JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Belgian man is searching for the family of a soldier connected to Jacksonville.
Dieter Joosen, who lives in Belgium, is volunteering through an adopt-a-grave program to care for the grave of Jerry Chadwick.
Recommended Videos
Jerry Chadwick was killed in combat on Dec. 19, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge.
“I want to bring him back alive, so to speak,” said Dieter of his mission.
Dieter calls himself an amateur historian with a strong interest in World War II. He says many Americans who died in combat are buried in Belgium. Through the American Overseas Memorial Day Association, he was assigned to care for Jerry Chadwick’s grave.
So far, Dieter has uncovered more about Jerry’s role in the war.
“Engineers were responsible for the critical and dangerous tasks, clearing obstacles from mines. Um, the buildings and destroying bridges. I mean the removal of mines,” Dieter explained.
Dieter has also tried to contact Jerry’s family. He found people he believes are relatives and sent messages through Facebook, but has not received a response.
“It’s possible they don’t want to have contact. And that’s fine. I don’t need. I don’t do this for financial reasons or anything like that. I just want to know the story and make it personal,” he said.
News4JAX also attempted to find relatives.
While phone numbers were difficult to locate, a number for a distant relative was found but turned out to be invalid.
If you are related to Jerry Chadwick and want to connect with Dieter, email Ariel Schiller at aschiller@wjxt.com for assistance.
When asked what message he would share with Jerry’s family, Dieter said, “Well, I think I just want to say... Myself and I don’t speak for myself only, but for the Belgian people, we didn’t forget what your family and what all the Americans did for our freedom, and I think that’s the most important message.”