Flags ordered to fly at half-staff in honor of WWII hero

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers has signed Executive Order #196, directing flags of the United States and Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, May 6, in honor of Army Air Forces First Lieutenant Roy Coulson Harms.

Harms, a World War II veteran, lost his life during the war and has recently had his remains identified and returned to his home state for burial.

“First Lieutenant Harms gave his life fighting for the values and freedoms we hold dear, and the state will forever remember his courageous service and sacrifice,” said Gov. Evers in a statement on Friday, May 5.

First Lieutenant Harms was killed on Aug. 1, 1943, during Operation Tidal Wave near Ploesti, Romania. His remains, previously unidentified, were interred at Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium.

The Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency's efforts led to the identification of Harms' remains. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Purple Heart.

Harms will be buried with full military honors in Grafton on Saturday, May 6.