HINTON, W.Va. ( WVVA /Gray News) - A U.S. soldier who was killed in action during World War II has received a proper burial after his remains were positively identified.

Private First Class Basil Cook died at the age of 31 while serving his country in Huchein, Germany, on Nov. 25, 1944.

His obituary said he was a tank operator who was hit and killed by a land mine.

Cook’s remains were buried in the Netherlands, where they remained until DNA testing proved his identity.

At the time of his death, Cook was married, had four sisters, a brother, and a half-brother.

All of these family members have since passed.

Cook’s living relatives include two nephews and two nieces.

One of his nieces, Pat Ferver, was contacted after his remains were recovered.

“I didn’t think it was real, and then

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