May 24 – The phrase “No one is left behind” often used within the U.S. military still rings true today. Thanks in part to modern science, some previously unknown service members who died while serving in World War II are finally being honored for making the ultimate sacrifice.
The remains of Harold Oscar, a World War II veteran and native of Charleston poulterer were recently identified, almost 80 years after his reported death. They will be delivered to Greenup, where his family will be able to give him a proper burial.
The news that his remains had been identified came as a pleasant surprise to his niece and oldest living relative, Lynn Graves of Greenup.
“It’s a very humbling experience, and it chokes me up to even talk about it,” Graves said. “I didn’t know him personally, but for anyone to go to all this trouble for this man who was a fallen soldier and gave the ultimate prize, his life, I think it’s just an amazing experience. And they all deserve that.” each of them.”
According to a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency report stating that his remains had been identified, Poulter joined the U.S. Army in June 1942 while in Cincinnati, Ohio, and served in the 318th Infantry Regiment. He was killed while serving in the European Theater a few years after enlisting. 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 in September 2022 by the Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Poulter was killed on February 8, 1945, in Biesdorf, Germany, after being shot in the neck by enemy forces, according to another soldier in his unit who witnessed his death. However, the US Army classified 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 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. Army representatives met her at her home to share the recently discovered information about her uncle.
“They both came and sat with me and talked to me for three hours,” Graves said. ‘They have a book that is half an inch thick. It’s hard to take it all in. It’s just amazing that they’re doing all this, and I love it.”
Graves was born four years after Poulter’s death, so she never knew him. However, she has seen some photos of him, and Graves’ family has retained the awards Poulter earned for his military service, including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, First Commencement Combat Infantry Badge and Honorable Service Lapel Button.
“I didn’t even know we had a picture of Harold, but my brother found one in the photos we all shared. And he saved it, and I’m so glad he did,” Graves said.
Poulter’s family knew for decades that he was murdered, but they never saw him receive the proper military burial he deserved. Barkley Funeral Home and its director, Scott Stults, assisted Poulter’s family in arranging and coordinating the funeral, which will take place in Greenup.
“The Army will give him full military rites at the Janesville Cemetery, and best of all, he will be near where his father and mother are buried,” Graves said. “And how amazing is it that after all these years, 79 years, he could even 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 his brother-in-law is finally being recognized for his service.
“I think he would just be excited because he fought in the same war. They weren’t in the same place, but my dad got to come home,” Graves said.
On the day of the funeral, a procession will be held from downtown Toledo Square to Janesville Cemetery. The funeral will take place on June 4 at 2pm and the public are welcome to attend and pay their respects.
“So many people have come forward and said, ‘Would it be okay 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’s going to be quite a task. It’s going to be a big experience, and I’m glad my funeral director saw that and wanted to do it that way. And he wanted a full casket so that a flag can be draped over that casket.” Graven said.
In addition, Graves said several members of Rolling Thunder and the Patriot Guard Riders will help honor Poulter.
“They have a motorcycle group that does this for fallen soldiers,” she said. “They’ll go with the hearse that picks him up from Indy, and they’ll accompany him all the way back to Greenup. And then they will be there on the day of the funeral.
“I thought that was pretty amazing.”
Nick Taylor can be reached at nick.taylor@effinghamdailynews.com or by phone at 618-510-9226 or 217-347-7151 ext. 300132.
