Columbia Remembers: A Long-Awaited Reunion with World War II Hero
Columbia, South Carolina, is coming together to honor one of its own—a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Pvt. 1st Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr., who enlisted in the army at just 19 years old, has finally been accounted for after nearly 80 years of being listed as missing in action. His remarkable journey back to being recognized by his family and friends began with an announcement by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on August 21, 2024.
A Journey Through Time
Crossland was part of Company L, serving in the 3rd Battalion, 242nd Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Infantry Division during intense combat in Europe. In the chilly hours just before midnight on December 31, 1944, a massive German offensive operation called Operation NORDWIND surged through allied forces on the Franco-German border. This significant attack was marked by heavy fighting across a 40-mile stretch in the Vosges Mountains of Alsace-Lorraine, France.
As the New Year approached, the fighting turned desperate. Company L was tasked with advancing in a treacherous area thick with woods, minefields, and the menacing sounds of mortars and machine-gun fire. It was in that moment of chaos that Crossland’s fate unfolded; he triggered a mine just 200 yards from the main resistance line, tragically losing his life on that fateful night. Due to the intensity of the battle, U.S. forces couldn’t recover his body, leaving the community and his family in turmoil.
Searching for Closure
The journey to find Crossland’s rest began in 1946 when the American Graves Registration Command started looking for missing personnel in the Althorn area. Yet, despite their efforts, they couldn’t locate Crossland. His status was confirmed as non-recoverable by late 1950, leaving his family to mourn without knowing what had happened.
Fast forward to recent years—the DPAA began extensive research focused on soldiers like Crossland who had gone missing in and around Althorn. Their investigations led them to an unidentified set of remains known as Unknown X-535, recovered from Althorn and eventually interred at the Normandy American Cemetery. This led to further examination after the remains were exhumed in July 2022 for closer analysis.
Science and History Unite
Thanks to the tireless work of scientists from the DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Crossland’s identification was made possible through the use of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA analyses. Their groundbreaking work offers a fascinating glimpse into how modern science continues to connect to our past. And now, his name will no longer be just a memory, but a part of history, etched in stone.
Honoring a Hero
Crossland’s name has been recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Epinal American Cemetery, where he stood among many who have yet to be accounted for. In a heartwarming gesture, a rosette will be placed next to his name to signify that Pvt. Crossland has finally been identified. The community is buzzing with excitement as the plans for his burial in his hometown are set for March 14, 2025.
The upcoming service will be a significant moment for Columbia—a time to reflect, honor our heroes, and cherish the freedom that Pvt. Crossland, along with many others, fought so bravely to protect.
For family and funeral details, you can reach out to the Army Casualty Office at (800) 892-2490. If you’d like to learn more about the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans missing in action, you can check out their website at www.dpaa.mil.
