In a poignant ceremony held at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in France, the remains of an unidentified World War I soldier were laid to rest. This solemn event, occurring over a century after the Great War, marks the culmination of a year-long endeavor to determine the nationality of remains discovered in a French village, a site of fierce clashes between U.S. and German forces during the conflict. The soldier, believed to be American, now rests among over 6,000 of his compatriots who perished in the same war, receiving full military honors in a tribute to his ultimate sacrifice.
A man in uniform speaks from behind a lectern.
General James C. McConville, the Army Chief of Staff, articulated the profound significance of the occasion. “Today, we gather here to honor the remains of an unknown, American, World War I soldier,” he stated, emphasizing the soldier’s dedication. “We pay tribute to this brave soldier who gave his life for his country for the cause of democracy and freedom.” McConville’s words underscored the timeless values of courage and sacrifice embodied by this soldier and countless others who served in the First World War.
A Hero’s Burial a Century Later
McConville’s eulogy highlighted the valor and selflessness of those who fought alongside Allied forces, including the soldier being interred. He described the unknown soldier as “a hero because he embodied the values of courage and honor,” and further, “because he fought for a purpose that was greater than himself.” The Army Chief of Staff concluded by stating the soldier was a hero “because he gave the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield for the cause of freedom.” This ceremony was particularly significant as it represented the first burial of an unknown U.S. soldier from World War I since 1988, and the first at Oise-Aisne since 1932, making it a rare and historically important event.
The discovery of the soldier’s remains occurred in February 2022 in Villers-sur-Fere, a French village approximately 60 miles northeast of Paris. This area was the scene of intense fighting in the summer of 1918 as American forces engaged with German troops. Crucially, the soldier was found alongside American military equipment from the era, providing vital clues to his nationality. These artifacts included a steel helmet, a trench knife, an ammunition belt, and .30-06 ammunition cartridges, all standard issue to American soldiers during World War I. These items, remnants of the French First World War Uniform and gear used by American troops in France, played a key role in identifying the soldier’s origins.
Service members in uniform carry a casket draped by a U.S. flag.
Unearthing History and Confirming Identity
The discovery was made by a French undertaker, who promptly alerted the relevant authorities. The French government agency responsible for war casualties was then brought in, and they subsequently contacted Yves Desfosses, a renowned expert in World War I archaeology, to oversee the recovery and assessment of the unearthed artifacts. The French agency also collaborated with the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), the organization responsible for maintaining 23 World War I and World War II cemeteries across the globe, including the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery.
Desfosses’ expert analysis led French officials to formally declare the remains as those of a U.S. soldier. ABMC historians corroborated this determination through further investigation. Their research included examining the wartime memoir of Army Chaplain Francis P. Duffy. Duffy’s account detailed the burial of soldiers from the 42nd “Rainbow” Division in the precise location where the remains were found, providing historical context and further solidifying the soldier’s American identity and the likely unit he served with, further linking him to the French First World War uniform regulations of the U.S. Army in France.
Bert Caloud, the superintendent of Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, commended the respect shown by French officials in handling the remains. He also praised the thoroughness of both French and U.S. efforts to ensure the soldier was honored appropriately for his service. Caloud emphasized that the shared history of World War I strengthens the enduring relationship between France and the United States.
A man in uniform places a flower on a coffin.
A Lasting Franco-American Bond
The ceremony itself served as a powerful demonstration of this enduring bond. French and U.S. military personnel stood together in solidarity amidst the rows of white crosses at Oise-Aisne, united in honoring the fallen soldier. Caloud noted the deep and lasting impact of World War I on the French people, who witnessed intense combat in their own towns and villages. He affirmed that the French will never forget the sacrifices made by the Americans who fought alongside them.
Looking ahead, Caloud remarked, “If I look out there on Memorial Day, he’s going to have flowers” on his grave. He emphasized that these flowers would come from the French people, a testament to their continued gratitude and remembrance. General McConville, in his concluding remarks, expressed gratitude to the allied nations present and to all those involved in the recovery and identification of the soldier’s remains. “God bless this soldier and all those soldiers who serve our nations to protect our freedoms,” he concluded, bringing the solemn ceremony to a close.
