Pvt. Hillary Soileau

Pvt. HILLARY SOILEAU

WWII – X-52

Born Feb. 26, 1919 - KIA Jan. 14, 1943

Identified: Dec.8, 2020     Buried:  May 21, 2022

Hillary Soileau was born, February 26, 1919, to Odey and Leona Soileau of Bunkie, La.  Later the family moved to Whiteville, La., where at age 22, Feb 14, 1942, only 12 days shy of turning 23, Hillary would be called to war in the Pacific.  Pvt. Soileau was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division when American forces went on the offensive to clear Guadalcanal of Japanese forces.  On January 10, 1943, troops began their attack on “Galloping Horse”, an enemy stronghold in which troops incurred heavy fighting, resulting in many casualties.  Pvt. Soileau was never seen again and was assumed missing in action.  This was the last the family would hear from their son.

On Feb 22, 1943, the remains of two soldiers were found on the battlefield and buried at the Army, Navy, and Marine Cemetery and classified as Unknown Soldiers X-50 and X-52.

In 1947 the remains of the soldiers were moved to Hawaii and on March 11, 1949, Unknown Soldier X-52, was interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

After many years, Historians and Anthropologists with the DPAA conducted a review of Unknown Soldier X-52 Guadalcanal and two potential missing soldiers recovered from Guadalcanal.  The staff determined that the remains buried as Unknown Soldier X-52 were likely the remains of Pvt Soileau and recommended the disinterment of Unknown Soldier X-52 Guadalcanal.

In April of 2019, the DPAA exhumed the remains of Unknown Soldier X-52 Guadalcanal.  Through exhaustive examination of Historical and Dental records, in addition to DNA testing from a sibling and maternal nephew, it was determined that the remains were that of Pvt. Hillary Soileau.

Pvt. Soileau’s arrival home was preceded in death by his father and mother, Odey and Leona Soileau and all but one sibling.  Pvt. Soileau is survived by his sister, Mary Soileau Badeaux and many nieces and nephews.  Mary’s last recollection of her brother was the day of his departure from home.

Funeral Services will be held on May 21, 2022, at Sibille Funeral Home, located at 2309 George Dr., Opelousas, La.  Visitation for the family will start at 8:30 am, with the public invited to attend at 9:00 am.  Rosary will begin at 10:45 am followed by Chapel services around 11:00 am.  Procession will begin around 11:30 am and will conclude with the Burial and Gravesite honors at Cedar Hill Cemetery, located at 702 Cedar Hill Rd., in Washington, La. where Pvt. Hillary Soileau will be reunited with his father, mother, siblings, and friends.

We encourage all to come celebrate and pay tribute to a fallen soldier and welcome our family member home.

UNTIL THEY ALL COME HOME