U.S. Army Maj. James J. O’Donovan, more than 80 years after he died as a POW during World War II, was laid to rest with full military honors Tuesday at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

“To see him honored like this — with the flag, the salutes, the rifle volleys — it was overwhelming,” grandson Steve Unwin said.

O’Donovan’s family — daughter Gail Unwin and grandsons Steve and John — stayed connected with military leaders for more than a decade to keep his legacy alive.

“It was the homecoming he never got. It means the world to our family, and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever,” Steve said. “My grandfather’s story will live on through my children, and their children.”

O’Donovan, a native of Cohoes, N.Y., was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December 1941. He was among thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members who were captured, subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and held in POW camps by Japan. He died a POW on Oct. 18, 1942, at age 34.

He was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on Feb. 4, 2024, after his remains were exhumed in 2019 from the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines for laboratory analysis and identification.

As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, the Patriot Guard Riders — a volunteer group of motorcycle escorts made up of veterans and patriots — escorted the hearse carrying Maj. O’Donovan’s remains, their flags flying in solemn tribute.

The U.S. Army Honor Guard rendered full military funeral honors, beginning with the ceremonial transfer of the flag-draped casket. A rifle team delivered a traditional three-volley salute. A solo trumpeter then played taps.

The folded flag was then presented to Gail Unwin by a uniformed Army representative, accompanied by the words, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation.”

During the ceremony, Air Force Chaplain Lt. Col. Aaron Bayles reflected on the enduring impact of O’Donovan’s life.

“He was a man who became legend,” Bayles said. “And yet today, he is more than a symbol — he is a father, a grandfather, a soldier who gave his all. His sacrifice echoes beyond this grave.”

O’Donovan’s military decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

“Growing up, we knew he was a hero, but this … this brought it full circle,” John Unwin said. “To stand at his gravesite and hear taps play for him — it made his story real. It brought him home to all of us. This honor is more than symbolic. It’s healing. It’s legacy. And it’s our responsibility to keep it alive.”