Disappearance of two Madison airmen in 1953 remains a mystery

RECENTLY FOUND
 HEROES in 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Raymond A. Barker, 20, Walworth County, Wisconsin, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Barker was assigned to Company C, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Barker died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Barker’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Currently there are 73,034 service members still unaccounted for from World War II.

Marine Killed From World War II Accounted For
October 17, 2017

Marine Corps Pvt. Edwin W. Jordan,

Marine Corps Pvt. Edwin W. Jordan, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Jordan was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Jordan died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Jordan’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Pfc. Francis E. Drake, 21, Springfield, Massachusetts, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On October 9, 1942, Drake was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, participating in a main offensive action in the Battle of Guadalcanal. After nearly two months of battle, the regiment completed their action, however Morrissey was killed in action. Two other Marines from Morrissey’s battalion were reportedly interred in graves atop Hill 73, alongside him.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to Mr. Yorick Tokuru, Mr. John Innes, Mr. Ewan Stevenson and the Solomon Islands government and police force for their assistance in this recovery.

Drake's name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Albert Strange, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Strange was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Strange died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc. for their partnership in this mission.

Strange's name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Killed From World War II Accounted For
October 17, 2017

Marine Corps Cpl. John V. McNichol, 18

Marine Corps Cpl. John V. McNichol, 18, Altoona, Pennsylvania, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, McNichol was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. McNichol died on the second day of the battle, Nov. 21, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc. for their partnership in this mission.

McNichol’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Sgt. Elden W. Grimm, 26, Menasha, Wisconsin, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Grimm was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Grimm died on Nov. 25, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Grimm’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Pfc. Donald R. Tolson, California, Killed during the battle of Tarawa in World War II, has now been accounted for. 

In November 1943, Tolson was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Tolson was killed sometime on the first day of battle ,Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Tolson's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
 

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 12, 2017

Navy Seaman 2nd Class Harold L. Head, 20

Navy Seaman 2nd Class Harold L. Head, 20, Browning, Linn County, Missouri,  killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Head was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Head. 

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Head’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Sailor Killed From World War II Accounted For
October 12, 2017

Navy Reserve Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class Thomas J. Murphy,

Navy Reserve Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class Thomas J. Murphy, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Murphy was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Murphy was killed on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Murphy’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 11, 2017

Marine Cpl. Walter G. Critchley, 24,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Cpl. Walter G. Critchley, 24, of Norwich, New York, will be buried October 18 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. In November 1943, Critchley was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Critchley died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Despite the heavy casualties suffered by U.S. forces, military success in the battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In 1946 and 1947, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio Island, but Critchley’s remains were not recovered. On Feb. 10, 1949, a military review board declared Critchley’s remains non-recoverable.

In June 2015, a nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc., notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle in November 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in July 2015.

To identify Critchley’s remains, scientists from DPAA used circumstantial evidence and laboratory analysis, to include dental comparisons and anthropological analysis, which matched Critchley’s records.

Airmen Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 11, 2017

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. George W. Betchley, 20,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. George W. Betchley, 20, of Yonkers, New York, will be buried October 14 in Clearwater, Florida. On March 22, 1945, Betchley was a member of the 429th Bombardment Squadron, 2nd Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, serving as a navigator on a B-17G Flying Fortress, carrying a crew of ten on a bombing mission targeting the Ruhland oil refinery near Schwarzheide, Germany. The aircraft crashed in southwest Poland after two of its engines and the left wing were reportedly damaged by German anti-aircraft fire, and German fighters. The pilot and several crewmembers parachuted out, but only the pilot and co-pilot survived. The other eight crewmembers were not recovered following the crash. Betchley was declared missing in action as of March 22, 1945, but his status was later amended to killed in action.

On April 8, 1948, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) personnel recovered personal equipment and a set of remains, later designated as “Unknown X-7547 Neuville,” from Janowek Village Cemetery, near Glinica, Poland. The remains could not be identified and were interred as Unknown X-7547 at the United States Military Cemetery Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium in September 1949.

In April 1948, an AGRC team investigated a crash site associated with Betchley’s aircraft. Local authorities took the team to the crash site where equipment was found in the wreckage which had serial numbers correlating with weapons used on the B-17G Flying Fortress.

After a thorough historical and scientific analysis, it was determined that X-7547 could likely be identified. After receiving approval, on July 7, 2016, Unknown X-7547 was disinterred from Neuville and sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.

To identify Betchley’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome (Y-STR) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as dental and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and historical evidence.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 10, 2017

Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Don O. Neher, 28,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Don O. Neher, 28, of Kansas City, Missouri, will be buried October 16 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. On Dec. 7, 1941, Neher was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Neher.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Neher.

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis.

To identify Neher’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched his family, anthropological analysis and dental comparisons, which matched Neher’s records, as well as circumstantial.

Captured Soldier From Korean War Accounted For
October 10, 2017

Army Sgt. Kermit J. Lejeune,

Army Sgt. Kermit J. Lejeune, Acadia Parish Louisiana, captured during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In late November 1950, Lejeune was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, engaged in combat operations against the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) in the vicinity of Unsan County, North Pyongan County, North Korea. Lejeune was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950. Several returned American POWs reported that Lejeune had in fact been captured and died in a North Korean POW camp in February or March 1951.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Lejeune’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Today, 7,687 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Korean War.

Airmen killed From World War II Accounted For
October 5, 2017

Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Clarence L. Dragoo, 21,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Clarence L. Dragoo, 21, of Sandyville, West Virginia, will be buried October 14 in his hometown. On Feb. 28, 1945, Dragoo was a member of the 716th Bomber Squadron, 449th Bombardment Group, along with ten other crewmen of a B-24J Liberator aircraft, which departed Grottaglie Army Air Base, Italy, for a combat mission. The mission targeted the Isarc-Albes railroad bridge in northern Italy, which was part of Brennan Route, used by Germans to move personnel and equipment into and out of Italy. Following the bombing run, participating aircraft headed in the direction of their rally point, where the planes would reform and return to their originating base. When leaving the Isarco-Albes area, an aircraft was seen heading in the direction of the rally point, but skimmed the mountain tops with at least two damaged engines. The plane was last seen near Lake Wiezen in Austria. No parachutes were seen exiting the aircraft. Based on this information, Dragoo was reported missing in action.

In the years following the incident, five of the 11 crewmembers were recovered and identified. On Sept. 21, 1948, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) convened in Rome to discuss recovering the remaining crew members. The board concluded the plane crashed in the north Adriatic Sea.

On August 18, 2013, an Italian citizen reported the discovery of possible remains in an underwater aircraft wreck site off the coast of Grado, Italy. On September 22, 2013, a group of recreational divers located and photographed the aircraft, associated with Horwitz’ loss. 

In May 2014, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (predecessor to DPAA) investigative team worked with the Grado Civil Patrol to excavate the site, however no remains were recovered. A DPAA underwater team returned to the site from August to October 2015 and completed an excavation.

To identify Dragoo’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis which matched his family, as well as dental and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and historical evidence.

Tech Sgt. John F. Brady, Tech Sgt. Allen A. Chandler, 1st Lt. John H. Liekhus, Staff Sgt. Robert O. Shoemaker and Staff Sgt. Bobby J. Younger have all been accounted for. 

On Nov. 2, 1944, the Airmen were members of the 323rd Bombardment Squadron "Bomber Dear", 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), Eighth Air Force. Their nine-man aircrew was on a mission to Merseburg, Germany, when their plane was hit by flak during the bomb run. As the B-17 fell out of formation, German fighters attacked. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft burst into flames and descend rapidly. It crashed two kilometers southwest of the town of Barby. Three crewmembers survived and were taken as prisoners of war. One airman who was killed was identified in May 1945. Brady, Chandler, Liekhus, Shoemaker and Younger were all declared missing in action. In January 1951, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) concluded that the five unaccounted-for crew members perished in the crash and the location of their remains was unknown.

“Bomber Dear” was one of 13 Forts from the group which were lost during the disastrous mission of November 2, 1944. The mission was to bomb the oil facilities at Merseburg. The stream of bombers flew at about 26,000ft when they were attacked by a Sturmgruppe of about 50 to 75 German fighter planes. 

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the German government for their assistance in this mission.

Brady’s, Chandler’s, Liekhus’, Shoemaker’s and Younger’s names are recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to their names to indicate they have been accounted for.

Airmen killed From World War II Accounted For
October 5, 2017

Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Earl P. Gorman, 23,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Earl P. Gorman, 23, of Lynn, Massachusetts, will be buried October 13 in Valatie, New York. On April 23, 1944, Gorman was a member of the 718th Bombardment Squadron, 449th Bombardment Group, as the radio operator for a B-24 aircraft, on a bombing mission against targets near Schwechat, Austria. The formation left Grottaglie, Italy, and flew over Yugoslavia to reach the target, when they were attacked by German planes. During the attack, Gorman was struck and critically wounded. His crewmates put a parachute on him and bailed him out of the plane in an area they believed to be northeast of Zagreb, before bailing themselves. All of the crewmembers except Gorman survived. 

On July 4, 1947, investigators from the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) exhumed remains believed to be those of an American from the Yugoslavian (now Croatian) village of Sveti Ivan Zelina. Several villagers reported they had witnessed a squadron of American airplanes engaged with German aircraft above their village in April or May of 1944. They reported one man parachuted out of an airplane, and that he died shortly after he reached the ground. He was buried in an unmarked grave. The AGRS disinterred the remains, designated them as Unknown X-51, and transferred them to the United States Military Cemetery (USMC) Belgrade. 

The remains were disinterred in January 1948, and were reinterred at the USMC Anzio (now the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery), in Nettuno, Italy on April 12, 1949, when identification efforts were unsuccessful.

After a thorough historical and scientific analysis, it was determined that X-51 could likely be identified. After receiving approval, on March 15, 2017, Unknown X-51 was disinterred from the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.

To identify Gorman’s remains, scientists from DPAA used laboratory analysis, including dental, anthropological and chest radiograph comparison analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
October 5, 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Sgt. Johnson McAfee, Jr. 27

Marine Corps Reserve Sgt. Johnson McAfee, Jr., 27, Tucson,  Arizona, killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In late November, 1950, McAfee was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force fighting against units of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) in North Korea. McAfee was killed in action in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir at the Marine outpost known as Fox Hill. Following his death, McAfee was buried alongside others at the base of Fox Hill prior to the evacuation of the outpost.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

McAfee’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Pfc. Harold P. Hannon, 23, Scranton, Pennsylvania, killed during the battle of Tarawa in World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Hannon was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Hannon died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this recovery mission.

Hannon’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NMCP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 4, 2017

Navy Storekeeper 3rd Class Wallace E. Eakes,

Navy Storekeeper 3rd Class Wallace E. Eakes, Kansas, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Eakes was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Eakes. 

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Eakes’ name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
October 3, 2017

Marine 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa, 29,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa, 29, of Chicago, will be buried October 10 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. In November 1943, Bussa was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Bussa died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. 

The battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In 1946 and 1947, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio Island, but Bussa’s remains were not recovered. On Feb. 9, 1949, a military review board declared Bussa’s remains non-recoverable.

In June 2015, a nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc., notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle in November 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in July 2015.

To identify Bussa’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, which matched his family, dental analysis and anthropological comparison, which matched his records, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 3, 2017

Navy Seaman 1st Class Joseph M. Johnson

Navy Seaman 1st Class Joseph M. Johnson, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Johnson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Johnson. 

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Johnson’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Soldier From Korean War Accounted For
October 2, 2017

Army Pfc. Willie E. Blue,

Army Pfc. Willie E. Blue, killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In August 1950, Blue was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, taking part in defending the Naktong Bulge portion of the Pusan Perimeter. He was reported missing in action as of Aug. 31, 1950, after his status could not be determined following his admittance to the 2nd Clearing Station, 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division in Yong-san, South Korea. No additional records showed his disposition, nor did the 8076th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) have records on Blue. With no additional information concerning his loss, the Department of the Army declared him deceased on March 3, 1954.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Blue’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 2, 2017

Navy Storekeeper 3rd Class Eli Olsen,

Navy Storekeeper 3rd Class Eli Olsen, Exira, Iowa, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Olsen was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Olsen. 

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Olsen’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
October 2, 2017

Navy Seaman 1st Class Clifford G. Goodwin, 23

Navy Seaman 1st Class Clifford G. Goodwin, 23, Diamond, Missouri, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Goodwin was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Goodwin. 

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Goodwin’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 29, 2017

Navy Seaman 1st Class Milton R. Surratt, 21,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Navy Seaman 1st Class Milton R. Surratt, 21, of Greenville, South Carolina, will be buried October 6, in Mauldin, South Carolina. On Dec. 7, 1941, Surratt was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Surratt. 

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Surratt.

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis.

To identify Surratt’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as dental comparisons and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

Army Cpl. Donald L. Baer, 20

Army Cpl. Donald L. Baer, 20, Babcock, Wisc. missing from the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In July 1950, Baer was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, engaged in combat operations against forces of the Korea People’s Army (KAP) in and around the city of Taejon (now Daejon), South Korea. On July 19, 1950, the KPA initiated a large-scale attack on the city in attempt to destroy U.S. forces. Following the battle, Baer could not be accounted for and was declared missing in action as of July 20, 1950.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Baer’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Maj. Stephen T. Uurtamo, 32

Army Maj. Stephen T. Uurtamo, 32, San Francisco, CA, captured during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In late November 1950, Uurtamo was a member of Headquarters Battery, 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, which was engaged in persistent attacks with the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) near the Ch’ongch’on River in North Korea. On Nov. 30, 1950, the Division began to withdraw south along the Main Supply Route, known as “The Gauntlet.” Uurtamo was declared missing in action as of Dec. 1, 1950, when he could not be accounted for by his unit. After the Korean War, several returning prisoners of war reported that Uurtamo had been captured and died at a POW Transit Camp.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Uurtamo’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 28, 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Charles A. Drew,

Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Charles A. Drew, killed during the battle of Tarawa in World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Drew was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Drew died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this recovery mission.

Drew’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the NCMP, an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, along with the others killed or lost in WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Pvt. John M. Tillman, California, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Tillman was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Tillman died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in this mission

Tillman’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman recently accounted-for from World War II are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Navy Fireman 1st Class Walter B. Rogers, 22, of Bison, South Dakota, will be buried October 2 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. On Dec. 7, 1941, Rogers was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Rogers.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Rogers.

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis.

To identify Rogers’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well dental analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Pvt. Joseph C. Carbone, 20, of Brooklyn, New York, will be buried September 30 in his hometown. In November 1943, Carbone was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Carbone died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

The battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In May 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company of the American Graves Registration Services (AGRS) had recovered 532 sets of remains from burial sites across the Tarawa Atoll and interred them in Lone Palm Cemetery. The remains that could not be identified were designated as “Unknowns.”

In November 1946, the U.S. Army began disinterment to bring the remains to Oahu for identification at the Central Identification Laboratory. In 1947, remains designated Unknown X-206 were sent to the Schofield Barracks Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii for analysis. When the X-206 could not be identified, they were reinterred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

In October 2016, due to recent advances in forensic technology, DPAA began the exhumation of unknown remains associated with Tarawa from NMCP and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.

To identify Carbone’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA), which matched a family member, as well as dental and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
September 22, 2017

Army Sgt. Thomas E. Zimmer, 19,

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, recently accounted-for from the Korean War, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Sgt. Thomas E. Zimmer, 19, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will be buried September 30 in his hometown. In late November 1950, Zimmer was a member of Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when Chinese People's Volunteer Forces (CPVF) attacked the RCT and forced the unit to withdraw to Hagaru-ri. Many Soldiers became surrounded and attempted to escape, but were captured or killed. Overnight on December 5, a large Chinese force attacked the Hagaru-ri perimeter held by the survivors of the RCT. Zimmer was subsequently declared missing in action as a result of the battle that occurred Dec. 6, 1950.

Zimmer's name did not appear on any lists provided by the CPVF or the Korean People's Army as a prisoner of war, and no returning American prisoners were able to provide any information concerning Zimmer. Based on the lack of information, the U.S. Army declared him deceased as of Dec. 31, 1953.

In August and September 2004, a joint U.S. and Korean People's Army recovery team conducted a Joint Recovery Operation in the vicinity of the East Chosin Reservoir, where Zimmer went missing. The team recovered possible human remains and sent them to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.

To identify Zimmer’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as anthropological analysis, which matched his records; and circumstantial evidence.

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
September 22, 2017

Army Pfc. Charlie H. Hill, 31,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from the Korean War, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Pfc. Charlie H. Hill, 31, of Williamsburg, Kentucky, will be buried September 29 in Augusta, Michigan. In late November 1950, Hill was a member of Battery D, 15th Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Self-propelled Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Approximately 2,500 U.S. and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), which was deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was attacked by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. American forces withdrew south with the Chinese continued to attack. By December 6, the U.S. Army evacuated approximately 1,500 wounded service members; the remaining Soldiers had been either captured or killed in enemy territory. Because Hill could not be accounted for by his unit after reaching Hagaru-ri, he was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950.

Hill’s name did not appear on any prisoner of war list and no returning American prisoners reported Hill as a prisoner of war. Due to the lack of evidence of Hill’s survival, the U.S. Army declared him deceased on Dec. 31, 1953.

Although the U.S. Army Graves Registration Service hoped to recover American remains that remained north of the Korean Demilitarized Zone after the war, administrative details between the United Nations Command and North Korea complicated recovery efforts. An agreement was made and in September and October 1954, in what was known as Operation Glory, remains were returned. However, Hill’s remains were not included and he was declared non-recoverable.

In August and September 2004, two Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (now DPAA) recovery teams worked simultaneously at Unsan and the Chosin Reservoir. The teams conducted the 35th Joint Recovery Operation with the Korean People’s Army (KPA) in the vicinity of Ankyon Village, Changin District, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea, where remains were recovered. On Sept. 10, 2004, the remains were sent to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify Hill’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome (Y-STR) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

Missing Airman From World War II Accounted For
September 22, 2017

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Homer A. Spence, 23

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Homer A. Spence, 23, Sacramento County, California missing from World War II, has now been accounted for.

On July 20, 1944, Spence was a member of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, as a pilot of a P-38J aircraft, escorting bomber aircraft on a mission targeting Memmingen Airdrome in Germany. During the return flight, his aircraft entered a deep dive into the clouds and was not seen or heard from again. At the time of his loss, Austria and northern Italy were still under enemy control, precluding any immediate search to locate his crash site.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Spence’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Soldier Missing From World War II  Accounted For
September 21, 2017

Army Pvt. Shirley E. Bailey, 19

Army Pvt. Shirley E. Bailey, 19,  Pocataligo, West Virginia, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

His loss took place in the Hürtgen Forest of Germany in 1944. Fighting in the forest, an area comprising of roughly 50-square miles along the Belgian-German border, lasted from September 1944 to February 1945. Bailey, who was a medic with Company G, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, participated in his unit’s efforts to seize northern parts of the Hürtgen Forest. Bailey provided medical support to dozens of casualties during the battle. On November 29, 1944, when Bailey’s battalion was moving out, a German counterattack struck his company. Bailey rushed forward to aid a wounded man and was himself killed by enemy fire.p>

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the American Battle Monuments Commission for their partnership in this mission.

Bailey’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
September 20, 2017

Army Cpl. Daniel F. Kelly, 18,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from the Korean War, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Cpl. Daniel F. Kelly, 18, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be buried September 27 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. In late November 1950, Kelly was a member of C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was ordered to advance as part of preparations for an offensive to push the North Koreans to the Yalu River along the border of North Korea and China. By the night of November 25, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) had begun relentless attacks on the 2nd Infantry Division and neighboring units which continued throughout the night and into the next morning. Kelly was declared missing in action as of Nov. 26, 1950, when he could not be accounted for following the battle.

During the war, Kelly was not listed on any CPVF or Korean People’s Army (KPA) Prisoners of War lists. However, one returned American prisoner of war reported Kelly died at the camp known as “Death Valley” in March of 1951

Between August and September 2002, joint U.S. and Korean People’s Army (KPA) recovery teams conducted Joint Recovery Operations (JRO) in Unsan County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea. A large quantity of possible human remains were recovered from a site reported to be a temporary prison camp and were accessioned into the Laboratory.

To identify Kelly’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome (Y-STR) DNA analysis, which matched his family.

Soldier Missing From World War II  Accounted For
September 19, 2017

Army Pfc. Gerald F. Wipfli, 23,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Pfc. Gerald F. Wipfli, 23, of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, will be buried September 23 in his hometown. In early November 1944, Wipfli was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 112th Infantry, when his unit was engaged in intense combat against German forces in the town of Schmidt, Germany, within the Hürtgen Forest. Due to chaotic fighting, 112th Infantry officers were not able to accurately report the status of each soldier, and it took several days for Company I to gain accountability of their casualties. Wipfli was among 33 soldiers listed as missing in action from his company. No surviving members of his unit had information on his fate, and he was reported missing in action on Nov. 4, 1944.

German forces did not report Wipfli as being taken prisoner, and American forces did not retake Schmidt until February 1945. However, none of the remains that were found during initial searches were identified as Wipfli.

Following the end of the hostilities, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC), U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, was the unit tasked with investigating and recovering missing American personnel in the European Theater. The AGRC conducted several investigations and recoveries, however Wipfli’s remains were not found. On Dec. 15, 1950, having received no further evidence on Wipfli, he was declared non-recoverable.

On April 16, 2010, workers of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Elektrizitätswerk (RWE) power company unearthed osseous remains while installing electrical lines in Schmidt. The RWE notified the Voklsbund Deutsche Kriegsbraberfursorge e. V. (VdK, German War Graves Commission), which excavated the site. The VdK notified the Deputy U.S. Forces Liaison Officer and U.S. Army Mortuary Affairs Activity-Europe of the recovery. The remains were sent to the Central Identification Laboratory in Honolulu for analysis on May 11, 2010.

To identify Wipfli’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and autosomal (auSTR) DNA, which matched his sister and niece; anthropological analysis, which matched Wipfli’s records; and historical evidence.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 19, 2017

Navy Water Tender 2nd Class Porter L. Rich, 28

Navy Water Tender 2nd Class Porter L. Rich, 28, Lake Preston, South Dakota killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Rich was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Rich.

Porter L. Rich was buried in Hawaii in the Punch Bowl. His service was held at the Congregational Church in the afternoon. The minister in charge was Rev. H. C. Juell. Porter was awarded the Purple Heart, and other important things were sent to his wife after his death. His wife is still living in San Diego, and he has a son that lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Rich’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Missing Airman From World War II Accounted For
September 15, 2017

Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Thomas M. McGraw, 26,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Thomas M. McGraw, 26, of Lakewood, Ohio, will be buried September 22 in Seville, Ohio. On February 28, 1945, McGraw was a member of the 716th Bomber Squadron, 449th Bombardment Group, along with ten other crewmen of a B-24J Liberator aircraft, which departed Grottaglie Army Air Base, Italy, for a combat mission. The mission targeted the Isarc-Albes railroad bridge in northern Italy, which was part of Brennan Route, used by Germans to move personnel and equipment into and out of Italy. Following the bombing run, participating aircraft headed in the direction of their rally point, where the planes would reform and return to their originating base. When leaving the Isarco-Albes area, an aircraft was seen heading in the direction of the rally point, but skimmed the mountain tops with at least two damaged engines. The plane was last seen near Lake Wiezen in Austria. No parachutes were seen exiting the aircraft. Based on this information, McGraw was reported missing in action.

In the years following the incident, five of the 11 crewmembers were recovered and identified. On Sept. 21, 1948, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) convened in Rome to discuss recovering the remaining crew members. The board concluded the plane crashed in the north Adriatic Sea.

On August 18, 2013, an Italian citizen reported the discovery of possible remains in an underwater aircraft wreck site off the coast of Grado, Italy. On September 22, 2013, a group of recreational divers located and photographed the aircraft, associated with McGraw loss.

In May 2014, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (predecessor to DPAA) investigative team worked with the Grado Civil Patrol to excavate the site, however no remains were recovered. A DPAA underwater team returned to the site from August to October 2015 and completed an excavation.

To identify McGraw’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis which matched his family, as well as dental and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and historical evidence.

Air Force Col. Martin R. Scott, 34,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from the Vietnam War, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Air Force Col. Martin R. Scott, 34, of, Jenks, Oklahoma, will be buried September 22 in Claremore, Oklahoma. On March 15, 1966, Scott was a member of Headquarters, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, as the aircraft commander and wingman of a two-seater F-4C aircraft in a flight of two on an armed reconnaissance mission over northern Vietnam. The lead aircraft spotted two vehicles as the flight approached the target area and the pilot of Scott’s aircraft responded that he was going to strafe the trucks. The flight leader observed an explosion in the area of the target and immediately attempted to contact Scott’s aircraft. No parachutes or emergency signals were seen, and all attempts to contact Scott and his pilot were unsuccessful. An organized search was not possible due to hostilities in the area. Scott was subsequently declared missing in action.

In November 2014, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) recovery team conducted recovery operations at a possible F-4C crash site in Dien Bien District, Dien Bien Province. Material evidence and possible osseous material was recovered and sent to the Central Identification Laboratory for analysis. Additional recovery operations were conducted in late 2015 and late 2016, and all recovered remains were sent to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify Scott’s remains, DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA), which matched his family, as well as dental analysis, which matched his records and circumstantial evidence.

Today there are 1,594 American servicemen and civilians that are still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 15, 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Ray James, 21,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Ray James, 21, of Sylvarena, Mississippi, will be buried September 22, in his hometown. In November 1943, James was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. James was killed on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Despite the heavy casualties suffered by U.S. forces, military success in the battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In 1946, the American Graves Registration Service recovered approximately 36 sets of remains originally buried in Cemetery #33, including remains designated “Unknown X-163.” They conducted remains recovery operations on Betio, but James’ remains were not recovered. By 1949, the remains that had not been identified were interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) in Honolulu.

In January 2017, DPAA disinterred Tarawa Unknown X-163 from the NMCP and sent the remains to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify James’ remains, scientists from DPAA used dental, anthropological and chest radiograph comparison analysis, which matched his records, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Francis J. Pitonyak, 25, of Detroit, Michigan will be buried September 22 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. On Oct. 28, 1943, Pitonyak was a member of the 36th Fighter Group, 8th Fighter squadron and was the pilot of a single-seat fighter aircraft. Pitonyak led a formation of four aircraft from Wards Airdome near Port Moresby, Territory of Papua on an armed patrol mission to Nadzab in the Markham River Valley. Due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and loss of visibility one of the four pilots aborted the mission, returned to base and immediately reported the other three pilots missing. The following day, an aerial search was conducted for the missing aircraft, with no results. The U.S. Army declared Pitonyak deceased as of Oct. 28, 1943.

In June 1987, a team of investigators from the U.S Army Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii, accompanied by local witnesses, located the wreckage of an aircraft in the vicinity of Urulau Village, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. The wreckage, which was largely intact, included a serial number consistent with the aircraft piloted by Pitonyak. In October 1988, a second team visited the crash site and noted the positioning of the wreckage suggested a low-angle controlled impact or hard landing, but they were unable to recover remains or flight equipment. In July 2016, a DPAA recovery team recovered possible dental remains and supporting material evidence from a site located in the vicinity of Urulau Village, Kerema District, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea.

To identify Pitonyak’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental analysis, which matched his records, as well as circumstantial evidence.

Missing Airman From World War II Accounted For
September 15, 2017

Army Air Forces Sgt. Charles H. Daman,

Army Air Forces Sgt. Charles H. Daman, Idaho, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In the spring of 1945, as the war in Europe drew to a close, Allied forces launched a series of aerial attacks to cripple what remained of the German air force. Daman, who was a member of the 714th Bombardment Squadron, 448th Bombardment Group, 2nd Bombardment Division, was aboard an aircraft on an attack mission on April 4, 1945, as one of more than 400 bombers to attack airbases at Parchim, Perleberg and Wesendorf, Germany. The aircraft, which held 10 airmen, was attacked by enemy fighter planes in the vicinity of Hamburg.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful the German government and the staff of the Ludwigslust Castle for their cooperation in this recovery mission.

Daman's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Soldier Missing From World War II  Accounted For
September 14, 2017

Army Pfc. Billy R. Ball, 20

Army Pfc. Billy R. Ball, 20, Mathews Missouri, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 8, 1941, Ball was a member of Headquarters Detachment Philippines Department, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of the Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members were taken prisoner; including many who were forced to endure the Bataan Death March, en route to Japanese prisoner of war (POW) camps, including the POW camp at Cabanatuan on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Ball was among those reported captured after the surrender of Corregidor and who were eventually moved to the Cabanatuan POW camp. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the remaining years of the war. According to prisoner records, Ball died on Sept. 28, 1942, and was buried along with fellow prisoners in the local Cabanatuan camp cemetery.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the American Battle Monuments Commission and Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Ball’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Donald E. Underwood, 23, Detroit, Michigan  killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

Underwood, who was 23, was a member of the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was aboard a bomber known as the “Miss Bee Haven” when it crashed in shallow water after takeoff from the Gilbert Islands in January 1944. Bodies were recovered and buried.

On Jan. 21, 1944, Underwood was a member of the 38th Bombardment Squadron, (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group, stationed at Hawkins Field, Helen Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, when his B-24J bomber crashed shortly after take-off. Witnesses noted the plane was unable to gain altitude and crashed into the water, killing all 10 members on board.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Underwood’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 14, 2017

Marine Corps Pfc. Harold V. Thomas,

Marine Corps Pfc. Harold V. Thomas, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Thomas was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Thomas died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Thomas’ name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
September 14, 2017

Army Sgt. 1st Class Elmore B. Goodwin,

Army Sgt. 1st Class Elmore B. Goodwin, Norfolk City Va. missing from the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In late November 1950, Goodwin was a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, engaged in combat operations against the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) in the vicinity of Anju, North Korea. Goodwin was reported missing in action on Nov. 27, 1950. When no information regarding Goodwin was reported by returning American POWs, the U.S. Army declared him deceased as of Dec. 31, 1953.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Goodwin’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Pfc. James J. Leonard, killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In July 1950, Leonard was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. In the early hours of July 20, Leonard’s regiment arrived east of Yongdong, South Korea, and began preparing to assume the defense of the city. By July 23, Korean People’s Army (KPA) units began attacking American defenses and took control of Yongdong by July 25. Leonard was reported as killed in action on July 25, 1950.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the South Korean government for their assistance in this recovery.

Leonard’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine Corps Sgt. William D. Ball, California killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Ball was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which participated in a stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Ball was wounded on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943, and was identified for evacuation to the USS J. Franklin Bell for treatment. Ball never made it to the ship and his status was adjusted from wounded in action to missing in action as of Nov. 21, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for their partnership in this mission

Ball’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 13, 2017

Navy Fireman 2nd Class John D. Wheeler,

Navy Fireman 2nd Class John D. Wheeler, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Wheeler was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Wheeler.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Wheeler’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Missing Airman From World War II Accounted For
September 12, 2017

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert L. Mains, 28

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert L. Mains, 28, Rochester, New York killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In the spring of 1945, as the war in Europe drew to a close, Allied forces launched a series of aerial attacks to cripple what remained of the German air force. Mains, who was a member of the 714th Bombardment Squadron, 448th Bombardment Group, 2nd Bombardment Division, was a pilot on an attack mission on April 4, 1945, as one of more than 400 bombers to attack airbases at Parchim, Perleberg and Wesendorf, Germany. Mains' aircraft, which held ten airmen, was attacked by enemy fighter planes in the vicinity of Hamburg.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Mains' name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 12, 2017

Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Ogle, 20

Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Ogle, 20, Goodsberry Township, Missouri  killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Ogle was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Ogle.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Ogle’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 Sailor Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
September 12, 2017

Navy Capt. James R. Bauder, 35,

Navy Capt. James R. Bauder, 35, Los Angeles County, Ca. missing from the Vietnam War, has now been accounted for.

On Sept. 21, 1966, Bauder was a member of Fighter Squadron Twenty One, USS Coral, as the pilot of an F-4B aircraft in a flight of two aircraft from the USS Coral Sea on a night reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. During the mission, the other aircraft lost contact with Bauder’s aircraft, and the plane did not return to the ship. No missiles were observed in the target area and no explosions were seen. An extensive search was conducted with negative results. Based on this information, Bauder was declared missing in action.

Interment services are pending; more information will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Bauder’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Vietnam War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 12, 2017

Navy Fireman 1st Class Gerald H. Pirtle,

Navy Fireman 1st Class Gerald H. Pirtle, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Pirtle was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Pirtle.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Pirtle’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Pfc. Roland E. Schaede, 19, of Maywood, Illinois, will be buried September 14 in Eglin, Illinois. In November 1943, Schaede was assigned to Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Schaede died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

The battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In 1946 and 1947, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio Island, but Schaede’s remains were not recovered. On Feb. 28, 1949, a military review board declared Schaede’s remains non-recoverable.

In June 2015, a nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc., notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle in November 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in July 2015

To identify Schaede’s remains, scientists from DPAA used laboratory analysis, including dental analysis, chest radiograph comparison, and anthropological comparison, which matched Schaede’s records; as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

Missing Airman From World War II Accounted For
September 11, 2017

Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Roy F. Davis, 25

Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Roy F. Davis, 25, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire missing from World War II, has now been accounted for.

On March 12, 1944, Davis was a member of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, as one of two crewmembers aboard an A-20G Havoc bomber that failed to return to base in northeastern New Guinea after attacking enemy targets on the island.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Davis' name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Marine Corps Cpl. Raymond C. Snapp, 24,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Cpl. Raymond C. Snapp, 24, of Bonita, Texas, will be buried September 15 in Keithville, Louisiana. In November 1943, Snapp was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Snapp died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Despite the heavy casualties suffered by U.S. forces, military success in the battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. The 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio between 1946 and 1947, but Snapp’s remains were not identified. All of the remains found on Tarawa were sent to the Schofield Barracks Central Identification Laboratory for identification in 1947. By 1949, the remains that had not been identified were interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) in Honolulu.

In October 2016, DPAA disinterred Tarawa Unknown X-275 from the NMCP and sent the remains to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify Snapp’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental, anthropological and chest radiograph comparison analysis, which matched Snapp’s records; as well as circumstantial evidence.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from the Korean War, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Cpl. Clarence R. Skates, 19, of Los Angeles, will be buried September 15 in Riverside, California. In November 1950, Skates was a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when the division suffered heavy losses between the towns of Kunu-ri and Sunchon, North Korea. Skates’ regiment suffered many casualties, and he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, after his unit was overrun by units of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF).

At the end of the war, during “Operation Big Switch,” where all remaining prisoners of war were returned, the former prisoners were interviewed. One reported hearing that Skates died while marching to POW Camp 5, but he was unable to provide further information. Based on this information, Skates was declared deceased as of Feb. 5, 1954.

In August and September 2002, a Joint U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory—Hawaii (predecessor to DPAA), and KPA Recovery Team conducted the 28th Joint Recovery Operation in Unsan County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea. A site reported to be a temporary prison camp was located and recovery operations were conducted. Remains of up to 11 individuals were recovered and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify Skates’ remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and autosomal (auSTR) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles Ray Casto, 20,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles Ray Casto, 20, of East Liverpool, Ohio, will be buried Sept. 14 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. On Dec. 7, 1941, Casto was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Casto.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Casto.

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis.

To identify Casto’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as circumstantial evidence and laboratory analysis, to include dental comparisons.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Donald S. Spayd, 19, of Los Angeles, will be buried September 13 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. In November 1943, Spayd was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, during an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Spayd died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

The battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands in order to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In 1946 and 1947, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio Island, but Spayd’s remains were not recovered. On Feb. 28, 1949, a military review board declared Spayd’s remains non-recoverable.

In June 2015, a nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc., notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle in November 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in July 2015.

To identify Spayd’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis, which matched his family; laboratory analysis, including dental analysis and anthropological comparison, which matched Spayd’s records; as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

 Sailor From Korean War Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Army Sgt. 1st Class Eugene J. Colley, 48,

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, recently accounted-for from the Korean War, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Eugene J. Colley, 48, of Edenton, North Carolina, will be buried September 13 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. In late November, 1950, Colley was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Approximately 2,500 U.S. and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), which was deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. By Dec. 2, the U.S. Army evacuated approximately 1,500 wounded service members; the remaining soldiers had been either captured or killed in enemy territory. Following the withdrawal, fighting continued. Because Colley could not be accounted for by his unit at the end of the battle, he was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950.

Colley’s name did not appear on any prisoner of war lists and no repatriated Americans were able to provide any information concerning Colley as a prisoner of war. Due to the prolonged lack of evidence, the U.S. Army declared him deceased as of Dec. 31, 1953.

During the 36th Joint Recovery Operation in 2004, recovery teams conducted operations on the eastern bank of the Chosin Reservoir, Changjin County, North Korea, based on information provided a Korean witness. The site was in the vicinity of Twikkae Village. During the excavation, the recovery team recovered possible human remains of at least five individuals.

To identify Colley’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and Y chromosome (Y-STR) DNA analysis, which his family, as well as circumstantial and anthropological evidence, which matched his records.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Manuel Menendez, 20

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Manuel Menendez, 20, from New York, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Menendez was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Menendez died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Menendez' name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Navy Seaman 2nd Class Frank Wood, 25, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Wood was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Wood.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Wood’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for

Navy Reserve Chief Water Tender Paul R. Wright, killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Wright was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Wright.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Wright’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Navy Seaman 1st Class John E. Savidge,

Navy Seaman 1st Class John E. Savidge, Roselle, NJ. killed during the attack on the USS Oklahoma in World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Savidge was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Savidge.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Savidge’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Marine Corps Pvt. George F. Patrick,

Marine Corps Pvt. George F. Patrick, Dallas, Tex. killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Patrick was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Patrick died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Patrick’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
September 8, 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Assistant Cook Frank L. Masoni, 20

Marine Corps Reserve Assistant Cook Frank L. Masoni, 20, Gilroy, California, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In November 1943, Masoni was a member of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Masoni died on the second day of the battle, Nov. 21, 1943.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Masoni’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 5, 2017

Navy Fireman 1st Class Elmer D. Nail, 23

Navy Fireman 1st Class Elmer D. Nail, 23, Honolulu County, Hawaii, killed in the attack on the USS Oklahoma during World War II, has now been accounted for. 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Nail was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Nail. 

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Nail's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 5, 2017

Navy Fireman 1st Class Samuel W. Crowder, 35

Navy Fireman 1st Class Samuel W. Crowder, 35, Louisville, Kentucky, killed in the attack on the USS Oklahoma during World War II, has now been accounted for. 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Crowder was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Crowder. 

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Crowder's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Marine Missing From World War II Accounted For
September 5, 2017

Marine Corps Pvt. Vernon P. Keaton, 18

Marine Corps Pvt. Vernon P. Keaton, 18,  Denver City, Texas. killed in the attack on the USS Oklahoma during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Keaton was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Keaton.

Vernon was forced to drop out of high school to help the family, and enlisted in the Marines on May 21, 1941, one month before he should have graduated from high school.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the Department of Veteran's Affairs for their partnership in this mission.

Keaton's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Pvt. Raymond Sinowitz, 25, Bronx County, New York captured during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 8, 1941, Sinowitz was a member of 454th Ordnance Company, 27th Bombardment Group, the Far East Air Force, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of the Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members were taken prisoner; including many who were forced to endure the Bataan Death March, en route to Japanese prisoner of war (POW) camps, including the POW camp at Cabanatuan on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Sinowitz was among those reported captured after the surrender of Corregidor and who were eventually moved to the Cabanatuan POW camp. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the remaining years of the war.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is appreciative to the American Battle Monuments Commission for their partnership in this mission.

Sinowitz’ name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery site along with the other MIAs from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Pilot Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
September 5, 2017

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Donald J. Hall, 26

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Donald J. Hall, 26, Stroud, Oklahoma, missing from the Vietnam War, has now been accounted for.

On Feb. 6, 1967, Hall was a member of Detachment 5, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, when he, along with three other service members, were flying an HH-3E helicopter on a rescue and recovery mission over northern Vietnam. After rescuing the pilot of a downed aircraft, Hall’s helicopter was hit by enemy ground fire, resulting in an internal explosion and crash. Hall was subsequently reported missing in action.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

The support from the government of Vietnam was vital to the success of this recovery.

Hall's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Vietnam War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sidney A. Cook, 32, of Ohio, will be buried Sept. 6, in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. In November 1943, Cook was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Cook died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Despite the heavy casualties suffered by U.S. forces, military success in the battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In 1946 and 1947, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio, but Cook’s remains were not recovered. On Feb. 8, 1949, a military review board declared Cook’s remains non-recoverable.

In June 2015, a nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc., notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle in November 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in July 2015.

To identify Cook’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, which matched a nephew, dental and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
August 31, 2017

Navy Reserve Ensign William M. Thompson, 21

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, recently accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Navy Reserve Ensign William M. Thompson, 21, of Summit, New Jersey, will be buried September 8 in Petersburg, Virginia. On Dec. 7, 1941, Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Thompson.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Thompson.

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis.

To identify Thompson’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as circumstantial evidence and laboratory analysis, to include dental comparisons.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
August 23, 2017

Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Henry Andregg, Jr., 22

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, unaccounted for since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Henry Andregg, Jr., 22, of Whitwell, Tennessee, will be buried August 25 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In November 1943, Andregg was assigned to Company C, 2nd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Andregg died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

The battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. In May 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company of the American Graves Registration Services (AGRS) had recovered 532 sets of remains from burial sites across the Tarawa Atoll and interred them in Lone Palm Cemetery. The remains that could not be identified were designated as “Unknowns.”

In November 1946, the U.S. Army began disinterment to bring the remains to Oahu for identification at the Central Identification Laboratory. In 1949 and 1950, the remains that could not be identified were interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP – also known as the “Punchbowl”) in Honolulu.

In October 2016, due to recent advances in forensic technology, DPAA began the exhumation of unknown remains associated with Tarawa from NMCP and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.

To identify Andregg’s remains, scientists from DPAA examined circumstantial evidence and conducted laboratory analyses, including dental, anthropological and chest radiograph comparisons, which matched his records.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Sgt. 1st Class Max E. Harris, 21, of Monticello, Indiana, will be buried August 27 in Monticello, Indiana. In late November 1950, Harris was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Approximately 2,500 U.S. and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), which deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was attacked by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. The American forces withdrew south with the Chinese attacks continuing. By December 6, the U.S. Army evacuated approximately 1,500 wounded service members; the remaining soldiers had been either captured or killed in enemy territory. Because Harris could not be accounted for by his unit at the end of the battle, he was reported missing in action as of Dec. 12, 1950.

A returning American prisoner reported that Harris had been captured and died while en route to prisoner of war Camp 3 in September 1951. Based on this information, the U.S. Army declared him deceased on Sept. 30, 1951.

Although the U.S. Army Graves Registration Service hoped to recover American remains that remained north of the Korean Demilitarized Zone after the war, administrative details between the United Nations Command and North Korea complicated recovery efforts. An agreement was made and in September and October 1954, in what was known as Operation Glory, remains were returned. However, Harris’ remains were not among them and he was declared non-recoverable.

In April and May 2004, a joint U.S. and Korean People’s Army (KPA) recovery team conducted a Joint Recovery Operation on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir on Hill 1221. During the excavation, the recovery team recovered material evidence and human remains. The remains were sent to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify Harris’ remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome (Y-STR) DNA analysis, which matched his family, as well as anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

Captured Soldier From Korean War Accounted For
August 18, 2017

Army Pfc. Felipe A. Champion, 20

Army Pfc. Felipe A. Champion, Cameron, 20, Tx. who died in captivity during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

On Feb. 12, 1951, Champion was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, when he was reported missing in action following a battle with the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) in an area known as the Central Corridor, South Korea. After CPVF units withdrew north beyond Hongch’on in early March, American units began moving forward and found war dead, however Champion’s DIED WHILE CAPTURE remains could not be identified.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Champion's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Air Force Reserve 1st Lt. David T. Dinan, III, 25, Nutley, NJ.  killed during the Vietnam War, has now been accounted for.

On March 19, 1969, Dinan was a member of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 288th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force, and was the pilot of the number two aircraft in a flight of two F-105s on a strike mission over northern Laos. During the second strafing pass over the target, Dinan transmitted a distress message. The Forward Air Controller then observed Dinan’s parachute enter the jungle, as well as an aircraft crash. Search and rescue aircraft conducted an aerial search and located a parachute and confirmed the death of the pilot, however, due to enemy fire in the area and the hazardous location, his body could not be recovered. The U.S. Air Force subsequently reported Dinan as killed in action.
Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Dinan's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Vietnam War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Stanley F. Stegnerski, Pennsylvania was killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Nov. 21, 1944, Stegnerski was the pilot of a P-51D Mustang, taking off from Royal Air Force Base 244 at East Wretham, Norfolk, England, on a bomber escort mission over Germany. Over Merseberg, Germany, the American aircraft were attacked by German fighters. Stegnerski’s group closed in on a group of 20 German fighters and opened fire. He was last seen by his wingman as they prepared to attack the German Focke-Wulf fighters.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Stegnerski's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Navy Pharmacist's Mate 1st Class John H. Schoonover, 39, Wood County, WI, killed in the attack on the USS Oklahoma during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Schoonover was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Schoonover.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Schoonover's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Missing From World War II Accounted For
August 17, 2017

Navy Gunner's Mate 1st Class George Herbert,

Navy Gunner's Mate 1st Class George Herbert, California, killed in the attack on the USS Oklahoma during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Herbert was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Herbert.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Herbert's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Navy Reserve Aviation Ordnance man 2nd Class Ora H. Sharninghouse, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Sept. 8, 1944, Sharninghouse was a member of the Navy Torpedo Squadron Eighteen (VT-18), USS Intrepid, on a bombing mission against Japanese positions on Babelthuap Island, Palau. As the aircraft reached the target area, the pilot began a dive near Bokerugeru Point and the crew released its 2,000-pound bomb. While attempting to pull out of the dive, the bomb hit an ammunition dump and exploded. The explosion tore the tail from the aircraft, causing it to crash off-shore. Sharninghouse was reported missing in action.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Sharninghouse's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Navy Reserve Aviation Radioman 2nd Class Albert P. Rybarczyk, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for. 

On Sept. 8, 1944, Rybarczyk was a member of the Navy Torpedo Squadron Eighteen (VT-18), USS Intrepid, on a bombing mission against Japanese positions on Babelthuap Island, Palau. As the aircraft reached the target area, the pilot began a dive near Bokerugeru Point and the crew released its 2,000-pound bomb. While attempting to pull out of the dive, the bomb hit an ammunition dump and exploded. The explosion tore the tail from the aircraft, causing it to crash off-shore. Rybarczyk was reported missing in action. 

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10
days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Rybarczyk's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Airmen killed From World War II Accounted For
August 16, 2017

Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Earl P. Gorman,

Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Earl P. Gorman, missing from World War II, has now been accounted for.

On April 23, 1944, Gorman was a member of the 718th Bombardment Squadron, 449th Bombardment Group, as the radio operator for a B-24 aircraft, on a bombing mission against targets near Schwechat, Austria. The formation left Grottaglie, Italy, and flew over Yugoslavia to reach the target, when they were attacked by German planes. During the attack, Gorman was struck and critically wounded. His crewmates put a parachute on him and bailed him out of the plane in an area they believed to be northeast of Zagreb, before bailing themselves. All of the crewmembers except Gorman survived.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Gorman's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Frank A. Fazekas, Madison, Wi. killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On May 27, 1944, Fazekas was a member of the 22nd Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, when he was returning from a mission over northern France and his P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft came under enemy fire. His aircraft crashed in a field north of the French village of Buysscheure. His remains were not recovered and the U.S. Army reported him deceased on May 27, 1944.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Fazekas' name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Master Sgt. Finley J. Davis,  Allegheny Pennsylvania,  captured and killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In late 1950, Davis was a member of Company D, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was fighting off persistent Chinese attacks in the Ch’ongch’on River area in northwest North Korea. The battle began on Nov. 25, 1950, when the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) initiated an offensive along the 8th Army front. All 8th Army units were ordered to withdraw on November 29. Davis’ battalion was assigned to provide security for the division. The unit was attacked again by the CPVF and Davis was reported missing in action as of Dec. 1, 1950.

Master Sergeant Finley James Davis (ASN: RA-33293511), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured on 1 December 1950 during the Korean War.
He was unaccounted for after the war and is presumed to have died or been killed while in captivity.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Davis' name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Pfc. Walter W. Green,  Union Il., captured Entry: 60617 CAMP 5 POW CAMP PYOKTONG and killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In November 1950, Green was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, participating in combat actions against the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces (CPVF) in the vicinity of Unsan, North Korea.
Green was reported missing in action as of Nov. 2, 1950 when he could not be accounted for by his unit.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Green's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War.
A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Cpl. Ernest L.R. Heilman, 20, Scioto, Ohio was captured during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

On Feb. 13, 1951, Heilman was a member of Battery B, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, and was declared missing in action when his unit was breaking a roadblock in the vicinity of Hoengsong, South Korea.

Pfc Heilman died in a Communist Prison camp in Sept. 13 1951.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Heilman's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Captured Soldier From Korean War Accounted For
August 15, 2017

Army Pfc. James P. Shaw,

Army Pfc. James P. Shaw, captured and killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In December 1950, Shaw was a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, when enemy forces invaded the regiment’s positions and forced them to withdraw in North Korea. During the withdrawal, U.S. forces were under constant heavy enemy pressure and were hampered by icy roads and heavy equipment. Shaw was reported missing following an engagement which last through the night, on Dec. 3, 1950.

Pfc Shaw died in a Communist Prison camp.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Shaw's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Soldier killed From World War II Accounted For
August 15, 2017

Army Pvt. Rudolph Johnson,

Army Pvt. Rudolph Johnson, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

In February 1945, Johnson was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, which was the only African-American combat infantry division in Europe. The unit was fighting at the Gothic Line in northern Italy, with their zone of operations consisting of two contiguous sectors- one sector along the Ligurian Sea coastline and the other in the Serchio River Valley. For six months, Johnson’s division took control of the Serchio River Valley sector. Heavy fighting took place in early February 1945, during Operation Fourth Term, when Johnson’s regiment fought for days to secure positions along the Lama di Sotto ridge against strong German counterattacks. Johnson was reported missing in action as of Feb. 6, 1945, when he could not be accounted for. His status was changed to killed in action on Feb, 21. 1945.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Johnson's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Captured Soldier From Korean War Accounted For
August 15, 2017

Army Sgt. Philip J. Iyotte,

Army Sgt. Philip J. Iyotte, killed and captured during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In February 1951, Iyotte was a member of Company E, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, assigned under 8th Army. Iyotte was declared missing in action on Feb. 9, 1951, when he was captured by Chinese forces during Operation Thunderbolt, which took place from January 25 to February 1. Operation Thunderbolt’s objective was to conduct a reconnaissance in forces across the 8th Army front, to advance 30 miles to the south bank of the Han River. Sometime during the engagement, Iyotte was captured and moved to Camp 1 and Changsong.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Iyotte's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Technician 4th Grade Pete M. Counter, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 5, 1942, Counter was a member of Company C, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, when he was killed during intense engagement with Japanese forces in the vicinity of Soputa-Sanananda Track in the Australian Territory of Papua (present-day Papua New Guinea.) He was reportedly buried in an isolated grave north of Soputa.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Counter's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Sgt. Gerald J. Mueller, 21, Little Falls, Minnesota captured and killed during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In February 1951, Mueller was a member of Battery D, 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (Automatic Weapons,) 2nd Infantry Division, which was part of a group known as Support Force 21, providing artillery support for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) against the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces (CPVF.) On Feb. 11, 1951, while the ROKA was making an attack north toward Hongch'on, the CPVF launched a massive counterattack. Unable to withstand the numbers, the ROKA withdrew south, leaving Mueller's battery and the rest of SF21 behind to fight alone. The following day, SF21 began movement south, fighting through ambushes and roadblocks, eventually making it to Wonju. Mueller, who could not be accounted for, was declared missing in action as of Feb. 13, 1951.
He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy near Hoensong, South Korea on February 13, 1951 and was killed by a guard on May 3, 1951.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Mueller's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Marine killed From World War II Accounted For
August 11, 2017

Marine Corps Pfc. George B. Murray, 20,

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, unaccounted for since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Pfc. George B. Murray, 20, of Oceano, California, will be buried August 18, in Arroyo Grande, California. In November 1943, Murray was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Murray was killed on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Despite the heavy casualties suffered by U.S. forces, military success in the battle of Tarawa was a huge victory for the U.S. military because the Gilbert Islands provided the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands to advance their Central Pacific Campaign against Japan.

In the immediate aftermath of the fighting on Tarawa, U.S. service members who died in the battle were buried in a number of battlefield cemeteries on the island. The 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted remains recovery operations on Betio between 1946 and 1947, but Murray’s remains were not identified. All of the remains found on Tarawa were sent to the Schofield Barracks Central Identification Laboratory for identification in 1947. By 1949, the remains that had not been identified were interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) in Honolulu.

In August and September 2010, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (now DPAA) recovery team conducted an archaeological mission on Betio Island. During the mission, the team received a unilateral turnover of possible human remains from the Kiribati Police. The remains were sent to the laboratory for analysis.

To identify Murray’s remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, which matched a maternal family member, dental, anthropological and chest radiograph comparison analysis, which matched his records, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Clarence E. Allen, 23, San Francisco, CA missing from World War II, has now been accounted for.