GRAVETTE, Ark. – After more than eight decades of uncertainty, U.S. Army Private Rodger Dean Andrews, a Gravette native and World War II soldier, was finally laid to rest in his hometown on Monday, June 9, receiving full military honors at Bethel Cemetery.
A solemn crowd of community members, veterans, law enforcement, and patriotic organizations gathered to honor the 18-year-old soldier who was killed in action during Operation Overlord on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Private Andrews had been listed as missing for 81 years, until his remains were officially identified in 2023.
The day began with a procession led by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Motor Division, accompanied by Military Honors and the Patriot Guard Riders, escorting Andrews from Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville to his final resting place in Gravette. Residents lined the streets with flags and signs of gratitude as the escort passed through Benton County.
At the cemetery, Andrews was honored with a traditional military funeral that included the folding and presentation of the American flag, the playing of Taps, and a 21-gun salute. Local clergy and military personnel shared words of remembrance, underscoring Andrews’ bravery and sacrifice.
Born and raised in Gravette, Andrews was just a teenager when he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to Company C of the 37th Engineer Combat Battalion. He lost his life during the Allied assault on Normandy but remained unidentified until modern scientific methods—including dental and anthropological analysis—confirmed his identity following a 2019 exhumation prompted by a family request.
A rosette has since been placed beside his name at the Normandy American Cemetery, signifying that he has now been accounted for.
The return and burial of Private Andrews marks not only a moment of closure for his family but a powerful moment of remembrance for the entire community. His homecoming stands as a reminder of the countless sacrifices made by service members during World War II and the enduring commitment to bringing every soldier home.