LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A Kentucky airman and five companions were buried with military honors Thursday at Arlington National Cemetery, 40 years after they were killed during the Vietnam War.

The Courier-Journal of Louisville reports that Air Force Maj. John McElroy of Eminence and his comrades were killed aboard their C-130 aircraft during an evacuation operation in 1968 in what was then South Vietnam.

McElroy's son, Russell McElroy of Bowling Green, placed a Bible on top of the silver casket Thursday. In his other hand, McElroy held an American flag presented to him in honor of his father.

John McElroy's remains were buried in a single casket with those of his comrades.

The men were listed as missing for years.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)