World War II soldier’s remains returned home 79 years later

ST. LOUIS – It was a very special night Friday as the remains of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Woodrow Gerdes returned home to St. Louis for the first time since he died serving his country nearly 80 years ago.

Gerdes next-of-kin, including great-niece Kristy Jung, were there to receive him at Lambert International Airport.

According to the military, Gerdes served in the 28th infantry division during the war and was reported missing in action on Nov. 9th, 1944, during intense fighting with Nazi forces in Germany.

Gerdes, a St. Clair native, was 31 years old at the time of his death.

The soldier’s body was exhumed at an American cemetery in Belgium in 2018 and identified through DNA testing a year ago. Jung said the family never forgot about him; her grandfather, Gerdes’ oldest brother, even carried a newspaper clipping from when he went missing with him inside of his wallet until he died.

Jung described her great-uncle as a country boy, who loved spending time with his family. He was the middle brother of four.

Friday was a full-circle moment for the family, who encourages other families to never give up hope over finding the remains of their loved ones.