Columbia Welcomes Home a Fallen Hero After 80 Years
Oh, Columbia, get ready to mark your calendars for a momentous occasion! After nearly eight decades, the remains of a local hero, U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr., are finally coming home for a proper burial. It’s a bittersweet story that’s unfolding just in time for us to honor our heroes this coming March.
A Journey Through Time
Let’s take a little trip back to New Year’s Eve in 1944. Picture this – a 19-year-old Crossland was bravely fighting in the mountainous terrain of France during World War II, serving in Company L, 3rd Battalion, 242nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 42nd Infantry Division. That fateful night, while everyone else was preparing to celebrate the new year, German forces launched a surprise offensive known as Operation NORDWIND. The chaos erupted, and what followed was intense combat along the Franco-German border.
As fate would have it, while on the front lines near Althorn, Crossland triggered a mine, resulting in his instant death. U.S. forces had to withdraw, and unfortunately, they were unable to recover his body, which became one of the many tragic stories of the war.
Searching for Answers
Fast forward to 1946, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) began the long process of searching for the missing personnel in that very area. Sadly, they could not find Crossland’s remains, and by the late 1950s, he was officially classified as non-recoverable. This left his family and community in the dark for many years about what had truly happened to their loved one.
But as we know from history, determination is a powerful thing, and the mission to bring our fallen heroes home never truly stopped. Fast forward to just a few years ago, interest was rekindled in Crossland’s case, and an extensive research effort began by the experts at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).
The Breakthrough
The research led them to believe that remains labeled as Unknown X-535, found in Althorn and previously laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery, could belong to Crossland. In July 2022, those remains were exhumed, and forensic analysis commenced.
Expert scientists meticulously used a variety of advanced forensic methods including anthropological evidence, as well as DNA analysis, to confirm the identity of the fallen soldier. In August of 2024, the news broke – Arthur W. Crossland Jr. had been found.
A Home Like No Other
His name has always been etched on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, alongside many other brave souls still unaccounted for from WWII. As a heartfelt recognition of his identification, a rosette will be placed next to his name. It’s a touching tribute that reminds us all of the value of remembering those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.
So, why is this moment so special? The community of Columbia is preparing to honor a man whose memory has long been a part of our town’s history. Crossland’s burial will take place on March 14, 2025, in Columbia, bringing closure to a saga that began decades ago. It’s an opportunity for all of us to pay our respects, to reflect on the courage shown by those who served, and to honor the legacy of a true American hero.
Let’s Show Our Support!
As we wrap our heads around this incredible story, we must remember to show our support. Let’s turn out in numbers for Crossland’s burial service. It’ll be our way of saying “thank you” to a soldier who laid down his life for us. Keep an eye out for more details as the date approaches, and let’s make sure Columbia stands united in this moment of remembrance.
Until then, let’s remember the power of history and the stories of those who stepped into the unknown for our tomorrows. And oh, don’t forget to enjoy today amidst the cloudy skies and occasional showers that might keep us all cozy indoors.
