WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Pfc. William E. Kutnock, 20, missing in action during World War II, was accounted for May 16, 2025.
In 1943, Kutnock was assigned to Company D, 4th Ranger Battalion, "Darby's Rangers." He was killed on Sept. 19 during Operation AVALANCHE, the amphibious invasion of Italy, after his unit encountered enemy fire on an overnight reconnaissance mission on the Maiori-Pagani Road toward the village of Sala in the commune of Corbara. After the firefight, his unit conducted a thorough inspection of the battlefield but could not locate his remains. The War Department issued a finding of death for Kutnock on Dec. 1, 1944.
This is an initial release. The complete accounting of Kutnock's case will be published once the family receives their full briefing.
For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving their country, visit the DPAA website at or on social media at , , , or .