ST. LOUIS – The remains of a U.S. soldier from Missouri killed on D-Day during World War II will be interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery next week, military officials announced Friday.

Army Private William A. Smith, from Syracuse, Missouri, was killed on June 6, 1944 at the age of 22.


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Smith died when the landing craft carrying his unit was destroyed during the assault on Omaha Beach, in Normandy, France.

Smith was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in August 2023 after his remains were exhumed in 2021 from the Normandy American Cemetery for identification and laboratory analysis.

Smith’s remains will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 8. Hoffmeister South County Chapel will perform graveside services prior to the interment.