Remains of Charleston soldier killed during World War II identified | Local News

The phrase commonly used within the United States military: “No man left behind” continues to ring true today. Thanks in part to modern science, some previously unidentified service members who were killed while serving as far back as World War II are finally being honored for making the ultimate sacrifice.

The remains of World War II veteran and Charleston native Harold Oscar Poulter were recently identified, nearly 80 years after his death. They are delivered to Greenup, where his family will be able to give him a proper burial.

The news that her remains had been identified came as a pleasant surprise to her niece and oldest relative, Lynn Graves of Greenup.

“It’s a very humbling experience, and it chokes me up even talking about it,” Graves said. “I didn't know him personally, but for everyone to go to such lengths for this man who was a fallen soldier and gave the ultimate price, his life, I think it's just an awesome experience. And they all deserve it, every single one of them.

According to a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency report, in which it stated that his remains had been identified, Poulter joined the United States Army in June 1942 while in Cincinnati, Ohio and served in the 318th Infantry Regiment. . He was killed in action a few years after enlisting while serving in the European Theater. He was 23 years old at the time of his death.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency report is based, in part, on forensic research conducted by the Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission in September 2022.

Poulter was killed in Biesdorf, Germany, on February 8, 1945, after being shot in the neck by enemy forces, according to another soldier in his unit who witnessed his death. However, the U.S. Army listed Poulter as missing in action until October 1945.

Poulter's remains were found in a wooded area near Biesdorf in 1951, but the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's report on him was not completed until January 2024.

About three months ago, Graves was contacted by the Defense POW/MIA accounting agency, and a few U.S. military representatives met with her at her home to share the newly discovered information about her uncle.

“They both came and sat with me and talked with me for three hours,” Graves said. “They have a half-inch-thick book on him. It's difficult to understand everything. It's just amazing that they're doing all this, and I think it's wonderful.

Graves was born four years after Poulter died, so she never knew him. However, she saw some photos of him, and Graves' family kept the awards Poulter earned for his military service, including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East campaign with two bronze services. Stars, WWII Victory Medal, First Award Combat Infantryman Badge and Honorable Service Lapel Button.

“I didn't even know we had a photo of Harold, but my brother found one in the photos we all shared. And he had kept it, and I’m so glad he did,” Graves said.

Poulter's family knew for decades that he had been killed, but they never got to see him receive the military burial he deserved. Barkley Funeral Home and its director, Scott Stults, helped Poulter's family plan and coordinate the funeral, which will be held in Greenup.

“The Army is giving him full military rites at the Janesville Cemetery, and the best part is he'll be right near where his mother and father are buried,” Graves said. “And isn’t it great that after all these years, 79 years, it can be near their graves?”

Graves' father, Ernest Robert Decker, also served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and she thinks he would be happy to know that his brother-in-law is finally being recognized for his service.

“I think he would just be thrilled because he fought in the same war. They weren’t in the same place, but my dad was able to come home,” Graves said.

On the day of the funeral, a procession will take place from the square in downtown Toledo to the Janesville Cemetery. The funeral will take place on June 4 at 2 p.m. and the public is invited to attend and pay their respects.

“There have been so many people who have come forward and said, 'Would it be OK if we came?' and I said 'absolutely'.

Graves will be joined at the funeral by her sister, Jewell Byrum of Greenup, and her brother, Bud Decker, who lives in Texas.

“It will be a big deal. It will be a great experience, and I'm glad my funeral director saw it and wanted to do it that way. And he wanted a full casket, so that casket could be draped with a flag,” Graves said.

Additionally, Graves said several members of Rolling Thunder and the Patriot Guard Riders will help honor Poulter.

“They have a biker group that does this for fallen soldiers,” she said. “They're going to accompany the hearse that's going to pick him up in Indy, and they'll accompany him to Greenup. And then they will also be there on the day of the funeral.

“I thought it was pretty amazing.”