Donald L Shutts

Private Donald L. Shutts

December 24, 1923 – February 19, 1944

Private Donald L. Shutts, a World War II soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country, will finally be laid to rest with full military honors after more than 82 years. Donald was born on December 24, 1923, in Bayard, Nebraska, and was killed in action on February 19, 1944, at the age of 20 during combat operations near Cisterna, Italy.

Donald proudly served in Company F, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On February 19, 1944, while his unit was engaged by German forces near Ponte Rotto, Italy, he was reported missing in action. He was last seen lying unresponsive in a field approximately three miles northwest of Campomorto. His remains were never recovered, and the German military did not report him as a prisoner of war. The War Department officially declared him deceased on February 19, 1944.

For more than eight decades, Donald’s fate remained unknown. On March 14, 2024, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Private Shutts had been accounted for, bringing long-awaited answers and closure to his family. His identification reflects the unwavering commitment of the United States to never leave a fallen service member behind.

Donald will be repatriated and laid to rest with full military honors at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The service will honor his courage, sacrifice, and faithful service to his nation. Family, friends, veterans, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend and pay their respects to this American hero.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the United States Army, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and everyone whose dedication, expertise, and perseverance made it possible to identify Donald’s remains and bring him home. After more than 80 years of uncertainty, they are profoundly thankful that he will finally receive the honorable burial he earned through his selfless service.

Donald is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses Shutts and Sophia Shutts. Siblings; Dorothy Daniel, David Shutts.

Private Donald L. Shutts belonged to the Greatest Generation—a young man who answered his country’s call without hesitation and paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom. Though his life was tragically brief, his courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty continue to inspire generations. His return home serves as a powerful reminder that the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen are never forgotten.

The family invites those wishing to honor Donald’s memory to attend the graveside service or pay tribute to all those who remain committed to ensuring America’s missing service members are brought home.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

At long last, Private Donald L. Shutts is home. May he rest in eternal peace.