Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Return of a Hero: Denver Man Killed in WWII Finally Coming Home
After nearly 80 years, the body of Harold Schafer, a brave soldier from Denver who was killed in action during World War II, is finally set to return home. Schafer, aged 28, tragically lost his life in a battle in Dillingen, Germany on Dec. 10, 1944, when he was hit by enemy machine gun fire.
Despite being officially declared non-recoverable in November 1951, Schafer’s memory has lived on over the decades. Now, with advancements in technology and a dedicated team of experts, his remains have been identified and will be brought back to be buried in Wheat Ridge, where he will be laid to rest with the honor and respect he deserves.
The Long Road Home
Schafer’s body was left behind in Germany due to the intense fighting against heavily reinforced German forces. When American troops were forced to retreat from the Dillingen area, he was one of many casualties left on the battlefield. In the years following the war, efforts were made to locate and recover missing American soldiers in Europe, but Schafer’s remains remained elusive.
It wasn’t until 2018 that a breakthrough was made when a defense agency historian studying the unaccounted-for soldiers lost at Dillingen discovered a potential connection to human remains buried in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Through meticulous analysis and testing, Schafer’s body was positively identified, bringing closure to his family and friends after so many years of uncertainty.
A Hero’s Legacy
Harold Schafer’s name is inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France, alongside others who are still missing from World War II. A rosette will now be placed next to his name to signify that he has been accounted for, ensuring that his sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.
As we prepare to welcome Harold Schafer home after all these years, let us remember the courage and bravery of all those who have given their lives in service to their country. May his memory live on as a symbol of sacrifice and honor for generations to come.
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