The remains of U.S. Army veteran Hood E. Cole were recently laid to rest in a special ceremony, bringing closure to his family 72 years after his death in France during World War II. Cole, a 19-year-old Atlanta native, served as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army and was assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division.
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Cole’s unit was attacked by German soldiers near Baerenthal, France on January 14, 1944. Unfortunately, historical records do not indicate the exact location of Cole’s death, and his body was unable to be immediately recovered due to the intense fighting.
Cole’s remains were declared non-recoverable in 1951, but in 2017, his family member sent a DNA sample to the DPAA, leading to the identification of his remains. It was discovered that Cole had been found in a forest that remained largely untouched since World War II. His great-nephew, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Rusty Midkiff, expressed his astonishment at the collaborative efforts involved in identifying his great-uncle’s remains.
The ceremony honoring Cole’s memory included soldiers presenting his niece, Midkiff’s mother, with an American flag. Midkiff acknowledged and applauded the dedication of everyone who worked tirelessly over the decades to bring Cole’s remains home. He emphasized the importance of soldiers knowing that no matter the outcome, they will be brought back home when they deploy to fight for their nation.
Cole’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by young soldiers like him during World War II. Despite being robbed of his hopes and dreams, Cole’s family can find solace in knowing that he is finally at rest in his homeland. The ceremony provided closure and honored the memory of a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
