Bridgeport Soldier, Killed in WWII, Buried in U.S. Eight Decades Later

U.S. Army Sgt. Hagop Jack Zarifian was killed eight decades ago in World War II, and has finally returning for burial in the United States, in Providence.

The Bridgeport, Connecticut native was employed as a draftsman at General Electric in Bridgeport when he enlisted in the Army on January 10, 1944, at age 19 according to published reports, wearing his class ring from Warren Harding High School with his initials inscribed inside the gold band. He was born on November 9, 1925 and went on to play football and bugle at Harding.

He was killed on April 6, 1945, according to reports, when he was struck by a rocket in the midst of a fire fight with German forces, according to the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The agency reports he served in the 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division. On April 6, 1945, the 63rd Infantry Division was in Germany, taking part in the drive east by U.S. forces after crossing the border with France and breaking through German defenses known as the Seigfried line. Sgt Zarifian was advancing across an open field when enemy rocket fire struck his position, killing him and wounding fellow Soldiers.

His remains, however, were never located - until last year, when crews were installing underground power lines. He had apparently been buried by local villagers, a fact that was apparently unknown for decades.

It was his high school ring that assisted in the identification, published reports in recent weeks indicated. along with a sterling ID bracelet engraved with his name and Army serial number. It was a gift from his co-workers at GE.

He has been memorialized for many years on the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint-Avold, France. Family members - including a sister now age 96 - reside in Rhode Island, remembered him through the years, recalling his youth and keeping his photograph nearby, “so he was always kind of with us,” as one family member described his continuing presence. He buried on November 23, 2024 with full military honors at Providence North Burial Ground.

photo courtesy US Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency