Willmar native might be unknown soldier buried in France

West Central Tribune ^ | 10/24/2009 | Staff

[Saije]

Oscar E. and Anna Anderson of Willmar died believing that their only son had been buried at sea after being killed in action during the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944.

Now, surviving family members hope to learn whether the remains of U.S. Navy Motor Machinist Mate 1st Class John E. Anderson were interred in the Saint Laurent Cemetery, Baveux, France, as an unknown American casualty of World War II. The cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach has since been designated as the Normandy American Military Cemetery. His name is listed there as among the “Missing In Action’’ from the conflict.***

There is very good reason to believe that the remains of John E. Anderson are those listed in military records as ‘’Unknown X-91’’ and buried in the cemetery in France...

His mother Marian, 93, and Esther are the surviving sisters of John E. Anderson. A DNA swab from family members would make it possible to positively identify whether the remains are those of their brother and bring closure for the family.

It is a closure that the family would very much appreciate, according to Bengston. He said he believes it always troubled John Anderson’s parents that their son was buried or lost at sea and could not be returned home.

If closure is made possible in this case, the credit will belong to Ted Darcy of Milton, Mass., and Brian Siddall of Ithaca, N.Y.

A 30-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Darcy has made it his mission with the WFI Research Group of Fall River, Mass., to help families whose loved ones were recorded as missing in action by the U.S. military.

Darcy has helped solve many MIA cases from World War II battles in the Pacific theatre, and is now turning his attention to Europe.

[Saije]

Gone but never forgotten.

[The_Sword_of_Groo]

God bless this family. I hope they find what they are looking for.