A Waterford soldier killed during the Vietnam war finally has been honored with a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

U.S. Army Capt. Arnold "Dusty" Holm, who died in a helicopter crash in June 1972 but whose remains were not turned over to the U.S. military until 2011, had been considered missing in action for decades along with two fellow soldiers, Wayne Bibbs and Robin Yeakley.

Finally, thanks to the efforts of family, friends, politicians and Holm's widow Mararete, the remains in the central highlands of Vietnam were recovered, returned and buried at Arlington.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced Saturday that the gravesite now has been graced with a headstone on the 50th anniversary year of the beginning of the Vietnam War.

“This solemn memorial is a fitting tribute to Captain Holm and his fallen comrades, who gave their lives in Vietnam," Courtney said in a statement. “I am pleased that this long uphill battle is finally complete, with Captain Holm receiving the burial honors and memorial he rightfully earned in service to our nation — his memory will live on, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Courtney's congressional predecessor, Rob Simmons, jump started new efforts to help find Holm, and Courtney met with the Department of Defense Joint Personnel Accounting Command in 2007 to continue eastern Connecticut efforts to ensure the soldiers’ remains were returned.