Minnesota family finally receives medal of honor hero after 85 years
After decades of uncertainty and heartbreak, a Minnesota family is celebrating the return of a war hero – U.S. Army Captain Willibald C. Bianchi – who perished in the brutal Bataan Death March during World War II.
A long-lost legacy returns
The Bianchi family, of New Ulm, Minnesota, waited over eight decades to welcome home Captain Bianchi, a commander with Company D, 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts. His unwavering courage during the invasion of the Bataan Peninsula and subsequent suffering as a prisoner of war earned him the nation’s highest honor: the Medal of Honor. But his story remained tragically incomplete until now.
The circumstances surrounding Bianchi’s death – friendly fire – had shrouded his fate in mystery for nearly a century. Remains were initially identified only as belonging to an unknown soldier and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, a poignant testament to the sacrifices of countless servicemen.
Dna breakthrough unlocks the past
A 2018 DNA sample, taken from Bianchi’s sister and other relatives, proved instrumental in finally identifying his remains in 2025. This groundbreaking forensic analysis shattered the decades-long silence, offering closure to a family desperate for answers. ‘It’s been 85 years this month that our Uncle Bill left U.S soil and he’s coming back today,’ shared Scott Torpey, Bianchi’s nephew, visibly moved at the Armed Forces Services Center in Minneapolis.
The repatriation ceremony marked the culmination of a tireless effort by the American Graves Registration Command and the unwavering determination of the Bianchi family. The remains arrived Friday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, setting the stage for a final farewell in his hometown.
A community honors a hero
Bianchi’s interment will take place next weekend in New Ulm, where the Brown County Historical Society is hosting a dedicated exhibit showcasing his life and service. This poignant tribute underscores the profound impact of his sacrifice and the enduring legacy of a remarkable soldier. The long wait is over - Captain Bianchi is coming home.