Elden Dale Schaefer was born 26 March 1922 in Seneca County, Ohio, the son of George R. and Emma Schaefer. Elden had an older sister, Irene and an older brother, George R., Jr. "Bud" Schaefer.

Elden was a 1940 Graduate of Norwalk High School, and went on to the University of Nebraska. While at Nebraska, Elden was with the 303rd Infantry Regiment; 3rd Platoon; Company F. He was called to active duty and transferred to the 3rd Infantry Division; 120th Infantry Regiment. He went overseas in February 1944; and joined in the fighting in France.

Conflicting sources say PFC Elden D. Smith went MISSING IN ACTION on the 30th OR 31st of July 1944. Neither he, nor his remains were ever found. He was officially Declared Dead on 01 August 1945. He is memorialized at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France; and his status remains MISSING IN ACTION.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Citations for the newspaper clipping I posted are:

Norwalk Reflector Herald
Norwalk, Ohio
Friday, October 15, 1943

Norwalk Reflector Herald
Norwalk, Ohio
Thursday, August 17, 1944

Sandusky Register Star News
Sandusky, Ohio
Friday, August 18, 1944

Norwalk Reflector Herald
Norwalk, Ohio
Thursday, August 9, 1945

Sandusky Register Star News
Sandusky, Ohio
Friday, August 10, 1945

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http://www.wwiimemorial.com/Registry/plaque_tabletsmissing.aspx?honoreeID=715279
Elden D. Schaefer ID: 35536457
Entered the Service From: Ohio
Rank: Private First Class
Service: U.S. Army, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division
Died: Wednesday, August 01, 1945
Memorialized at: Normandy American Cemetery
Location: Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart

World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas
Name: Elden O Schaefer
Inducted From: Ohio
Rank: Private First Class
Combat Organization: 120th Infantry 30th Division
Death Date: 1 Aug 1945
Monument: Normandy, France
Last Known Status: Missing
U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal

Bronze Star Medal

U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945
Name: Elden D Schaefer
Gender: Male
Race: White
Religion: Protestant
Disposition: Nonrecoverable
Service branch: Army
Rank: Private First Class
Service number: 35536457