money World War II veteran buried in Anderson, identified decades after combat death
Known to his family as Haskell, Army Staff Sgt. Grady Haskell Canup died in combat during World War II.
The family of Army Staff Sgt. Grady Haskell Canup came to his funeral Sunday, decades after he died in combat during World War II.
Janet Hawkins, who knew him as Uncle Haskell, accepted a thick packet of awards at his funeral: A Bronze Star, a pair of Purple Hearts and more.
"Nobody in the family knew he received all those awards," she said, after the funeral at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Anderson.
Anderson veteran also killed at Hurtgen: Lost for 77 years, World War II veteran finally brought home to Anderson
Canup, a Greenwood native, died at 30 when enemy artillery fire hit his foxhole in the Hurtgen Forest offensive in late 1944 in Germany, according to U.S. Army officials who reviewed his service and examined his remains.
A dog tag was found and that helped to aid the investigation, Hawkins said.
Canup's name, listed on a remembrance to missing soldiers at a Netherlands monument, will now be accompanied by a rosette to indicate his remains have been identified.
Veterans, some of whom never knew Canup, came to join his friends and family at the funeral.
Hawkins said she was moved by their presence.
Soldiers in an honor platoon from Alpha Company HHBN at Fort Jackson attended to the funeral, said Sgt. First Class Brian Wilkins.
Army Chaplain Woodly Pierre told the family they could be more at peace now, with the knowledge that Canup had returned home, no longer a missing solider but now with a place both in Anderson and the knowledge of his place in heaven.
Hawkins said she was comforted by the chaplain's words, which paid respect to Canup's own faith.
Knowing that he is back home is a comfort, Hawkins said.
She accepted the flag, which had been draped across his casket as it traveled from a Nebraska base to Anderson.
"He gave his life and fought for his country," she said. "Our soldier is home, welcome home."
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Mike Ellis lives in Powdersville and tells South Carolina stories with a focus on Anderson County and Pickens County along with faith and investigations. He's always looking for the next story that people need to read, please send any tips or feedback to mellis@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Lost for 78 years World War II veteran Grady Canup buried in Anderson
