It happened in 1979, when a German civilian discovered a skeletal remains while searching for metal with a metal detector outside of Wallendorf, Germany. This was near the Luxembourg border. Recovery was made by the Bitburg Air Force Base Mortuary Office.

The US Army Memorial Affairs Activities, Europe, in Frankfurt Germany conducted a very intensive investigation into identifying the remains, which was designated as Unknown X-9540. No identification tags were found with, or in the vicinity of the remains, and a positive identification could not be established. However, because of all the equipment that was found with the remains, it was determined that they were those of an American soldier.

Coordination and arrangements were made with the Belgium authorities to escort the remains by funeral convoy for burial. Flight arrangements were made with the 21st Support Command representatives for the staff and myself to fly by helicopter to the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial located in Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium.

16 April 1979, the remains of the Unknown Soldier were transferred by funeral convoy to the Ardennes American Cemetery. There they were laid to state in the Memorial Chapel pending funeral services and permanent burial on 17 April 1979.

The Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial was established at its present location on 8 February 1945. The site was liberated on 8 September 1944 by the United States 1st Infantry Division. It served mainly as the first US Cemetery in Belgium, and contains the remains of those who died in the fighting around Aachen and during the drive into the Siegfried Line. In addition, this cemetery contains "Battle of the Buldge" casualties as well as U.S. Army Air Force casualties who died in Germany.

On 17 April 1979, we (21st Support Command Staff) flew by Huey Helicopter to Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial. From the air it was a beautiful site to see as we came in for the landing. After our landing, we were greeted by BG Donaldson, Mr. Duffy and their representatives.

At 1400 hours on 17 April 1969, the Memorial was filled to capacity with Belgium War Veterans, accompanied by their campaign flags, forty two (42) school children from the local schools, and several hundred spectators, brief prayers for the deceased were recited by Belgium clergymen of the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish faiths. Colonel (Chaplain) Mervin C. Hughes, US Army also participated in the prayers. It was awesome to see how a liberated country and the war veterans cared for the veterans. It was unbelieveable to see so many people turn out for this ceremony and solemn occasion, but you would have really understand these people and their feelings.

Following the services, the remains were borne through an arch formed by the campaign flags to a waiting hearse driven by myself (SFC Charles W. Gerlach) from the 21st Support Command, Assistant Chief of Staff's Office, Services Division, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The firing squad, were lined up along the Memorial path, presented arms as we passed. The numerous guests attending the funeral entered their cars and followed the funeral coach as they moved out to the burial site. The remains were buried in Plot B, Row 31, Grave 59.

After the casket was placed over the open grave, the four clergymen read the committal services of their respective faiths. During this period, the flag was held outstreched over the casket by the pallbearers from the US Army Memorial Affairs Activity, Europe. The flag was folded and presented to Major General Natanial Thompson, Jr., senior guest present, by SSG E.C. Meuller, NCOIC. Yhis segment of the ceremony was followed by the firing of three volleys by the firing squad composed of members from the US Army Memorial Activity, Europe. A bugler from the 21st Support Command band, sounded TAPS.

After TAPS was sounded, you could see the honor guard moving silently away from the grave as the remains were slowly being lowered into the grave. At this time the assembled flag bearers also passed individually at the foot of the grave and dipped their colors in salute. The forty school children carrying flowers, placed them at the foot of the grave. A floral spray from the American Battle Monuments Commission also was placed upon the grave, thus ending the funeral services for the remains of World War II Unknown American Soldier.

After the services were concluded, we flew over the cemetery once more to see the splendors and behold the beautiful and magnificent sight of the cemetery grounds below. It was an awesome sight that no one will ever forget too easily. During our return flight to Kaiserslautern, we stopped off at the Frankfurt Mortuary and were briefed on its operations and escorted through the facilities.