Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 March 1919 — Bodies of Americans Who Died in France During the War to Be Brought Home [ARTICLE]

Bodies of Americans Who Died in France During the War to Be Brought Home

Bodies of Americans who died in France during the w r ar will be transferred to the United States ‘if their nearest relatives so desire. Otherwise the dead will remain undisturbed. Already a large number of relatives have informed the war department of their desire to have the bodies returned. In the near future a letter will be sent to the nearest relative of every soldier or civilian whose body rests in France, asking their wishes with regard to the transfer. A memorandum on this* subject, drafted by Lieut. Col. J. C. Ashburn of the adjutant general’s ‘department, says: “It cannot be stated just now when the transfer of bodies will begin, as it must be deferred until conditions, including that of transportation, warrant the undertaking. Due notice will be given through the public press. “It is not deemed advisable to grant requests for relatives, friends or undertakers to go to France to superintend the preparation and shipment of, or to accompany bodies back to the United States. Organizations have been formed, known as grave registration units, whose duty it is to look, after burials, care of cemeteries and preservation of identification records so that there will be no question as to identity.” : I