WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A Navy sailor who died on the beaches of Normandy during World War II nearly 72 years ago has been laid to rest in Willmar.

Navy Machinist Mate 1st Class John Anderson died on D-Day in the engine room of a landing craft tank that was destroyed by enemy fire. Anderson's family at the time was told his remains had washed out to sea.

But family members learned in 2009 that Anderson may have been laid to rest in an unknown grave in a Normandy American Military Cemetery. DNA tests confirmed it was Anderson, and he was brought back to Minnesota for a proper military farewell.

Anderson was buried Saturday near his family at Willmar's Fairview Cemetery.

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