The family of the WWII veteran reached out to Klobuchar’s office in early 2015 after the Pentagon refused to test possible remains in cemetery in France; last June, the Navy recommended the remains be disinterred after Klobuchar wrote in support of the family’s request

Anderson’s family recently confirmed that his remains have been positively identified


WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today announced that the remains of John Anderson, a Willmar native and World War II veteran who was killed in action on D-Day, have been positively identified. For over 70 years, Anderson’s family did not know what came of their loved one, having been told that his remains were washed out to sea after he was killed in action on the beaches of Normandy. Following extensive research from Anderson’s nephew, the family reached out to the Pentagon in 2009 to ask that the remains of an unmarked grave in Normandy, France be disinterred. The Pentagon denied the family’s request twice. However, after Klobuchar wrote in support of the family’s request, the Navy recommended the remains be disinterred. Anderson’s family recently confirmed that his remains have been positively identified.

 

“Many heroes of the Greatest Generation made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we hold dear,” said Klobuchar. “John Anderson was one of those heroes. I hope that this news brings a measure of closure to the members of his family who have waited for generations to know his fate.”   

 

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