Columbia Honors Heroic Soldier’s Return After Nearly 80 Years

Columbia Remembers: Soldier’s Journey Home After 80 Years

Columbia, the heart of South Carolina, is buzzing with emotions as the community prepares to honor one of its own, Private First Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr., who will finally return home nearly 80 years after his tragic death during World War II. It’s a story of bravery, determination, and finally, a long-awaited closure for the Crossland family.

Heroic Sacrifice in a Faraway Land

Back in March 1945, at just 19 years old, Private Crossland found himself amidst a brutal conflict in the heavily forested areas near Althorn, France. As he fought gallantly against German forces, he was caught in an explosion caused by a landmine. Sadly, he was killed instantly, leaving his comrades no choice but to withdraw under heavy fire without the chance to recover his remains.

Only months later, the guns went silent as the war in Europe came to an end, but for the Crossland family, the months turned into decades of uncertainty. Arthur’s disappearance left a profound void, and thoughts of him lingered in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Quest for Closure

As time moved on, the military began its search for those who had been lost during the war. In the years that followed, Arthur was memorialized at the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, where his name was etched in stone, but he remained one of over 72,000 soldiers still unaccounted for from World War II.

Modern Technology Brings Hope

Fast forward to July 2022, when advanced technology finally started to bridge the gap. The Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission exhumed the remains of an unknown soldier, designated X-535, from the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. These remains, now resting in the same soil that held them for almost eight decades, would soon lead to a remarkable discovery.

Scientists employed cutting-edge DNA technology, alongside anthropological analyses, to unravel the identity of this fallen hero. On August 21, 2024, the results concluded that X-535 was none other than our own Arthur Crossland! It’s a bittersweet moment as emotions surge with joy and sorrow for all who remember him.

A Hometown Memorial Ceremony

His family can finally find peace knowing that Arthur’s journey has come to an end, as the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced that he will be buried in his beloved Columbia on March 14. The community is invited to join in the somber yet proud ceremony, honoring a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. In the days leading up to the burial, plans for tributes, gatherings, and commemorative events are already in the works.

Remembering the Fallen

With Arthur’s identification, a rose will now be placed next to his name on the Walls of the Missing, a poignant reminder that while he may have been lost for so long, he will never be forgotten. The Crossland family is asking anyone with memories or stories of Arthur to come forward, helping to paint a fuller picture of the young man who showed immense courage during a tumultuous time in history.

So as Columbia gears up for the return of one of its own, it’s a reminder to us all about the sacrifices made by countless soldiers. It’s an opportunity to honor their stories and reflect on the cost of freedom. Arthur’s homecoming benefits not just his family but the entire community, rekindling a sense of unity and remembrance.