World War II soldier’s remains identified, will be buried in Tennessee hometown

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) — Officials have identified the remains of a U.S. Army corporal who died during World War II. His remains will be buried in his hometown.

Joe A. Vinyard (from East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association)

Joe A. Vinyard was 23 years old when he died. He was from Loudon, Tennessee, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

In a press release, officials said his remains have finally been accounted for.

Vinyard was a tanker in World War II.

He enlisted into the military in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, according to the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association. His enlist date was August 13, 1942.

Vinyard died in battle with German forces when his tank was destroyed by an 88-mm round. His crew realized he was missing, but his body was not found at that time.

Vinyard’s name is listed on the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery.

Unidentified remains were recovered from a burned-out tank in Gey. Those remains were disinterred in 2021 and were sent for an analysis. The statement shows that these remains were confirmed to be Vinyard’s in September of 2022.

A burial will be held for Vinyard in Maryville. Officials have not yet revealed the date of the burial.