Long-Lost U.S. Soldier Finally Returns Home After 80 Years Missing in Action

On a special night in St. Louis, the remains of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Woodrow Gerdes returned home after nearly 80 years of being missing in action. Gerdes, who served in the 28th infantry division during World War II, was welcomed back by his next-of-kin, including great-niece Kristy Jung, at Lambert International Airport.

Gerdes died serving his country at the age of 31 and was reported missing in action on November 9th, 1944 during intense battles with Nazi forces in Germany. His body was exhumed from an American cemetery in Belgium and identified through DNA testing in 2018. The military confirmed that Gerdes had been missing for decades and that he had never been found until now.

Jung shared that her family never forgot about him and that her grandfather, Gerdes’ oldest brother, carried a newspaper clipping from when he went missing in his wallet until he passed away. For the family, Friday marked a full-circle moment and they encourage other families to never lose hope in finding the remains of their loved ones.

Gerdes was described as a country boy who loved spending time with his family. He was the middle brother of four and is survived by many relatives who are grateful to finally have him back home where he belongs.