Memorial

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William Linder attended high school for two years and was a carpenter.

He volunteered for the Army of the United States in Charlotte, North Carolina on 13 December 1941.

He was wounded in action in France for which he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal a first time. After recovering in a hospital in England he rejoined his unit.

He was reported missing in action on 16 November 1944 and officially decleared dead one day and one year later.

During the spring of 1947, a German woodcutter found remains and G.I. equipment lying on top of the ground in area #89 of the Hürtgen Forest, an area that was destroyed by artillery fire during the battle for the forest. Although no other means of identification could be found, authorities determined the remains belonged to an American soldier based upon the clothing and equipment. The unknown soldier was interred at Ardennes Cemetery as Unknown X-5431.
On 28 September 2021, the DPAA announced the remains of Unknown X-5431 had been positively as S/Sgt William Linder.

His name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

He has been given his final resting place on 29 Octover 2021 in Anderson, South Carolina.