Recentely Identified Iowa Soldier Who Died on D-Day to be Buried

The remains of a recently identified Iowa soldier will be laid to rest 81 years to the day of his death.

Who is the Iowa Soldier who was Recently Identified? 

CBS2 reports that U.S. Army Private James L. Harrington took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6th, 1944. Private Harrington and around 200 other soldiers were on a landing craft headed towards Omaha Beach when it hit a mine and came under heavy enemy fire. The boat caught fire and sank, killing Harrington and all the soldiers on board.

In 1946, the sunken boat was located, and the remains of four soldiers were recovered, according to CBS2. At the time, they could not be identified and were buried as 'Unknown' at the Normandy American Cemetery. Harrington would officially be listed as Missing in Action.

When Was Private Harrington Identified?

In August 2021, the Department of Defense exhumed the remains of the four Unknowns and transferred them to a laboratory for analysis. CBS2 reports that scientists used anthropological analysis along with mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA analysis to positively identify Harrington's remains. His family received the news in August 2023.

Where Are Private Harrington's Services Being Held?

Private James L. Harrington will be laid to rest 81 years to the day he gave his life for his country. CBS2 reports Harrington will be buried on Friday, June 6th, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Cincinnati, Iowa. A graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

A rosette will now be placed next to Harrington's name on the Walls of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in France, indicating he has been accounted for.