Glenn H. Hodak

Glenn H. Hodak was born on March 17, 1922, in Cambridge Springs, PA to Peter Hodak and Queenie Jewell Hodak. He had nine siblings, Lucille, Anna, Park, Victor, Arnold, Stanley (infant), Everett (infant), Dorothy, and Donald, all of whom are deceased. Three brothers, Park, Victor, and Arnold all served during World War II the same time as Glenn, however in different venues. Thankfully, they all returned home safely. Donald served during the Korean War.

There are two living sisters-in-law, Sylvia (Arnold) Hodak and Pamela (Donald) Hodak. He is also survived by numerous nieces, and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Glenn entered the military service and served in the 93rd Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) during World War II. On March 10, 1945, Cpl. Hodak served as a tail gunner Aircrew member on board a B-29 Super fortress, nicknamed “Tall in the Saddle,” which was shot down on a mission to Tokyo, Japan. He was reported as Missing in Action. Investigators later learned that he was captured and imprisoned with two fellow airmen. They were held at the Tokyo Military Prison as a POW. When the US Army Air Forces launched one of the largest air raids of World War II on the night of May 25-26, 1945, the firestorm consumed the Tokyo Military Prison, killing all US POWs incarcerated there. The remains of the US POWs were not recovered or identified.

Following the war, American Graves Registration Service and the US Army Quartermaster Corps searched for and disinterred 65 sets of remains. AGRS identified 25 sets of US remains in 1949 and 1950, leaving 40 Unknowns, one identified as a Japanese national, leaving 39 Unknowns. These investigations associated Cpl. Hodak with the Tokyo Prison Fire based on multiple pieces of evidence. At the end of the AGRS identification efforts, these 39 Unknown’s were buried in Fort McKinley Cemetery, now Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Republic of the Philippines.

In March and April 2022, all associated Unknowns were exhumed. Cpl. Hodak was identified on Sept. 25, 2024. His remains are the first to be identified of the Unknowns interred in Manila. On March 19, 2025, Mr. James Bell, Mortuary Affairs Officer – Identification Specialist, Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division, and Sgt. Katrina Hood, SFC/Operations NCO, held a full briefing of the events that lead to the death and finally the identification of Cpl. Hodak.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Youngsville Free Methodist Church, 179 Davis St., in Youngsville, PA, with a service following, with Pastor Rick Hamrick officiating. The Youngsville American Legion Honor Guard Post #658 will hold a ceremony after the service and serve as pallbearers at the church.. Interment will be held at the Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, PA, following the service, where members of the US Military Funeral Detail will provide full honors for Cpl. Hodak.. The family extends an invitation to all Veterans, service members, and public who would like to show their respect to our World War II soldier.

Cpl. Hodak will be arriving to the Pittsburgh Airport on Friday May 16 at 3pm. His family will be there to meet him and then escort him back to Youngsville with members of the Warren state Police and the Patriot Guard Riders helping with the escort. It is expected he will be arriving in Youngsville around 7 pm, barring any delays. Those wishing to welcome this war hero home are welcome to do so.

The Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 314 N. Main St. in Youngsville, PA, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Scott Nelson, Pastor Hamrick, along with many Warren County representatives, have been instrumental in assisting the family with details. Mr. James Bell and Sgt. Hood have been a source of compassion, and all of the details of information involving notification to the family and the process of laying our loved one to rest.

If anyone is interested in making a donation in Cpl. Hodak’s memory, the family suggests donations to the Warren County Veteran’s Council or any American Legion, VFW, Youngsville Free Methodist Church, or affiliated military organization of your choice.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.