ARVIN, Calif. — Dozens of people gathered outside Arvin to remember a national hero who served his country during World War II. Henry Ochsner landed behind enemy lines in Normandy on D-Day and fought all the way to Adolph Hitler's Eagles Nest at the end of the war. He was a member of the very first Kern County Honor Flight in 2012.
Ochsner died in September at the age of 96.
A memorial service was held Monday in California City where he and his family lived. It was followed by a procession featuring the Patriot Guard Riders to the Bakersfield National Cemetery where he was buried with full military honors.
The Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders said he felt honored to help, describing Oschner as a "true American hero."
"We were overwhelmed by this. This has been such a privilege and honor to be asked by the family to participate for this hero," said Jim Jacobs. "It's unbelievable what guy this did. Our slogan goes "we stand for those who stood for us" so, today, that really rings true."
Oschner's wife was given his veteran's hat which she wore the rest of the afternoon.
Oschner was a member of the famed 101st Airborne and was featured on 23ABC's A Veteran's Voice.
