1919 Homer Edwin Dutcher - Data in re: KIA

On 15 May 1947, the U.S. Army issued a "Report of Investigation" in re:
the discovery of Homer's remains in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany.  

Homer's body was discovered by Heinrich Buschmann, who was the foreman
of a crew of local woodcutters working in the Hurtgen Forest in 1947.  
He reported finding the remains of Homer and some other U.S. servicemen 
in the area.  The area is designated as "91-B" and "92-B".  

This hand-drawn map shows the area.

Heinrich Buschmann resided at Pfennigsweide 13, in the village of Duren.
Duren is about eight miles ENE of the village of Hurtgen, and ten miles
ENE of the village of Germeter.  Coordinates are 50.77893, 6.47238.

Homer's remains consisted of some bones, some clothing, and his dog tags.
They were found lying on top of the ground.  There was not much remaining
after more than two years in the open - his remains weighed only ten pounds.

Statistics derived from measuring Homer's remains are as follows:

  Height = 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches
  Eyes   = Brown
  Hair   = Brown
  Shoe   = 11-C
  Pants  = 34-32
  Shirt  = 15-1/2 x 33
  
  ID Card = WO16315

It was noted that he was in possession of two one-dollar bills.

There were six other servicemen listed as KIA at the same time and place
as Homer, based on sworn statements of witnesses; they were very likely
Homer's comrades-in-arms; here are their service number, rank and names:

  * 34848073  Pvt  Gheant, Carl  (NMI)
    20301979  SSG  Cooper, Ralph (NMI)
    36266152  PFC  Sabel, George K.
  * 32703130  PFC  Saady, John (NMI)
  * 17059636  PFC  Smith, Lawrence V.
  * 31410110  Pvt  Malm, John J.
  
  (*) indicates that this person's remains were not yet recovered as of
      13 June 1945; the information is based solely on testimony.
  
  
23 July 2017 - James Alan Sherman, Homer's cousin


Link to Homer's personal history.


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