Columbia Set to Honor Local Hero with Homecoming After Nearly 80 Years
This is truly a momentous occasion for the city of Columbia! After nearly eight decades of heartache and uncertainty, the community prepares to lay to rest one of its own – Private First Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr., whose life was cut short during World War II. As we reminisce about the past, we can’t help but feel a mix of sadness and pride as we finally bring this brave soldier home.
A Soldier’s Sacrifice
Arthur, a mere 19 years old at the time, found himself in the thick of battle in March 1945, fighting against German troops in a heavily wooded region near Althorn, France. It was a dangerous moment; mortars blared, and machine gun fire echoed amidst the chaos, when tragedy struck. A mine explosion took Arthur’s life, and in the scramble to survive, his fellow soldiers could not recover his body. Oh, the heartbreak! His family, like so many others during the war, were left in the dark, waiting for answers that never came.
After years of uncertainty
As the war came to a close just a few months later, Arthur was among the thousands of soldiers who never returned to their loved ones. Over the years, he was recognized and memorialized at the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, a solemn place honoring those who gave their lives for freedom. But after decades of unanswered questions, a glimmer of hope emerged.
Modern Technology to the Rescue
Fast forward to today – thanks to incredible advances in DNA technology, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency was able to identify remains previously labeled as unknown soldier X-535. In a meticulous process involving anthropological and circumstantial evidence analysis, scientists confirmed that these remains belonged to none other than Arthur Crossland.
Homecoming Plans
The good folks of Columbia won’t have to wait much longer to give Arthur a final resting place. He is set to be laid to rest at a ceremony scheduled for March 14, 2024, in his hometown. Isn’t it wonderful to know that after all these years, his family can finally say goodbye and honor his memory in the community he loved?
Remembering the Fallen
A bittersweet commemoration will take place as the city comes together to celebrate a son, a soldier, a hero. Arthur is among the more than 400,000 U.S. soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II, and sadly, more than 72,000 of them still have not been accounted for. What a heavy toll history has taken, yet it is moments like these that remind us of the importance of remembrance, respect, and gratitude.
A Rose for Remembrance
To further honor Arthur’s legacy, a rose will be placed alongside his name at the Walls of the Missing in Epinal American Cemetery. It’s a powerful gesture that signifies closure and recognition for all the lost soldiers who deserve to be remembered.
Community’s Response
As the city gears up for this important event, the spirit of Columbia shines brighter than ever. Families, veterans, and friends are preparing to come together, united in their respect for those who served. The sentiment in the air is electric! People are talking about it, sharing the story, and many are hopeful this journey will remind us all of the sacrifices made for freedom.
So let’s mark our calendars! Columbia is about to wrap its arms around a long-lost hero, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Arthur W. Crossland Jr.’s homecoming is a celebration not just of a soldier, but of strength, resilience, and the spirit of a community that never forgets its own.
