Southington Honors Fallen WWII Airman As He Returns Home After 81 Years

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington community this week honored and laid to rest U.S. Army Air Corps Technical Sgt. Donald A. Dorman, a hometown serviceman who was killed during World War II and whose remains were returned home more than 80 years after his death.

Dorman, a Southington native, was 21 years old when he was killed in action in March 1945 after his B-17 bomber was shot down over Germany during the final weeks of the war in Europe.

A series of public events organized by the Town of Southington Veterans Committee on June 22 and 23 culminated in Dorman's burial with military honors at Oak Hill Cemetery Tuesday morning, where he now rests alongside family members.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone reflected on the significance of the occasion.

“Today the Southington community had the privilege to welcome home WWII Technical Sergeant Donald Arthur Dorman,” Ricciardone wrote.

“At 21 years young, his stories and legacy remind us of the incredible bravery and sacrifices made so many decades ago.”

He added that seeing Dorman returned to Southington for burial was “a powerful reminder that our fallen are never forgotten, no matter the amount of time that passes.”

Calling hours were held Monday at Plantsville Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service Tuesday at First Congregational Church.

A military burial ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery followed, along with a Celebration of Life reception at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

The ceremonies marked the culmination of years of efforts by local officials, veterans organizations and others to ensure Dorman received the recognition and military honors due to him.

More than eight decades after he was lost in combat over Europe, Dorman’s return brought closure to a story that began during one of the final chapters of World War II and ended with a hometown paying tribute to one of its own.

From June 16: 'Southington To Honor WWII Airman After 80 Years MIA'

From April 10: 'After 81 Years, Southington World War II Hero Coming Home'

For the official announcement of Southington resident Donald A. Dorman's remains being identified, click on this link.

For the full story on Southington resident Donald A. Dorman's World War II service, click on this link.