The Hill Aerospace Museum became a place of solemn remembrance July 8, as it hosted a memorial service for 1st Lt. George F. “Frankie” Wilson, a Utah native and World War II hero whose remains were recently returned home after more than eight decades.
Family members, military personnel and civilians gathered beneath the museum’s towering aircraft displays to honor Wilson, a Utah pilot whose B-17 bomber was shot down in 1944 over France during a critical mission to destroy enemy rocket production facilities.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Wilson displayed extraordinary courage—steering his burning aircraft away from fellow bombers and a nearby village, saving countless lives. In a final act of selflessness, he gave his parachute to a crew member whose own had been lost, sacrificing his chance to escape.
Master Sgt. Erik Bornemeier, Wilson’s great-nephew-in-law, led the effort to locate and identify Wilson’s remains, traveling to France and interviewing witnesses. His dedication culminated in the return of Wilson’s remains and the long-awaited homecoming.
“Today’s memorial serves as a testament to the effectiveness of enlisted force structure, to the power and bond of family, and to love of our country and freedom and the opportunities they provide,” Bornemeier said.
Wilson was later laid to rest in Bountiful City Cemetery, beside his parents, completing a journey that began in war and ended in peace.
Members of the honor guard carry the casket of 1st Lt. George F. Wilson out of the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, following a memorial service, July 8, 2025. Wilson was later buried beside his mother and sister in Bountiful City Cemetery on the 81st anniversary of his death in World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
Members of the honor guard carry a casket of 1st Lt. George F. Wilson into the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 8, 2025, as family members look on. A memorial service was held at the museum before Wilson, a native of Bountiful, Utah, and Army aviator, was laid to rest beside his mother and sister in Bountiful City Cemetery on the 81st anniversary of his death. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
Members of the honor guard prepare to transport the casket of 1st Lt. George F. Wilson following a memorial service at the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 8, 2025. Family members and guests looked on as Wilson’s remains were carried out with full military honors ahead of his burial in Bountiful, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
Master Sgt. Erik Bornemeier, a family member of 1st Lt. George F. Wilson and a member of the Utah Air National Guard, delivers a tribute during a memorial service at the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 8, 2025. Bornemeier reflected on Wilson’s legacy as loved ones gathered to honor the young aviator’s return home nearly 81 years after his death in World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
Maj. Gen. Daniel Boyack, adjutant general of the Utah Air National Guard, speaks to family members and guests during a memorial service for 1st Lt. George F. Wilson at the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 8, 2025. The ceremony honored Wilson’s service and sacrifice following the recent recovery and identification of his remains 80 years after his death in World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
Family members and guests gather for a memorial service honoring 1st Lt. George F. Wilson at the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 8, 2025. The solemn tribute marked Wilson’s final homecoming after his recent recovery and identification, nearly 81 years after his death in World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
A hearse carrying 1st Lt. George F. Wilson departs the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, following a memorial service, July 8, 2025. Airmen from Hill AFB lined both sides of the road and saluted as Wilson’s remains were escorted to Bountiful City Cemetery for burial on the 81st anniversary of his death. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry) 
A hearse carrying 1st Lt. George F. Wilson departs the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, following a memorial service, July 8, 2025. Airmen from Hill AFB lined both sides of the road and saluted as Wilson’s remains were escorted to Bountiful City Cemetery for burial on the 81st anniversary of his death. (U.S. Air Force photo by David A. Perry)