CLEVELAND,OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Holmes county community is poised to honor the long-awaited return of 1LT William H. Hott this Friday, August 22, at approximately 6:39 PM.
A native of Holmesville, Hott served with the 32nd Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War and tragically lost his life at the Chosin Reservoir on December 1, 1950.
Hott’s remains, which were unreturned for nearly 68 years, were finally identified in the spring of this year through DNA testing. Among his accolades, 1LT Hott also served in World War II and received 17 different medals for his dedicated service.
Upon arrival at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, a brief military ceremony will mark the solemn moment his casket is removed from the plane before being placed in a hearse. An escort will proceed from Cleveland to Millersburg via I-71 south to SR 83 south, with an estimated arrival in Wayne County around 8 PM, and passing through Wooster at approximately 8:30 PM.
A military funeral, open to the public, is scheduled for Monday at the Holmes County Fairgrounds, starting at 11 AM. A private burial will follow on Tuesday.
Hott’s family invites the community to spread the word of his homecoming, especially to Korean War veterans and all veterans.
They encourage everyone to view the escort honoring his journey home, attend the funeral, and take a moment to remember the sacrifices made by those who served. They also request prayers for the families of service members still awaiting the return of their loved ones, as well as for 1LT Hott and his family members who can no longer be with us to witness this significant homecoming.