Authorities on Friday released the name of a World War II veteran whose grave was disturbed this week at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Around 8 a.m. Thursday, a maintenance man discovered that the gravesite of Edward John Redhead had a significant amount of soil removed, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. Redhead was buried in 1971.

Redhead's family has been notified and has requested privacy.

At a news conference Thursday, Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek couldn't say whether the veteran's remains were disturbed, citing the ongoing investigation. He also declined to speculate on a motive.

The sheriff's office and the Department of Veterans Affairs are continuing to investigate.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495; Twitter: @stribnorfleet