Remains of Arthur, Illinois soldier killed in World War II finally identified

Remains of Arthur, Illinois soldier, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul A. Gregg, killed in World War II finally identified.
Photo of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul A. Gregg, 29, of Arthur, Illinois Photo credit Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)

It took more than 80 years, but the remains of a soldier from downstate Arthur, Illinois who was killed in World War II will soon be coming home.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul A. Gregg was reported missing in action in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, and presumed dead despite the his remains not being found.  He was 29 years old.

Thursday, the Army announced that unidentified remains discovered in an isolated field grave in Luxembourg in April of 1945 were in fact Gregg's.

Scientists used DNA and dental records to help positively identify the remains. Gregg's family received a full briefing from the military, and plans are in the works to have his remains buried in Arcola, Illinois which is about 45 miles east of Decatur

Featured Image Photo Credit: Courtesy: the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency