World War II Soldier's Remains Identified After Missing Daughter's Birth

An American soldier who was overseas during his daughter's birth and died in combat during World War II has had his remains identified over eighty years later, authorities have announced.

Private First Class Wilbert G. Linsenbardt, originally from Lohman, Missouri, was confirmed to have been accounted for as of April 30, 2025, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Linsenbardt lost his life in combat on December 5, 1942, near the location of Buna in Papua New Guinea, when his unit, known as Company A of the 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, faced intense enemy bombardment. His remains, initially unrecoverable, were declared non-recoverable nine years posthumously.

Historical records from the Defense Department revealed that Linsenbardt could not return home for his daughter's birth due to his deployment.

His family mentioned that they sent him photographs of his newborn daughter.

Reports indicate that Linsenbardt passed away when his daughter was only four months old.

In 1943, remains were discovered close to an area named the 'Triangle,' proximate to where Linsenbardt died. These were initially unidentified and subsequently buried without specific recognition.

A significant development occurred in 2017, when DPAA experts and historians compiled a list that included 94 anonymous remains potentially linked to Linsenbardt's location. During that year, the 'Unknown X-38 Finschhafen #2' remains were exhumed for further examination.

Advancements in forensic science, including dental and anthropological analysis alongside DNA techniques such as mitochondrial genome sequencing, enabled scientists to finally confirm Linsenbardt's identity.

The Defense Department has successfully identified nearly 1,000 service members from World War II, allowing them to be honorably returned to their families.

Plans are set for Linsenbardt's burial in his Missouri hometown, expected to happen in the spring.