World War ll soldier from Liberal laid to rest after 75+ years

Liberal, MO. (KOAM) - After more than 75 years a 4-State hero is being laid to rest .

In 1944 U.S. Army Cpl. Julius G. Wolfe of Liberal was one of the tens of thousands of soldiers to participate in D-Day during World War ll.

He was declared Missing in Action following Normandy Invasion on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France.

Although his family did not receive his body, Cpl. Wolfe was declared deceased. He was 20 years old at the time of his passing.

“There was a tombstone here all this time. But my mom always said they never received his body. And I know that was a hardship for my grandparents,” says Janna Ragsdale, Cpl. Wolfe's niece.

Through DNA the Army was able to account for and identify the remains of Cpl. Wolfe in August 2023.

Wolfe’s family were recently informed by the military of the identification of the soldier. The family says Army representatives met with them to discuss his history and give them the medals he has been awarded.

Family and the Liberal community were able to join together at the Liberal City Cemetery for the burial of Cpl. Wolfe’s remains next to his parents where a headstone bearing his name has stood for years. .

“But we feel like there's just some closure here. And we have a lot of family members who have been able to share in this wonderful honor," says Ragsdale.

Cpl. Wolfe was brought home with a procession from Springfield.  The Warriors' Watch Rider, a motorcycle group who honors veterans and first responders, led the way.

“It's always a special honor because it's very moving to hear the tribute, what they went through, understand what brought about their demise and what they did in the service,” says Steve Simko, a rider in the group.

Cpl. Wolfe received full military honors during his ceremony. His family possess the medals he has received, including the Purple Heart.

it really makes me proud because I'm sure, like the chaplain said that he was, I'm sure he was terrified. I'm sure all those men were terrified and they still went forward knowing that they might not ever go back home.”

"It really makes me proud because I'm sure, like the chaplain said, that he was terrified," says Ragsdale. "I'm sure all those men were terrified and they still went forward knowing that they might not ever go back home.”

Cpl. Wolfe's family says they hope to continue learning more about the fallen soldier and his life.

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