“Anne Walker Collingwood Plans Funeral for Father, U.S. Army Second Lt. Gene Walker, 79 Years After His Death in WWII”

INDIANAPOLIS — Anne Walker Collingwood never had the opportunity to know her father, U.S. Army Second Lt. Gene Walker, who died while fighting in World War II in 1944. However, after 79 years, Walker’s remains were recently identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, giving Collingwood the chance to plan a funeral for her father.

Walker’s unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Hücheln, Germany, when the tank he was in was hit by an 88mm anti-tank round. It is believed that Walker was killed instantly. Following the war, the American Graves Registration Command investigated missing American personnel in Europe, but there were no reports of dead American servicemembers in the Hücheln area.

Recently, unidentified remains were recovered from one of the burned-out tanks in Hücheln, and after testing mitochondrial DNA and anthropological analysis, the remains were confirmed to be those of Gene Walker.

Collingwood grew up knowing little about her father, as her family rarely spoke about him. Her mother eventually married one of Walker’s best friends, and Collingwood learned more about her father through him. She described him as an extremely likable and wonderful person.

A few years ago, Collingwood received a call from the U.S. Army, asking for a DNA sample from her and her daughter to create a family tree for Walker. In July, she received the life-changing news that her father’s remains had been identified after 79 years.

Collingwood experienced a range of emotions upon hearing the news, including shock, disbelief, and extreme happiness. She hopes that her story can give hope to others who have family members still unidentified after wars or conflicts.

Currently, Collingwood and her family are preparing for Walker’s funeral, which is scheduled for January 26, 2024, at Fort Rosecrans in San Diego. She is grateful for anyone who attends and celebrates the life of this American hero.