GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The remains of a Marine from Grand Island have been buried in a local cemetery 72 years after his death during World War II.

The remains of Marine Pvt. Dale Robert Geddes were buried in Grand Island City Cemetery on Monday.

Geddes died on Nov. 20, 1943, as Americans fought to capture the Japanese-controlled island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. About 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed, with another 2,000 wounded during the three-day battle.

Geddes was buried in what eventually became known as the “Lost Cemetery.” The U.S. government informed his family at one point that recovering his body wouldn’t be likely.

Members of his family and numerous Grand Island residents, including veterans, attended the memorial ceremony.