Columbia Remembers A Hero: The Return of Pvt. Arthur W. Crossland Jr.
In a touching turn of events for the small city of Columbia, the community is preparing to welcome home a long-lost hero. After 80 years, the remains of U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr. will finally be laid to rest with full military honors. Crossland, who was just a teenager at 19 when he tragically lost his life during World War II, will return to his hometown for a burial scheduled for March 14, 2025.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection
The announcement was made by the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and it brings both joy and solemnity to the Crossland family, as well as to all of Columbia. The identification of Crossland’s remains came about only this past August, paving the way for a heartfelt reunion that many thought might never happen.
Arthur W. Crossland Jr. served bravely in the 42nd Infantry Division and was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 242nd Infantry Regiment. He was in the thick of it during one of the last major offensives by German forces in Europe—Operation NORDWIND—all unfolding in the treacherous mountains of Alsace-Lorraine, France.
How the Recovery Happened
On New Year’s Eve in 1944, amid a fierce battle, Crossland met his untimely fate when he triggered a mine while advancing with his unit. The chaos of war prevented his comrades from retrieving his body, and for decades, the search for Crossland remained fruitless. The dedicated teams from the American Graves Registration Command and later the DPAA worked tirelessly in the hope of bringing him home.
The Science Behind the Identification
Thanks to advancements in forensic science and the hard work of historians and scientists, Crossland’s remains were finally linked to Unknown X-535, a set of remains unearthed from the Althorn area and later interred at Normandy American Cemetery. Cutting-edge techniques including mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA analysis played a crucial role in confirming the identity of this brave soldier.
A Tribute to His Memory
The formal burial will see Crossland’s name honored on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in France, where his name will now have a special rosette to signify that he has been accounted for. His return is not just a family affair but a community event, fostering a sense of pride and remembrance.
As the city gears up for the funeral, the local community can be expected to rally around the Crossland family, ready to pay their respects to a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice. The planning of his burial service is likely to resonate deeply within the community, creating a moment where past and present intertwine.
Embracing the Future
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during tumultuous times and highlights the efforts of those who dedicate their lives to ensuring that heroes like Crossland are never forgotten. The city of Columbia will be standing together, united in their memory of Pvt. Arthur W. Crossland Jr., a man whose courageous actions during a significant chapter in history are finally being honored.
With the hometown celebration set for March of next year, the community eagerly anticipates paying tribute to a true American hero, reminding us all of the importance of remembrance, honor, and the enduring spirit of service.
