into a hearse for departure at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., November 1, 2019. Niagara hosted a ceremonial transfer after Lt. Crotty's remains were positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kelsey Martinez)

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To honor the memory of Lt. Thomas Crotty, United States Coast Guard, and his service to his country, a U.S. flag drapes over his casket at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., November 1, 2019. A ceremonial transfer was conducted at Niagara bringing home his remains. Lt. Crotty died as a WWII POW in the Philippines. He earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal and many other awards and citations during his time of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kelsey Martinez)

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To honor the memory of Lt. Thomas Crotty, United States Coast Guard, a ceremonial transfer was conducted at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. November 1, 2019. Lt. Crotty died as a WWII POW in the Philippines. The flag was presented to the family. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kelsey Martinez)

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --

Family members and available service members gathered to honor Lt. Thomas Crotty, a U.S. Coast Guard company commander in World War II, during a Ceremonial Transfer November 1, in hangar 850 here.

After 77 years, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) positively identified Crotty’s remains in September and returned them to his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y., for a proper burial.

Crotty was the only known active duty Coast Guardsman to have served in the defense of the Philippines alongside Navy, Marine Corps and Army personnel. He was known to have been the first coast guard prisoner-of-war since the War of 1812 and one of four U.S. Coast Guard POW during World War II.

Coast Guard officials stressed the importance of how Crotty’s service authorizes them to display the Philippine Defense Battle Streamer on their Coast Guard flag.

Crotty earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, and many others in his efforts to serve, protect and defend.

The U.S. Coast Guard brought the remains to Niagara on a HC-130J Hercules, where the ceremonial Honor Guard conducted a solemn movement.

Vice Adm. Scott Buschmann, Atlantic Area, U.S. Coast Guard was the presiding officer for this ceremony.