World War II soldier finally identified and buried in his Colorado hometown, 80 years after his death in battle

The long-awaited homecoming of World War II soldier Staff Sgt. Harold Schafer brought closure and peace to his Colorado family after 80 years. Schafer, who was killed in action in Germany in 1944 at age 28, was finally buried at Denver’s Fort Logan National Cemetery with full military honors.

Schafer’s journey home was complicated, his body could not be recovered by his colleagues after he was mortally wounded by machine gun fire. Years of investigation by the American Graves Registration Command finally led to the identification of his remains in 2023.

Monday’s emotional service brought relief and comfort to Schafer’s niece, Barb Bernhard, who spoke of her grandmother’s lifelong wish to finally bring her uncle home. The family’s pain and sorrow over Schafer’s loss were eased by the closure of the opportunity to honor him and bury him in his native land.

For Bernhard and her family, Schafer’s long-awaited return was a moment of joy and wonder, as they were finally able to fulfill their grandmother’s deepest wish to have him home. The news of his identification brought unexpected happiness and allowed the family to find peace after decades of uncertainty.