US WWII veteran’s wish to have his ashes scattered in Leyte granted

An American soldier gets his wish to rest in peace in the Philippines.

US Infantryman Charles Goldberg on Thursday (October 20) was laid to rest at Red Beach in Leyte. His cremated remains were sprinkled over his name, written on the sand, and was washed away by the tide. 

Goldberg passed away in November 2015 and left specific instructions to his son Michael that his body be cremated and his ashes be sent to Leyte.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) helped accomplish this request. 

Goldberg joined the army during World War II and he became part of the 95th Infantry Division (Deadeye), which landed in the Letye Gulf. 

He participated in the Leyte Landing led by General Douglas McArthur on October 20, 1944, which was a key moment in the fight to drive Japanese forces out of the Philippines. 

These events also had an immense impact in Goldberg's life and in death, he wanted to be reunited with the friends he lost in the war. 

Goldberg received a Bronze Medal for his heroic service in the combat zone and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle. — Aya Tantiangco/RSJ, GMA News