A Japanese mortar shell blew Tiny Sowell to pieces. Amid withering enemy fire, the shattered body of the 5-foot-6, 125-pound pride of Palm Beach High had to be left in a foxhole on the west slope of Saipan's Hill 721. He was just 21 years old.

The decades have taken Tiny’s pals and his family. But a nation does not forget. After seven decades, West Palm Beach is about to welcome Tiny home.

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An aerial image shows the Atlanta skyline on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez