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AMERICANS IDENTIFIED SINCE 1989
WWII, KOREA, COLD WAR

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Jan 2005 - Dec 2005

Jan 2006 - May 2007

June 2007 - Dec 2008

Jan 2009 - June 2009

June 2009 -Dec 2010

Jan 2011 - Dec 2012

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015

Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019
 

 

 

2020
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stories and Press Releases below chart

Research sites: 

www.kpows.com

http://www.kpows.com/thezimmerleereports.html

2020
Member Rank First and Last Name Service Unit Lost Location Date AnnouncedSorted By Date Announced In Descending Order Funeral Date Funeral Location
Sgt. Jesse D. Hill U.S. Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 5/21/2020    
Sgt. William E. Cavender U.S. Army Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 11/28/1950 North Korea 5/20/2020    
Cpl. R.B. Cherry U.S. Army Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division 11/27/1950 North Korea 5/20/2020    
Fireman 1st Class Louis J. Tushla U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 5/19/2020    
Metalsmith 1st Class Leonard F. Smith U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 5/19/2020    
Pfc. Mervin D. Galland U.S. Marine Corps Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 5/19/2020    
Seaman 2nd Class Floyd D. Helton U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 5/15/2020  
Pvt. Charles Andrews U.S. Army Company K, 3rd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division 12/4/1944 Hürtgen Forest, Germany 5/8/2020    
Pfc. Thomas F. Johnson U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/23/1943 Tarawa 5/8/2020    
Pfc. Robert D. Jenks U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 5/5/2020    
Fireman 1st Class Samuel C. Steiner U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 5/1/2020    
Seaman 1st Class James C. Williams U.S. Naval Reserve USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 5/1/2020    
Seaman 1st Class Maurice V. Spangler U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 5/1/2020    
Pvt. Howard E. Miller U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/30/2020    
Pfc. Glenn E. Collins U.S. Army Heavy Mortar Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/28/2020    
Staff Sgt. Raymond C. Blanton U.S. Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division 10/14/1944 Hürtgen Forest, Germany 4/28/2020    
Pfc. John E. Gillen U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/27/2020    
Pfc. Harold W. Hayden U.S Marine Corps Reserve Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/27/2020    
Cpl. Dale W. Wright U.S. Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/27/2020    
Cpl. Raymond J. Tuhey U.S. Marine Corps Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/23/1943 Tarawa 4/27/2020    
1st Lt. Hugh D. Fricks U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/23/1943 Tarawa 4/27/2020    
Cpl. Burl Mullins U.S. Army Heavy Mortar Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 11/30/1950 North Korea 4/27/2020    
Pfc. Clarence W. Brotherton U.S. Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division 10/14/1944 Hürtgen Forest, Germany 4/27/2020    
Pfc. Oliver Jeffers U.S. Army Company L, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division 11/10/1944 Hürtgen Forest, Germany 4/24/2020    
Sgt. Lloyd A. Alumbaugh U.S. Army Ambulance Company, 7th Medical Battalion, 7th Infantry Division 11/28/1950 North Korea 4/23/2020    
Pfc. Bill F. Hobbs U.S. Army Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 11/30/1950 North Korea 4/22/2020    
Pfc. Louis N. Crosby U.S. Army Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/1/1950 North Korea 4/22/2020    
Cpl. Charles E. Hiltibran U.S. Army Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/22/2020    
Cpl. Clifford S. Johnson U.S. Army Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division 12/6/1950 North Korea 4/21/2020    
Cpl. Ralph S. Boughman U.S. Army Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/21/2020    
Cpl. Benjamin R. Bazzell U.S. Army Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division 11/30/1950 North Korea 4/20/2020    
Sgt. 1st Class Frank G. Vejar U.S. Army Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 11/30/1950 North Korea 4/20/2020    
Cpl. Henry L. Helms U.S. Army Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/17/2020    
1st Lt. Thomas J. Redgate U.S. Army Battery A, 48th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division 12/11/1950 North Korea 4/17/2020    
Sgt. Fred Farris U.S. Marine Corps Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/20/1943 Tarawa 4/17/2020    
Pvt. Jacob Cruz U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/17/2020    
Sgt. David B. Milano U.S. Army Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/16/2020    
Pfc. Elden R. Baumbach U.S. Marine Corps Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/16/2020    
Sgt. George R. Reeser U.S. Marine Corps Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/16/2020    
Pfc. John W. Hoffman, Jr. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Company L, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/23/1943 Tarawa 4/16/2020    
Cpl. Eldert J. Beek U.S. Army Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/1/1950 North Korea 4/16/2020    
Pvt. Jack R. Stambaugh U.S. Marine Corps Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/15/2020    
Pfc. Anthony F. Mendonca U.S. Army Company A, 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division 6/28/1944 Saipan 4/13/2020    
Sgt. Billy V. Rodgers U.S. Army Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 4/10/2020    
Sgt. Donald D. Stoddard U.S. Marine Corps Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/22/1943 Tarawa 4/6/2020    
Pvt. Wayne M. Evans U.S. Army Battery G, 59th Coast Artillery Regiment 7/19/1942 Cabanatuan, Philippines 4/6/2020    
2nd Lt. Earl W. Smith, Jr. U.S. Army Air Forces 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force 8/20/1943 Papua 3/24/2020    
Shipfitter 3rd Class Patrick L. Chess U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 3/12/2020    
Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Alton W. Whitson U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 3/11/2020    
Seaman 1st Class Russell C. Roach U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 3/11/2020    
Fireman 3rd Class Clarence A. Blaylock U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 3/11/2020    
Sgt. Kenneth E. Walker U.S. Army Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division 12/2/1950 North Korea 2/27/2020 4/18/2020 Madill, Oklahoma
Sgt. Duane O. Cole U.S. Marine Corps Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/20/1943 Tarawa 2/24/2020 6/20/2020 Spooner, Wisconsin
1st Lt. Ernest L. Roth U.S. Army Air Forces 359th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force 5/19/1944 Berlin, Germany 2/19/2020   Los Angeles, California
Steward's Mate 2nd Class Jesus F. Garcia U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 2/19/2020    
FCC Daniel F. Harris U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 2/11/2020    
Pvt. James J. Cansler U.S. Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division 12/19/1944 Hürtgen Forest, Germany 2/11/2020    
Pfc. James W. White U.S. Army Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) 7/2/1944 Burma 2/11/2020    
MMC Lada Smisek U.S. Navy Naval Ammunition Depot and Submarine Base, Cavite, Philippine Islands 9/28/1942 Philippines 2/4/2020    
Cpl. Oscar E. Koskela U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters Company, 29th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division 6/18/1944 Saipan 2/4/2020    
Pfc. Royal L. Waltz U.S. Marine Corps Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division 11/20/1943 Tarawa 2/4/2020    
Seaman 1st Class Warren C. Gillette U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/29/2020    
Seaman 2nd Class Cecil H. Thornton U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/29/2020    
FIreman 2nd Class Martin D. Young U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/28/2020    
Fireman 2nd Class William P. Kubinec U.S. Navy USS West Virginia 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/27/2020    
Hospital Apprentice 1st Class John M. Mulick U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/27/2020    
Seaman 1st Class Joe R. Nightingale U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/27/2020    
Fireman 1st Class Dan E. Reagan U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/27/2020    
Fireman 2nd Class Joseph W. Carroll U.S. Navy USS Oklahoma 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbor 1/27/2020    
Cpl. Arthur C. Ramirez U.S. Army Battery B, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division 12/6/1950 North Korea 1/22/2020 3/19/2020 Marana, Arizona
Pvt. Pearl F. Barrow U.S. Army Company F, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division 11/20/1944 Hürtgen, Germany 1/16/2020    
Gunnery Sgt. Arthur B. Summers U.S. Marine Corps Company I, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force 11/23/1943 Tarawa 1/6/2020    
Sgt. John V. Phillips U.S. Army Headquarters Company, 31st Infantry Regiment 7/27/1942 Philippines 12/16/2019   Arlington National Cemetery

List posted 05/11/2020

 
Some names in articles/press releases below were NOT posted to the DPAA "list" yet when published.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOME HIGHLIGHTS NOTE DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN HEADLINES ("captured")  AND KNOWN ("MIA") STATUS.

We asked why so many of these are  being re-announced 2-3 times increasing news forwards and confusion.

 

03/22/19
These are being published with the full information, while the initial notification only contains basic information.  The updates are providing information on the loss, recovery and identification, as well as funeral information if it is available at the time.

I hope this helps,

SFC Kristen Duus
Chief of External Communications
Public Affairs NCOIC- D.C. Directorate
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
 

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Hill, J.)

Release No: 20-072 May 21, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Sgt. Jesse D. Hill, 20, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for May 19, 2020.

In late 1950, Hill was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Hill’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000FBia0EAD.
 

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Cavender, W.)

Release No: 20-070 May 20, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Sgt. William E. Cavender, 20, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for May 19, 2020.

In late 1950, Cavender was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Cavender’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000003Pr5qEAC.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Cherry, R.B.)

Release No: 20-071 May 20, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. R.B. Cherry, 19, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for May 19, 2020.

In late 1950, Cherry was a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 27, 1950, near Anju, North Korea. Using information provided by returned POWs after the war, it was determined that Cherry had been a POW in Camp 5 and died of pneumonia sometime in the winter of 1950. His remains were reportedly buried in a cemetery near the camp and were not recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Cherry’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000GKLywEAH.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Tushla, L.)

Release No: 20-067 May 19, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Fireman 1st Class Louis J. Tushla, 25, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 27, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Tushla was assigned to the battleship 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 Tushla.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Tushla’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgB7EAK.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Smith, L.)

Release No: 20-068 May 19, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Metalsmith 1st Class Leonard F. Smith, 29, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 16, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Smith was assigned to the battleship 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 Smith.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Smith’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgPaEAK.

Marine Acccounted For From World War II (Galland, M.)

Release No: 20-069 May 19, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Pfc. Mervin D. Galland, 24, killed during World War II, was accounted for on May 11, 2020.

In November 1943, Galland was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Galland died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Galland’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000001kmS5eEAE.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Helton, F.)

Release No: 20-066 May 15, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Seaman 2nd Class Floyd D. Helton, 18, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 23, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Helton was assigned to the battleship 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 Helton.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Helton’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XeLgEAK.
From: Richard Downes <coalitionoffamilies@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, May 19, 2020 at 4:06 PM
Subject: DPAA's Annual Korean/Cold War Family DC Briefing - Cancelled for this year!
To: Coalition of Families of Korean and Cold War POW/MIAs <coalitionoffamilies@gmail.com>

 

Hi Everyone,

This year’s annual summer briefing has officially been cancelled by DPAA (https://www.dpaa.mil/). Originally scheduled for July 30-31, it is now  tentatively scheduled for August 12-13, 2021. The uncertainties brought on by the virus … including hotel availability, airline travel, the wellbeing of so many folks being around each other … are among reasons given for the decision.
 
DPAA will send a letter out to everyone, likely next month, that will address the cancellation and include summary pages on matters that would have been covered at the meeting. So … a mini update by mail. There is no word on the September 12 regional update in Colorado Springs, CO.
 
There is an option for folks missing the feel of the meeting. The latest DPAA regional briefing in Portland, Oregon (and other past briefings) can be seen in their entirety at DPAA’s link: https://vimeo.com/dpaa. Gather whomever you are spending these days with in isolation, break out the popcorn, and remember past times.
 
We will keep in touch to help fill the summer void. Good health and well-being to all!
 
Rick


 

Richard Downes, President

Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIAs
 

 

Join us! The Coalition pursues answers to the stories of missing American servicemen from the Korean and Cold Wars.

www.coalitionoffamilies.org

 

(A 501(3)C non-profit organization)


 

P.O. Box 22242

Portsmouth, NH 03802

818.259.9950

 

www.coalitionoffamilies.org
 
May 21, 2020

 
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the agency within the Department of Defense responsible for tracking down MIAs, reported in May 2020 ...
 

 
The Ride Home event takes place during National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and former POWs and the next of kin of current MIA military persons are ...
 

 
Lawn, currently stationed at the Dover Air Force Base, said the mission was part of an ongoing effort by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, ...
 

 
Even in 2020, generations of POW/MIA families since World War II still wait to learn the fate of their loved ones and hope to learn the truth soon.
 

 
"The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is in no way partnered nor associated with Mr. Kuhles, his organization, or its efforts. DPAA performs its ...
 


 

Andersonville National Historic Site News Release

Release Date: May 18, 2020
 Contact: Jody Mays, jody_mays@nps.gov

NR20-06                      

Andersonville National Historic Site

Co-Hosts Multi-State Virtual Memorial Day Tribute

Virtual Event will complement non-public ceremonies held on site
 

ANDERSONVILLE, Georgia – This Memorial Day, Andersonville National Historic Site will join thirty National Park Service units across 12 states and the District of Columbia in hosting a virtual commemoration saluting America’s fallen soldiers.

The 2020 National Park Service Virtual Memorial Day Tribute — a social media event spanning more than 13 hours on Monday, May 25th — features a series of livestreams, demonstrations, historic talks, and other activities starting at 8 am EDT/ 7 am CDT. The commemoration covers memorials and stories from the American Revolution to Vietnam and beyond and includes a spotlight video tribute of park rangers from Maryland to Montana reciting the “Gettysburg Address.”

“While we are not able to hold large public ceremonies on site due to the ongoing pandemic, we will still honor our fallen service members with the solemn dignity and respect they have earned through their service and sacrifice,” said Acting Superintendent Steve Theus. “Andersonville National Historic Site preserves the location where nearly 13,000 Union soldiers died. It serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war. And it includes the only national cemetery managed by the National Park Service where American military service members, veterans, and their families continue to be buried. It is our privilege and duty to honor and remember those who suffered and died in service to our nation.”

For the Virtual Memorial Day Tribute, Andersonville National Historic Site will livestream the playing of Taps in the national cemetery on Monday, May 25th at 3 pm EDT, followed by the National Moment of Remembrance.

Andersonville National Historic Site’s virtual program will complement non-public ceremonies to be conducted on site over the Memorial Day Weekend. A small portion of the Avenue of Flags will be on display from Tuesday May 19th through Friday May 29th. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dan Gillian will play “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as he walks through the national cemetery. On Sunday and Monday a large wreath will be on display at the Rostrum. On Monday at 3 pm we will play Taps and observe the National Moment of Remembrance. These ceremonies will not be open to the public this year.

Individuals and families visiting Andersonville National Cemetery may place a small American flag on a loved one’s grave beginning Wednesday, May 20th. Flags will be removed after Memorial Day, on Wednesday May 27th. As stated in our grave decoration policy, posted on our website at https://www.nps.gov/ande/planyourvisit/anc_grave_decorations.htm, wreaths and potted plants may be placed on graves from 10 days before to 10 days after Memorial Day.

In addition to the program from Andersonville National Historic Site, dozens of other programs and content will be posted online by national park sites participating in the Virtual Memorial Day Tribute. These virtual programs will range from playing Civil War music, to reading the names of the fallen, to virtual tours of national cemeteries. The online event will close with livestream of the sun setting over Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Visitors to the social media tribute are also invited to observe the holiday by performing an act of service in honor of a fallen service member, as part of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park’s Memorial Day of Service activity. Information about the volunteer initiative, including service project ideas and a memorial certificate, will be posted at www.facebook.com/KMNBP beginning May 22.  

For a complete schedule of 2020 National Park Service Virtual Memorial Day Tribute activities, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/memorial-day.htm or follow https://www.facebook.com/AndersonvilleNPS/ and #VirtualMemorialDay on Facebook.

 
 

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
 

 
 

Take care and stay safe,

 

Jody Mays

Chief, Interpretation and Resource Management

Andersonville National Historic Site

National Prisoner of War Museum

Andersonville National Cemetery

 


 

From: Mays, Jody L <Jody_Mays@nps.gov>
Sent: 20 May, 2020 13:37
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Virtual Memorial Day

 

Hi, Andersonville National Historic Site is co-hosting an online commemoration of Memorial Day that involves 30 parks in 12 states! Programming will include videos and other content about military history, national cemeteries, volunteering in memory of a fallen service member, a National Moment of Remembrance, and more! 

 

Here's an informational flyer about it for our partners. Please help spread the word!

 

Take care and stay safe,

 

Jody Mays

Chief, Interpretation and Resource Management

Andersonville National Historic Site

National Prisoner of War Museum

Andersonville National Cemetery
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8315497/VA-refuses-remove-Nazi-symbols-graves-German-POWs-protected-history.html

05/13/2020

 

The Veterans Affairs has refused to remove swastikas from the graves of German prisoners of war, stating they are to 'preserve these headstones' to 'protect historic resources'....


 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8316839/Boy-Scouts-banned-annual-Memorial-Day-tradition-planting-flags-veteran-graves.html

 

 

The Department of Veteran's Affairs has cancelled all public Memorial Day events this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, including the Boy Scout flag-planting tradition....

 
May 13, 2020
 
Newt Heisley, the designer of the POW/MIA flag adopted by Congress in 1990 as a symbol of the nation's concern for those missing during military ...
 
... several decades' worth of family and government ephemera to tell the story of her uncle, her family and the POW-MIA movement after Vietnam.
 
Mike Bernskoetter's SCR 32 “urges the Missouri Congressional delegation to support legislation for the declassification of POW/MIA records.

 

From: Mays, Jody L <Jody_Mays@nps.gov>
Sent: 12 May, 2020 18:54
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Andersonville National Historic Site increasing access

 

National Park Service News Release

 

Release Date: May 13, 2020

 

Andersonville National Historic Site is beginning to increase recreational access to park grounds

 

Andersonville, Georgia – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Andersonville National Historic Site is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.  

 

Beginning May 13, 2020, Andersonville National Historic Site will reopen access to all park grounds daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Limited brochures and information will be available outside in front of the visitor center doors. Direct burial services for eligible veterans and their families will continue with restrictions.

 

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

  • The National Prisoner of War Museum and all other park buildings remain closed to public access.
  • All public restrooms remain closed.
  • No public programs or events will be offered or conducted.
  • No committal services or rendering of military honors will be permitted in Andersonville National Cemetery. No more than ten (10) immediate family members may be present to witness burials. The family may request to conduct a proper committal service when conditions permit.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Andersonville National Historic Site, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.   

 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

 

We have an amazing virtual tour of Andersonville National Historic Site, done in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, so for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time check out https://www.gpb.org/education/virtual/andersonville.

 

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website (https://www.nps.gov/ande) and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

 

 

www.nps.gov

 

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

 

Take care and stay safe,

 

Jody Mays

Chief, Interpretation and Resource Management

Andersonville National Historic Site

National Prisoner of War Museum

Andersonville National Cemetery

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8308361/USS-Nevada-survived-two-world-wars-15-400ft-water-Pearl-Harbor.html

05/11/2020

 

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Andrews, C.)

Release No: 20-064 May 8, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pvt. Charles Andrews, 25, killed during World War II, was accounted for May 6, 2020.

In December 1944, Andrews was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Brandenburg, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was declared missing in action on Dec. 4. Andrews could not be recovered because of the on-going fighting, and his status was changed to killed in action on Jan. 29, 1945.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Johnson, T.)

Release No: 20-065 May 8, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Thomas F. Johnson, 18, killed during World War II, was accounted for on May 6, 2020.

In November 1943, Johnson was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Johnson died on the fourth day of battle, Nov. 23, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Johnson’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XdjkEAC.

 
Scientists from the Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency announced the positive DNA identification of 11 sets of American remains last month, ...
 

 
This information was being collected under the POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) program of VVA. He spent a lot of time gathering clues ...

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Jenks, R.)

Release No: 20-063 May 5, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Robert D. Jenks, 20, of Sutherland, Iowa, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Feb. 4, 2020.

In November 1943, Jenks was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Jenks died on either the third or fourth day of battle, Nov. 22-23, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Jenks’ personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XlCHEA0.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Steiner, S.)

Release No: 20-060 May 1, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Fireman 1st Class Samuel C. Steiner, 20, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 16, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Steiner was assigned to the battleship 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 Steiner.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Steiner’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgDmEAK.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Williams, J.)

Release No: 20-061 May 1, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Naval Reserve Seaman 1st Class James C. Williams, 20, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 23, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Williams was assigned to the battleship 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 Williams.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Williams’ personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xg8cEAC.

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Spangler, M.)

Release No: 20-062 May 1, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Seaman 1st Class Maurice V. Spangler, 20, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 27, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Spangler was assigned to the battleship 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 Spangler.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Spangler’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XfEOEA0.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Miller, H.)

Release No: 20-059 April 30, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Howard E. Miller, 22, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 20, 2020.

In November 1943, Miller was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Miller died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Miller’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000ccAvEAI.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Collins, G.)

Release No: 20-057 April 28, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Glenn E. Collins, 21, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 23, 2020.

In late 1950, Collins, was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Collins’ personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000002gvAzEAI.

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Blanton, R.)

Release No: 20-058 April 28, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Staff Sgt. Raymond C. Blanton, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for April 23, 2020.

In October 1944, Blanton was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Germeter, Germany, in the Raffelsbrand Forest, when he was killed in action on Oct. 14. Blanton could not be recovered because of the on-going fighting.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Blanton’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000001DVBNCEA5.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Gillen, J.)

Release No: 20-050 April 27, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. John E. Gillen, 20, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 16, 2020.

In November 1943, Gillen was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Gillen died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Gillen’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xk3dEAC.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Hayden, H.)

Release No: 20-051 April 27, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Harold W. Hayden, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 30, 2020.

In November 1943, Hayden was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Hayden died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Hayden’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000ccNLEAY.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Wright, D.)

Release No: 20-052 April 27, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Dale W. Wright, 19, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 23, 2020.

In late 1950, Wright was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Wright’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000002XzsmEAC.
Raymond J. Tuhey

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Fricks, H.)

Release No: 20-054 April 27, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve 1st Lt. Hugh D. Fricks, 22, of Memphis, Tennessee, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 16, 2020.

In November 1943, Fricks was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Fricks died on the fourth day of battle, Nov. 23, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Fricks’ personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xkl6EAC.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Mullins, B.)

Release No: 20-055 April 27, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Burl Mullins, 23, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 23, 2020.

In late 1950, Mullins, who also served during World War II, was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Mullins’ personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000azLr5EAE.

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Brotherton, C.)

Release No: 20-056 April 27, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Clarence W. Brotherton, 20, of Gibson City, Illinois, killed during World War II, was accounted for April 23, 2020.

In October 1944, Brotherton was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Germeter, Germany, in the Raffelsbrand Forest, when he was killed in action on Oct. 14. Brotherton could not be recovered because of the on-going fighting.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Brotherton’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000001EuUQqEAN.

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Jeffers, O.)

Release No: 20-049 April 24, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Oliver Jeffers, 31, killed during World War II, was accounted for April 23, 2020.

In November 1944, Jeffers was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Germeter, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was killed in action on Nov. 10. Jeffers could not be recovered because of the on-going fighting.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Alumbaugh, L.)

Release No: 20-048 April 23, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Sgt. Lloyd A. Alumbaugh, 21, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 21, 2020.

In late 1950, Alumbaugh was a member of Ambulance Company, 7th Medical Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Alumbaugh’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000003Pr8fEAC.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Hobbs, B.)

Release No: 20-045 April 22, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Bill F. Hobbs, 20, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 20, 2020.

In late 1950, Hobbs was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Hobbs’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt00000001VF3EAM.

Soldier Accounted For From Korea War (Crosby, L.)

Release No: 20-046 April 22, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 21, 2020.

In late 1950, Crosby was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Crosby’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000RcjhZEAR.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Hiltibran, C.)

Release No: 20-047 April 22, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Charles E. Hiltibran, 19, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 20, 2020.

In late 1950, Hiltibran was a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Hiltibran’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000VJl49EAD.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Johnson, C.)

Release No: 20-043 April 21, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Clifford S. Johnson, 20, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 16, 2020.

In late 1950, Johnson was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Johnson’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000004Nc2OEAS.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Boughman, R.)

Release No: 20-044 April 21, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Ralph S. Boughman, 21, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 20, 2020.

In late 1950, Boughman was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Boughman’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000RcjctEAB.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Bazzell, B.)

Release No: 20-041 April 20, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Benjamin R. Bazzell, 18, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 16, 2020.

In late 1950, Bazzell was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Bazzell’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000gHnyoEAC.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Vejar, F.)

Release No: 20-042 April 20, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Sgt. 1st Class Frank G. Vejar, 19, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 14, 2020.

In late 1950, Vejar was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Vejar’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt00000003a1kEAA.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Helms, H.)

Release No: 20-037 April 17, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Henry L. Helms, 24, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 16, 2020.

In late 1950, Helms was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Helms’ personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000001xTdoEAE.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Redgate, T.)

Release No: 20-038 April 17, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Redgate, 24, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 16, 2020.

In late 1950, Redgate was a member of Battery A, 48th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 11, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Redgate’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000003nzcQEAQ.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Farris, F.)

Release No: 20-039 April 17, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Sgt. Fred Farris, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 14, 2020.

In November 1943, Farris was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 2nd 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Farris died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Cemetery 10.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Farris’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XlHlEAK.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Cruz, J.)

Release No: 20-040 April 17, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Jacob Cruz, 18, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 14, 2020.

In November 1943, Cruz was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Cruz died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Cruz’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xgl7EAC.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Milano, D.)

Release No: 20-032 April 16, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. David B. Milano, 17, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 14, 2020.

In late 1950, Milano was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Milano’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000S2qmsEAB.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Baumbach, E.)

Release No: 20-033 April 16, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Pfc. Elden R. Baumbach, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Feb. 4, 2020.

In November 1943, Baumbach was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Baumbach died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Baumbach’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xm3G.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Reeser, G.)

Release No: 20-034 April 16, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Sgt. George R. Reeser, 25, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 27, 2020.

In November 1943, Reeser was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Reeser died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Reeser’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000LlmQEAS.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Hoffman, J.)

Release No: 20-035 April 16, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. John W. Hoffman, Jr., 21, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 9, 2020.

In November 1943, Hoffman was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Hoffman died on the fourth day of battle, Nov. 23, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Hoffman’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000BRpLEAW.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Beek, E.)

Release No: 20-036 April 16, 2020

 

 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Cpl. Eldert J. Beek, 20, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 14, 2020.

In late 1950, Beek was a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Beek’s personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000bRB4nEAG.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Stambaugh, J.)

Release No: 20-031 April 15, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Pvt. Jack R. Stambaugh, 20, killed during World War II, was accounted for on April 9, 2020.

In November 1943, Stambaugh was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Stambaugh died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Stambaugh’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XjLvEAK.

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Mendonca, A.)

Release No: 20-030 April 13, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pfc. Anthony F. Mendonca, 28, killed during World War II, was accounted for April 9, 2020.

In June 1944, Mendonca was a member of Company A, 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, when American forces participated in the battle for Saipan, part of a larger operation to secure the Mariana Islands. Mendonca was killed during fighting on June 28. His remains were reportedly not recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Soldier Accounted For From Korean War (Rodgers, B.)

Release No: 20-029 April 10, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Sgt. Billy V. Rodgers, 19, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 9, 2020.

In late 1950, Rodgers was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Rodgers’ personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt00000095DOuEAM.

Marine Accounted For From World War II (Stoddard, D.)

Release No: 20-027 April 6, 2020 
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Sgt. Donald D. Stoddard, 22, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 16, 2020.

In November 1943, Stoddard was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th 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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Stoddard died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Stoddard’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XkAPEA0.

Soldier Accounted For From World War II (Evans, W.)

Release No: 20-028 April 6, 2020
 
WASHINGTON —The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Pvt. Wayne M. Evans, 21, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for March 30, 2020.

In late 1941, Evans was a member of Battery G, 59th Coast Artillery Regiment, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

Evans’ personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt00000004ra8EAA. 

 
 

 
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced on Monday, April 27 that Army Pfc. Oliver Jeffers, 31, who was killed during World War ...
 

 
The remains of a Scott County man killed in Germany in World War II have been accounted for, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Friday.
 

 
The group also advocated for the removal of a Bible placed at a VA hospital POW/MIA display, which was donated by a 100-year-old returned World ...
 

by Abraham Mahshie, April 23, 2020 01:30 PM

For six-and-a-half years, Air Force Col. Thomas McNish did not know when his captivity in a North Vietnamese prison would end after his F-105 was shot down while on a bombing raid in 1966. For the
former prisoner of war, waiting out the coronavirus pandemic is easy....
 
https://wakeweekly.com/stories/dna-could-identify-pow-remains-s2,206107   04/13/2020
 
... Japanese,” Costello said “With the advancement of technology, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is currently re-looking and will eventually ...
April 11, 2020
It wasn't until 2018 when History Flight Inc. and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency excavated Curtis's crash site that his remains were ...


-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: FW: WW II Photos from
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2020 08:21:52 -0400
From: moehog@verizon.net
 

From the desk of Fred Ingley.

 

moe note; NOT POW/MIA but very Patriotic WW II photos.

 

 

From: Fred Ingley <fritzy39@gmail.com>
Sent: 10 April, 2020 16:46
To: Fred Ingley <fritzy39us@yahoo.com>
Subject: Fwd: WW II Photos from

 

Family and Friends,

This was sent to me by a Marine Buddy. I really appreciated his sending them  to me and sent back a reply with some information about my personal observations and experiences as a 2 to 6  year old during WW2.    Am including that in that I believe many of you all might enjoy reading.

Sent BCC as always to deter scammers from getting your email address(es).

Stay safe and healthy.

Fred

 

--------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fred Ingley <fritzy39@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 1:25 PM
Subject: Re: WW II Photos from
To: George 

 

George,

These are great!  Thanks for sending them.

Don't recall if I had mentioned to you that during WW2 we were living in Miami where Dad was active in Civil Defense rising to second in charge.  As such he went, and often took me as a toddler numerous places most folks didn't get to go, and I learned what a lot of folks didn't know  either.

That war was closer than most peop[e realize.  Three miles off of Miami Beach the Gulf Stream flows north  at approx 6 knots.with a  close in slower moving southerly counter current. I vividly recall seeing a burning torpedoed oil tanker drifting north in the Gulf Stream.  I also have a less vivid image of 2 such burning tankers, 1 drifting north in the Gulf Stream and the other closer in drifting south in the counter current. Going to the beach always observed armed GI patrolling for saboteurs.  Also there was much tar like bunker fuel from torpedoed ships on the beach.  It got on ones feet and was difficult to wash off..  I recall P-52s taking off like swarms of hornets from Opa Locka Air Base in response to a reported German U-Boat off the coast. All the motor vehicles had the top half of their headlights blackened off to prevent night time observation from German U-Boats near by. The beach areas were under black out at night.  In order to  prevent the Public from panicking, injured and burned seamen from the torpedoed ships were only taken into Jackson Memorial Hospital between midnight and very early morning, 03:00 I believe.  On one occasion while we were at a more isolated beach a Coast Guard Amphibian plane swooped very low to see who we were.

A friend from high school did some research and told me about a German spy who lived near the beach in Ft. Pierce and to alert German U-Boat captains regarding landing saboteurs would fly his American Flag one way if there were no troops ;in the area and a different way if there were.  Understand that the Good Citizens of Ft. Pierce found out about him and hung the bastard from his flag pole.  

Be safe and stay healthy.

S/F, .   

Fred  

 

 10, 2020 at 8:09 AM George wrote:

These pictures are really great. thought you may like these.  George

 

WORLD WAR II from Chicago

Just scroll DOWN from the first picture, and the captions are at the bottom of each pic.

http://galleries.apps.chicagot ribune.com/chi-130320-arsenal- democracy-world-war-ii- pictures/#chi-arsenal20ladies- 20080617

Sent: Thu, Apr 9, 2020 8:11 am
Subject: Our Flag...

Very Good!

 

Well now, that made my eyeballs sweat a wee bit!  The first time I’ve heard that, it is the best performance I’ve ever heard regarding “Old Glory”! 

 

 

 
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced in January that the remains of Sesser native Army Cpl. William L. Brown were ...
-------- Forwarded Message --------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Banaji, Darius RDML USN DPAA FO (USA) <darius.banaji.mil@mail.mil> Sent: 3 April, 2020 13:28
Cc: Livick, Todd S CIV DPAA DPAA (USA) <todd.s.livick.civ@mail.mil>; Webb,
Johnie E JR CIV DPAA OC (USA) <johnie.e.webb.civ@mail.mil>
Subject: DPAA Operational Update for Family Groups and Veteran Service
Organizations (April 2020)

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I trust this email finds you well, healthy and safe. As you, we've also
adapted and are taking all necessary measures to mitigate the spread of
Coronavirus (COVID-19).

I know you have seen a note from our Director, Mr. Kelly McKeague (also on
our Website), where we outline which recovery/investigative missions,
disinterments, and family member updates were either postponed or cancelled
due to COVID-19.

We continue internal planning and will be poised to resume world-wide
missions once US and world conditions allow. Meanwhile, I've attached a
summary and a few photos of four organic and three partnered missions which
returned in March.

Stay healthy and safe. My DPAA points of contact for any additional
questions or information are Mr. Todd Livick (todd.s.livick.civ@mail.mil)
and Mr. Johnie Webb (johnie.e.webb.civ@mail.mil).

With regards,

D. Banaji

Rear Admiral, US Navy
Deputy Director for Operations,
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
O: (808) 448-4500, x 3010
C: (808) 255-7799

Fulfilling Our Nation's Promise
http://www.axpow.org/
 
Statement of The American Ex-Prisoners of War before the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, U.S. Senate/U.S. House Of Representatives, March 3, 2020
National Commander Robert G. Certain
Chief Executive Officer Cheryl Cerbone
Legislative Officer Charles Anthony Susino
Chairmen Mark Takeno and Jerry Moran, and members of the House and Senate Veteran’s Affairs committee and guests, my name is Robert Certain, National Commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Thank you for the opportunity to express our comments today....
April 2, 2020
 
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the services were scheduled for April 3 at Mound City National Cemetery. They were ...
 

04/02/2020     https://www.foxnews.com/world/pakistan-court-overturns-conviction-death-daniel-pearl

  • Breaking News

    Pakistani court overturns conviction in death of Daniel Pearl

    A Pakistani court overturned the murder conviction of the British national who was sentenced to death for the 2002 killing of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. The paper reported that it is unclear if the ruling will be appealed....

Subject: 51ST ANNUAL MEETING WILL NOT BE HELD IN JUNE, 2020

51ST ANNUAL MEETING WILL NOT BE HELD IN JUNE, 2020

 

It will come as no real surprise that due to the worldwide and domestic impact of coronavirus, COVID 19, the elected Board of Directors has unanimously decided that the League’s 51st Annual Meeting will not be held June 24-28, 2020.   This will be the first time in the League’s 50-year history that such has occurred, but health considerations and common sense dictate no alternative.

This decision in no way should be viewed as any reduction of League priority, emphasis or determination to achieve our single, threefold objective:  1) return of all prisoners; 2) the fullest possible accounting for the missing; and 3) repatriation of all recoverable remains or, in the absence of one of these three, convincing evidence as to why none of the forgoing is possible.  In all instances, the family of each POW/MIA or KIA/BNR is to be provided all information that pertains or may pertain to their missing loved one.   (The League’s family and associate members have long known and accepted the reality that accounting for ALL missing and unaccounted-for personnel is impossible.)

 

Some have already registered for the 51st Annual Meeting, and we would like to extend a few options for consideration:  
 

- Apply your 51st Annual Meeting Registration Fees to a future annual meeting. 

 

- Convert your Registration Fees into a donation to the League.

 

- Request a full refund of your Registration Fees from the League Office.

 

At this time and, for obvious reasons, including the “shutdown” guidance issued by the Governor of Virginia that extends until June 10th, the League office is closed.  While we are doing as much as possible to maintain operations and check phone messages, the best way to get in touch if you have questions is through email at admin@pow-miafamilies.org.

Much as we all feel the burden of another lost opportunity when time is running out on Vietnam War accounting, there really is no option, but our determination is as strong or stronger than ever before.  We’ll continue to send out regular electronic updates by email and post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the League website, and I’ll soon be sending out a long-overdue Newsletter providing an analysis of where things stand.    Stay safe, stay strong, and self-isolate to help our nation recover, as we will, and soon!

 

Ann Mills-Griffiths

Chairman of the Board & CEO

National League of POW/MIA Families

5673 Columbia Pike, Suite 100

Falls Church, VA  22041

703-465-7432
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8170787/North-Korea-using-bodies-political-prisoners-FERTILISER-grow-crops-guards.html
 

03/31/2020

 

The prisoner, who used the pseudonym Kim Il-soon, exposed the monstrous practice after surviving the hell of Kaechon concentration camp, which is located north of Pyongyang....


He was later awarded the Silver Star Medal of Honor in recognition of his valor. Related coverage. March 25, 2020 4:28 pm. 0. Israeli Envoy Wishes ...


According to the federal Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, rescuers recovered the remains of five. Three identified sets of remains and two ...

 
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has announced that Navy Seaman 1st Class Orval A. Tranbarger, 20, of Mountain View,.
 
March 25, 2020
 
A pilot killed during World War II has been identified and is coming home, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Army Air Forces ...

 
March 20, 2020
 
The flag should fly on holidays including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day, according to the ..

 		 March 23, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC (WDBJ7) - Burial has been scheduled for a US Army corporal from Covington who was missing in action. The Defense POW/MIA ...
 

 
WASHINGTON – Today the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announcing that U.S. Army Major Harvey H. Storms has been accounted ...
 

 
(WFXR) — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPPA) has identified the remains of a Covington service member killed during the Korean War ...

 

From the desk of Jody Mays, Supervisor, Andersonville National Historical Site.

 

From: Mays, Jody L <Jody_Mays@nps.gov> On Behalf Of ANDE Information, NPS
Sent: 24 March, 2020 12:49
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: News Release: Andersonville National Historic Site Implements Additional Modifications to Operations

 

National Park Service News Release

Release Date: March 24, 2020
 Contact: NewsMedia@nps.gov

 

Andersonville National Historic Site Is Modifying Operations To 

Implement Local Health Guidance

 

Andersonville, Georgia – Andersonville National Historic Site, in response to Executive Order 03.23.20.01 issued by the Governor of the State of Georgia, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  

As of March 24, 2020, Andersonville National Historic Site will offer limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. At Andersonville National Historic Site, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with the state order: 

 

  • The National Prisoner of War Museum and the historic site of Camp Sumter military prison will be closed to public access.
  • The park will not operate or provide public restrooms.
  • No visitor information services, programs, or events will be offered or conducted.
  • No committal services or rendering of military honors will be permitted in Andersonville National Cemetery. No more than ten (10) immediate family members may be present to witness burials. The family may request to conduct a proper committal service when conditions permit. 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Andersonville National Historic Site is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor COVID-19. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website (https://www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm) and social media channels (http://facebook.com/AndersonvilleNPS and http://www.twitter.com/andeNHS).  

 Andersonville National Cemetery remains accessible to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance. Burial services for eligible veterans and family members continue to be offered.    

 The NPS encourages people who choose to visit Andersonville National Historic Site during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.  

 The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Andersonville National Historic Site, including:  

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.

www.nps.gov


 

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/03/24/military-suspends-recovery-of-fallen-troops-from-overseas-battlefields-amid-coronavirus-concerns/

Coronavirus | COVID-19 Updates

Military suspends recovery of fallen troops from overseas battlefields amid coronavirus concerns

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 24 March, 2020 10:08
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: South Dakota Pilot Acccounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 24, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Earl F. Ferguson, 26, of Philip, South

Dakota, killed during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 30, 2019.

 

In the summer of 1943, Ferguson was a pilot assigned to the 329th

Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force. On Aug.

1, 1943, the B-24 aircraft on which Ferguson was the co-pilot crashed as a

result of enemy anti-aircraft fire during Operation Tidal Wave, the largest

bombing mission against the oil fields and refineries at Ploiesti, north of

Bucharest, Romania. His remains were not identified following the war. The

remains that could not be identified were buried as Unknowns in the Hero

Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiesti, Prahova,

Romania. 

 

Following the war, the American Graves Registration Command, the

organization that searched for and recovered fallen American personnel,

disinterred all American remains from the Bolovan Cemetery for

identification. One set that could not be identified was designated Unknown

X-5300 Neuville, and reinterred into the American Military Cemetery at

Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium.

 

In 2017, DPAA began exhuming unknowns believed to be associated with

unaccounted for airmen from Operation Tidal Wave losses.  On Aug. 28, 2017,

Unknown X-5300 Neuville was disinterred and sent to the laboratory for

analysis.

 

To identify Ferguson's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

 

Ferguson's name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence

American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in

Impruneta, Italy, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will

be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Ferguson will be buried in his hometown. The date has yet to be decided.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

DPAA is grateful to the American Battle Monuments Commission and to the U.S.

Army Regional Mortuary- Europe/Africa for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420.

 

Ferguson's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt00000004pNoEAI.

 

///////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA)
Sent: 23 March, 2020 15:01
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: DPAA Release: DPAA Impacted by COVID-19

Good afternoon,

March 23, 2020

WASHINGTON- Like much of the world, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a
significant impact on the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and in
particular, its operations.

Ultimately, the Agency's highest priority is the health, safety, and
physical well-being of the assigned service members, civilians, and
contractors, as well as the personnel of our partner organizations, all of
whom contribute to the accomplishment of its worldwide mission. To this,
DPAA is adhering to the Department of Defense (DoD) mandate of limiting all
travel of personnel.

All field missions this month have completed or terminated earlier than
planned, and personnel have returned home. Future missions are currently
postponed or canceled, at least through early June.

"COVID-19 dynamics have forced us to radically alter our operations, but
keeping our team safe, here at home and abroad, is paramount," said Kelly
McKeague, DPAA Director.  "At the same time, we are continuing to take
actions with which our personnel can remain productive in their duties while
maintaining the required distancing."

Both the Miami, Florida, and Little Rock, Arkansas, Family Member Updates
(FMU), scheduled for March 21 and April 18, respectively, have been
canceled. Family members will still receive their respective loss briefings
provided by their service casualty officers and DPAA historians and analysts
by telephone. This is the first time DPAA has ever canceled an FMU, and did
so to protect attending families and other FMU participants.

The agency terminated several missions earlier than planned: DPAA's four
recovery teams (RT) and two investigation teams (IT) and partners' two RTs
and two ITs, affecting missions in Kiribati, the Philippines, Poland, and
Vietnam. All personnel are home and in 14-day self-isolation. Other than a
privately-funded underwater investigation off the coast of Latvia, there are
no other field missions across the globe.

DPAA had to cancel six RTs and one IT affecting missions in Austria,
Belgium, Italy, Laos, and the United Kingdom.

The agency postponed nine RTs and five ITs and partners' five RTs and nine
ITs affecting missions in Austria, Cambodia, Germany, Guam, Italy, Kuwait,
Laos, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Poland, Solomon Islands,
South Korea, Sweden, and Vietnam.

The majority of the DPAA workforce in Washington, D.C., Joint Base Pearl
Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, are teleworking
when possible so as to limit the gathering of people in offices and to limit
how often they need to take public transportation. DPAA leaders are
continually monitoring the situation and following guidance from the
respective DoD leadership.

The DPAA Laboratory System has entered into a lab work/telework balanced
plan designed to maintain progress on identifications while also mitigating
risks of spreading the virus.  The plan is appropriate for the current
health protection levels of the three bases with laboratory facilities and
will be evaluated weekly as to its overall effectiveness. 

"The ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic requires we take the
necessary precautions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of the virus,
while ensuring we remain mission ready," said Rear Adm. Darius Banaji,
DPAA's Deputy Director for Operations.  "We've postponed or canceled
missions for the next several months; are focused on bring our teams home
safely and concurrently, adjusting our daily operations to minimize possible
exposure to COVID-19 while keeping the health and safety of our personnel
and their families at the forefront."

DPAA officials encourage all family members to remain connected with their
casualty service officers and visit DPAA's website at WWW.DPAA.MIL for
updates as the COVID-19 situation develops.

Despite the challenges imposed in mitigating COVID-19, DPAA remains
committed to accomplish the solemn mission of accounting for our missing
service members and civilians from past conflicts, and provide answers to
their families.

Respectfully,

Sean P. Everette
SFC, USA
Public Affairs NCOIC
Outreach and Communications
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
241 18th St. South, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 23 March, 2020 09:06
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Virginia Soldier Accounted For From Korean War

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 23, 2020

 

WASHINGTON-  The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Army Cpl. Ralph L. Cale, 19, of Covington, Virginia, killed during

the Korean War, was accounted for Aug. 7, 2019.

 

In December 1950, Cale was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd

Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action

on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces in the vicinity

of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. His remains could not be recovered

following the attack and he was not reported as a prisoner of war. 

 

On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned

over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members

killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl

Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned

into the DPAA laboratory for identification.

 

To identify Cale's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally,

scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial

DNA (mtDNA), Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) analysis.

 

Cale's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National

Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are

still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name

to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Cale will be buried Aug. 14, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in

Arlington, Virginia.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Cale's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000001UJwzEAG.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 23 March, 2020 10:52
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Texas Soldier Accounted For From Korean War

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 23, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Army Maj. Harvey H. Storms, 34, of McAllen, Texas, killed during the

Korean War, was accounted for July 29, 2019.

             

In late 1950, Storms was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion,

31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was part of the 31st

Regimental Combat Team. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950,

when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North

Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

 

On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned

over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members

killed during the Korean War.  The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl

Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned

into the DPAA laboratory for identification.

 

To identify Storms' remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.  Additionally,

scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial

DNA (mtDNA), Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) analysis.

 

Storms' name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National

Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are

still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name

to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Storms will be buried June 12, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in

Arlington, Virginia.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Storms' personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000007WhzlEAC.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: McKeague, Kelly K SES DPAA FO (US)
Sent: 20 March, 2020 13:11
CSubject: Comprehensive Mission Update

Greetings to each of you.  We hope you and your families are healthy and
safe despite these increasingly uncertain times.  As you well know, COVID-19
impacts have been extremely significant throughout our nation and the world,
and in many cases, devastating.  The virus' effects to DPAA's mission
continue to expand, but to date, and fortunately, none of our personnel are
COVID-19 positive.  With apologies in advance for this email's length, the
below updates are provided for your awareness and interest.

- PRIORITIES:  First and foremost, protecting the health and safety of all
our personnel, to include our myriad partners, has been paramount.
Preserving our mission, while complying with Federal, State, and Local
directives, is our next priority.

- FAMILY MEMBER UPDATES:  We cancelled both the Miami (March 21) and Little
Rock (April 18) FMUs.  This action is unprecedented; even immediately
following 9/11 we were able to hold a limited FMU.  For now, planning for
the Chicago FMU (May 16) continues.

- FIELD MISSIONS:

-- We terminated missions earlier than planned:  DPAA's 4 recovery
teams (RT) and 2 investigation teams (IT); and Partners' 2 RTs and 2 ITs,
affecting missions in Kiribati, the Philippines, Poland, and Vietnam.  Once
the Vietnam teams return (expected tomorrow), all personnel will be home and
in 14-day self-isolation.  Other than a privately-funded underwater
investigation off the coast of Latvia, there are no other field missions
across the globe.

-- We had to cancel DPAA's 6 RTs and 1 IT, affecting missions in
Austria, Belgium, Italy, Laos, and the United Kingdom.

-- We have had to postpone DPAA's 9 RTs and 5 ITs; and Partners' 5
RTs and 9 ITs, affecting missions in Austria, Cambodia, Germany, Guam,
Italy, Kuwait, Laos, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Poland,
Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sweden, and Vietnam.

DISINTERMENTS:  We had to postpone (at least through June) 34 disinterments
in Europe and 45 from Manila.  In addition, 12 transfer cases with remains
that had been previously disinterred as well as recovered were unable to be
transported from the Army Mortuary in Germany to our NE lab.

LABORATORY OPERATIONS:   The DPAA Laboratory System has entered into a lab
work/telework balanced plan designed to maintain progress on identifications
while also mitigating risks of spreading the virus.  The plan is appropriate
for the current health protection levels of the three bases where our labs
are located and will be evaluated weekly as to its overall effectiveness.
Lab visits and tours are suspended.

KEY MEETINGS:  The Annual Accounting Community Meeting, and DPAA's Strategic
Off-site and FY2021-2022 Operations Symposium have all been postponed until
travel restrictions are removed.  We will continue to develop the underlying
plans via electronic collaboration.  DPAA's Scientific Summit, hosting 11
partner nations, is postponed until August.  Pending concurrence from the
National Security Council, the US-Russia Joint Commission on POWs/MIAs 2020
Plenum (May 7) will be postponed until May 2021. 

STAFF MANNING:  For our DC office, 63% of the team is in telework.  Our HI
team is finalizing its teleworking split as the base reached a higher health
protection condition earlier this week.  Our NE lab is following the
balanced plan noted above and our OH lab is at work given their ability to
maintain proper social distancing.  Our Europe detachment is 100%
teleworking while our SE Asia detachments are being minimally manned.

MORTUARY AFFAIRS:  Although not formally promulgated, we understand the
following changes are forthcoming -- family travel for funerals, in-flight
military escorts for remains, and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery
will be suspended; and in-person notification for the Primary Next-of-Kin
and other casualty assistance are to be accomplished telephonically.

Wishing you continued good health and safety,
Kelly McKeague


Director, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency


Fulfilling Our Nation's Promise

 
 
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Thursday that 1st Lt. Ernest L. Roth, 20, of Los Angeles, California was recovered on Feb. 4. Roth was ...

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 19 March, 2020 08:18
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: California Pilot Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 19, 2020

 

WASHINGTON—The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that

U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Ernest L. Roth, 20, of Los Angeles, killed

during World War II, was accounted for on Feb. 4, 2020.

 

In May 1944, Roth was assigned as a pilot with the 359th Bombardment

Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force in Europe. On May 19, he

was piloting a B-17G bomber while on a bombing run over Berlin when the

plane was hit by flak and crashed. Six of the 10 crewmembers, including

Roth, were killed in the incident. They were recovered by German forces and

reportedly buried in the Döberitz cemetery.

 

Following the end of the war, the American Graves Registration Command

(AGRC) was tasked with investigating and recovering missing Americans. The

AGRC did not find Roth in the grave in which he was reportedly buried, but

instead recovered two other American service members whose plane had gone

down on the same day. They did find a set of unknown remains designated

X-4801 Neuville in a grave nearby that was thought to either be Roth or one

other American. However, the AGRC was unable to determine which person it

definitively was, and so concluded X-4801 Neuville was unidentifiable.

 

In 2016, DPAA historians began focused research on eight sets of unknown

remains recovered from Döberitz. One historian reconstructed the cemetery

plot map with data from several sources, and concluded there were four

possible casualties that could be associated with X-4801 Neuville. In June

2018, the Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission

(ABMC) exhumed X-4801 and transferred the remains to the DPAA Laboratory at

Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

 

To identify Roth’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis, along with circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from

the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

analysis.

 

Roth’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at Henri-Chapelle

American Cemetery, an ABMC site in Hombourg, Belgium, along with others who

are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to

indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Roth will be buried in his hometown. The date has yet to be determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

DPAA is grateful to ABMC for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Roth’s personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000001edMwSEAU.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 18 March, 2020 13:32
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Delaware Pilot Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 18, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. George M. Johnson, 23, of Seaford,

Delaware, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Dec. 12, 2019.

 

On Jan. 21, 1944, Johnson was a member of the 38th Bombardment Squadron,

30th Bombardment Group, stationed at Hawkins Field, Betio Island, Tarawa

Atoll, Gilbert Islands, when the B-24J bomber he was co-piloting crashed

into Tarawa lagoon shortly after takeoff. Johnson and the nine other

servicemen aboard the aircraft were killed. 

 

Rescue crews recovered the remains of five individuals. However, Johnson was

reportedly not among those recovered. The three identified sets of remains

and two unidentified sets were interred in Cemetery 33 on Betio Island, one

of several cemeteries established after the U.S. seized the island from the

Japanese in November 1943.

 

The U.S. Army's 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted

remains recovery operations on Betio between 1946 and 1947. They attempted

to consolidate all the remains from isolated burial sites into a single

cemetery called Lone Palm Cemetery. The remains of the B-24J crew were

believed to be among those moved. However, Johnson's remains were not

identified and he was later declared non-recoverable.

 

In 2017, History Flight, Inc., a non-profit organization partnered with

DPAA, recovered several coffin burials from Cemetery 33. These remains were

sent to the DPAA Laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for

identification.

 

In April 2019, DPAA identified a set of remains as U.S. Army Air Forces

Staff Sgt. Jack R. Busch, Jr. He had reportedly been accounted for in 1946

and buried near Niagara, New York. Permission was granted by Busch's family

to exhume the remains in New York for testing. The New York remains were

determined to be associated with a set of remains from the History Flight

coffin burials. The two sets of remains were consolidated for further

testing.

 

To identify Johnson's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally,

scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial

DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

 

Johnson's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National

Cemetery of the Pacific along with others still missing from World War II. A

rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted

for.

 

Johnson will be buried May 8, 2020, in his hometown.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

DPAA is grateful to Busch's family for allowing the exhumation of the New

York remains, and the U.S. Army for their assistance in this mission.

Additionally, DPAA is appreciative to History Flight, Inc., for their

partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

To view Johnson's personnel profile, visit

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xdk2EAC.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 18 March, 2020 11:55
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Missouri Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 18, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Navy Seaman 1st Class Orval A. Tranbarger, 20, of Mountain View,

Missouri, killed during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 18, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Tranbarger was assigned to the battleship 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 Tranbarger. 

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Tranbarger.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Tranbarger's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

Tranbarger's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

along with the others who are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be

placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Tranbarger will be buried in his hometown. The date has yet to be decided.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Tranbarger's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgBWEA0.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

 
 

 
Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, deputy director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, gives the interment flag to William Hall, nephew of Seaman 2nd ...
 

 
 March 16, 2020

 
... every soldier needs a big welcome home. Robinson also volunteers for Wreaths Across America, the POW-MIA flag tour, and the Buffalo Soldiers.
 

 
In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed the remains of those unidentified Oklahoma crew members for additional analysis.

 
 March 15, 2020

 
... that the US Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) found possible remains in the same region and returned this year to continue the search.
 

 
He was captured by enemy forces near Unsan, North Korea, in November 1950 and was held as a prisoner of war. The whereabouts of his remains ...

 
According to a document compiled by the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, “the battleship Oklahoma was moored at berth F-5, ...
 

 
In 2017 the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, using DNA analysis, was able to identify his remains. Now 79 years after the United States entered ...

 
 March 14, 2020

 
According to the U.S. Defense Department's POW/MIA Accounting Agency, North Korea unilaterally turned over remains from prisoner of war camps to ...

 
 March 12, 2020

 
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 72,000 Americans in all remain unaccounted for from World War II, more than ...

 
 March 9, 2020

 
The Remembrance Day will begin with a POW/MIA Remembrance ceremony, followed by taps. There will be two or three guest speakers. After the ...
 

 
Details of the finds are being shared with the Federated States of Micronesia and the USA's Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the hope ...

 

 From: Ann Mills-Griffiths <powmiafam@aol.com>
Sent: 17 March, 2020 08:12
To: powmiafam@aol.com
Subject: POW/MIA UPDATE: 3-17-20

 

UPDATE:  March 17, 2020 

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR:  The number missing (POW/MIA) and otherwise unaccounted-for (KIA/BNR) from the Vietnam War is still 1,587.  Of that number 90% were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Cambodia or Laos under Vietnam’s wartime control: Vietnam-1,246 (VN-443, VS-803); Laos-286; Cambodia-48; PRC territorial waters-7. Since chartered in 1970, the League has sought the return of all POWs, the fullest possible accounting for the missing, and repatriation of all recoverable remains.  The total accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 996.   A breakdown by country of these 996 Americans is:  Vietnam – 672, Laos – 279, Cambodia – 42, and the PRC – 3.  In addition, 63 US personnel were accounted for between 1973 and 1975, the formal end of the Vietnam War, for a grand total of 1,059.  These 63 Americans, were accounted for by US-only efforts in accessible areas, not due to cooperation by post-war governments in Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia.  A total of 287 have been accounted for from Laos, 727 from Vietnam, 42 from Cambodia and 3 from the PRC. NO IDs have been announced since July 26, 2019. 

 

VIETNAM WAR ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS:  DPAA Deputy Director for Operations Rear Admiral Darius Banaji, USN, recently visited Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.  His first visit included time with DPAA teams conducting field operations in Laos and Vietnam and personnel assigned to Detachment 2 in Hanoi and Detachment 3 in Vientiane.  In addition, he met with US Embassy staff, as well as counterpart government officials in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. 

 ..... 

OPPORTUNITIES LOST DUE TO COVID 19 CORONA VIRUS:   Along with further field operations in Laos and a DPAA-hosted Family Member Update (FMU), the US-ASEAN Special Summit, scheduled to be held in Las Vegas on March 14th, was cancelled.  League Chairman/CEO Ann Mills-Griffiths was scheduled to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on March 13th, and was awaiting confirmation from the Lao and Vietnamese Prime Ministers when the cancellation was announced. 

LEAGUE’S 51st ANNUAL MEETING:  Pending possible  COVID 19 requirements to cancel, registration for the 51st Annual Meeting is now open. Visit www.pow-miafamilies.org/annual-meeting to register online or download the form to mail with your check to the League office. Registrations must be postmarked no later than June 1st. The form must be returned with payment, to obtain credentials required for entrance to all sessions and special events. Those choosing to attend only USG briefings must contact their Service Casualty Office by June 1st. Pick up credentials at the Virginia Ballroom Foyer, Plaza Level, on Wednesday, June 24th, 5:00-8:00 PM or Thursday, June 25th, 8:00-9:00 AM. On Wednesday, June 24th, attend Newcomer Orientation, 6:30-7:30 PM, followed by a Welcome Reception, 7:30-9:00 PM. 

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:  Reserve rooms at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel by calling 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667). Note affiliation with the League’s 51st Annual Meeting, or go online to www.hilton.com, and enter Group Code MIA to get the special rate of $160.00 + tax, per room night, single or double. (+$20 per night for each added adult in a room.) To get the special rate, the cutoff date is June 1st. The number of rooms is limited, so register early to assure your choice. If you intend to visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 24th, plan to arrive on Tuesday, June 23rd. Opening Session is Thursday, June 25th, as is the 51st Annual Meeting Dinner. Official briefings are all day on Friday, June 26th. Saturday morning, June 27th, is the critical Q&A Panel, followed by the very important League Business Session, open to all registered attendees. A League-hosted Farewell Reception will take place that evening. Customary departure is on Sunday, this year June 28th.                      

Chairman’s Comment:  Despite many challenges, including continuing structural dysfunction within DPAA, there is reason for cautious optimism.  With sustained support from the families and our nation’s veterans, the League is determined to press for priority and answers on Vietnam War accounting, as pledged by DPAA Director Kelly McKeague.  The League also supports field investigation and recovery of unaccounted-for personnel from WWII, the Korean War and the Cold War as a priority over disinterment and ID of remains buried as “unknowns” in US cemeteries at home and abroad, so long as Vietnam War accounting efforts remain DPAA’s operational priority.  

 

2020 MEMBERSHIP DUES: To those who have not yet renewed their League membership for 2020, the cost is only $25/year for a family member, associate member (concerned citizens/veterans) or organization. Mail a check for dues to the League office, or pay online at www.pow-miafamilies.org/membership. The more dues received, the better chance the League has to stay on top of USG efforts to account for our missing.  Help the League save on postage by sending an email address to admin@pow-miafamilies.org to receive future updates electronically; we greatly appreciate your assistance in this cost-saving effort.

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 16 March, 2020 13:54
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Illinois Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 16, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Navy Fireman 3rd Class Herbert B. Jacobson, 21, of Grayslake, Illinois,

killed during World War II, was accounted for on Oct. 17, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Jacobson was assigned to the battleship 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 Jacobson.

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Jacobson.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Jacobson's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosomal

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

Jacobson's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

along with the others who are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be

placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Jacobson will be buried May 15, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in

Arlington, Virginia.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

 

Jacobson's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XdzXEAS.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 16 March, 2020 08:48
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Illinois Marine Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 16, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jerome B. Morris, 22, of East St. Louis,

Illinois, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Sept. 27, 2019.

 

In November 1943, Morris was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th

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, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated.

Morris was killed on the third day of the battle, Nov. 22, 1943. His remains

were reportedly buried in East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33,

on Betio Island.

In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all

of the American remains found on Tarawa at Lone Palm Cemetery for later

repatriation; however, almost half of the known casualties were never found.

No recovered remains could be associated with Morris, and in October 1949, a

Board of Review declared him "non-recoverable." 

 

In 2009, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, located Cemetery

33. Excavations of the site over the past 10 years have uncovered multiple

sets of remains. In mid-2019, a set of remains later identified to be Morris

was recovered and turned over to DPAA for possible identification.

 

To identify Morris's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis, as well as material evidence.

 

Morris's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

along with the others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next

to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Morris will be buried in Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. The date has yet to

be determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Marine Corps Casualty Office

at (800) 847-1597.

 

DPAA is grateful to the United States Marine Corps for their assistance in

this mission.  Additionally, DPAA is appreciative to History Flight, Inc.,

for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Morris's personnel profile can be views at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000LlWcEAK.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

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From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 12 March, 2020 09:22
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Oklahoma Soldier Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 12, 2020

 

WASHINGTON— The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced
today that Army Pvt. Ballard McCurley, 34, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, killed

during World War II, was accounted for on June 4, 2019.

 

In November 1944, McCurley was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 12th

Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, during the Battle of the Hürtgen

Forest in Germany. On Nov. 29, 1944, his battalion went to a reserve

position in the woods west of the town of Hürtgen. He and other Soldiers in

his unit were ordered to clear a field of tree stumps so vehicles could drop

off rations and supplies. According to witnesses, while clearing out a tree

stump, McCurley inadvertently set off an enemy anti-personnel mine and was

killed instantly. His remains were not recovered or identified immediately

after his loss.

 

After the war, McCurley’s remains were still missing. The American Graves

Registration Command (AGRC) extensively searched the Hürtgen Forest for him.

Unable to make a correlation among the dozens of unknown remains found in

the area, the Army declared him non-recoverable. 

 

While studying unresolved American losses in and unidentified remains

recovered from the Hürtgen Forest, DPAA personnel analyzed historical

documentation regarding X-7359 Neuville, a set of unidentified remains

recovered in March 1948 from District #196 of the Hürtgen Forest by the

AGRC.  The remains had originally been found by a German civilian walking

along a forest trail who later led an AGRC team to the site. The AGRC team

found the remains lying on the ground, surrounded by U.S. Army infantry

equipment. The remains, designated X-7359, could not be identified, and were

interred at the United States Military Cemetery Neuville (present day

Ardennes American Cemetery).

 

Based upon the original recovery location of X-7359, a DPAA historian

determined that there was a likely association between the remains and

McCurley. In August 2018, the Department of Defense and American Battle

Monuments Commission disinterred X-7359 and accessioned the remains to the

DPAA laboratory for identification.

 

To identify McCurley’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.

Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used

mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

 

McCurley will be buried April 25, 2020, in his hometown.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

McCurley’s name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the

Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission

(ABMC) site in Hombourg, Belgium, along with the others missing from WWII.

Although interred as an Unknown, McCurley’s grave was meticulously cared for

by ABMC for 70 years. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate

he has been accounted for.

 

DPAA is grateful to ABMC and to the U.S. Army Regional

Mortuary-Europe/Africa for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

 

McCurley’s personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000LlMDEA0.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

Myanmar Repatriates Suspected Remains of US WWII Servicemen  03/13/2020

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March 12, 2020

 

 

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Chicago Daily Herald

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Arnold Massier, WWII POW whose war stories enthralled Naperville kids, dead at 97

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... always flew the POW-MIA flag. “He would walk around town five miles a day,” said his neighbor Jennifer Reichert. “He'd be down on the Riverwalk.

 


 


 

From the desk of RDML Banaji, Deputy Director of Operations of DPAA.

March 2020 Recovery & Investigation Missions

 

 

Indo-Pacific Directorate

 

Current Organic Operations:  There are a total of three Organic Missions deployed

§  (20-1MM) 15 personnel in Myanmar comprising 1 Recovery Team

§  (20-1KH/53rd JFA) 19 personnel in Cambodia comprising 1 Recovery Team

§  (20-2VN/138th JFA) 91 personnel in Vietnam comprising 2 Recovery Teams, 1 Underwater Recovery Team, and 1 Investigation Team

 

Current Partnership Operations:  There are a total of six Partnership Missions deployed

§  (20-1KI) 1 Recovery Team, partnered with History Flight Group in Kiribati (Tarawa)

§  (20-2PH) 1 Investigation Team, partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago, in the Philippines

§  (20-3PH) 1 Recovery Team, partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago, in the Philippines

§  (20-2VN) 1 Investigation Team, partnered with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, in Vietnam

§  (20-3LA) 1 Investigation Team, partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago, in Laos

§  (20-3LA) 1 Limited Joint Investigation Element (to include a member from Stony Beach), in Laos

Future Partnership Operations:  There is one Partnership Mission set to deploy

§  (20-2KH) 1 Survey Team, partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago, in Cambodia

 

Disinterment Operations:  We plan to disinter 20 World War II Unknowns from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii

 

Cancelled/Postponed Operations:

  • (20-3LA/158th) A 67-person team, comprising 3 Recovery Teams, set to deploy to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in early March is cancelled due to developing COVID-19 concerns

§  (20-1KR) A 24-person team, comprising 1 Survey Team, set to deploy for the Republic of Korea in late-March is postponed until further notice due to developing COVID-19 concerns

 

 

 

Euro-Mediterranean Directorate

 

Current Organic Operations:  There is one Organic Mission deployed

§  (20-3PA) 11 personnel in Panama comprising 1 Recovery Team

 

Future Organic Operations:  There is one Organic Mission set to deploy

§  (20-2PL) 7 personnel in Poland comprising 1 Research Investigation Team

 

Cancelled/Postponed Operations:

§  (20-1IT) A 7-person team, comprising 1 Investigation Team, set to deploy to Italy in early March is postponed until further notice due to developing COVID-19 concerns

 

 

 

March 2020 Mission Executive Summaries

 

Panama, 20-2PA:  From January 23rd to February 4th 2020, 5 personnel deployed on one organic Investigation Team to Panama.  Team members surveyed a potential loss site and returned with new information to set conditions for the recovery operation.

 

Great Britain, 20-1GB:  From January 20th to February 8th 2020, two organic researchers completed investigation operations in Great Britain, where they accessed archival records pertaining to American Missing in Action (MIA) cases from World War II.  Primarily, these records concern American MIA involved in ground losses, crash sites, and underwater losses, who participated in joint operations with the Royal Air Force and Army during WWII.  Investigation efforts were conducted at Royal Air Force Norholt, the Great Britain National Archives, and the British Casualty Files of World War II and will aid in future DPAA recovery operations.

 

Laos, 20-2LA (157th JFA):  From January 10th to February 18th 2020, 64 personnel deployed on three organic Recovery Teams and one Limited Joint Investigation Element (LJIE) to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  Efforts were aimed to advance potential loss sites towards resolution and set conditions for follow-on DPAA operations.  One recovery team carried out excavation operations at one site while two teams were placed on one relatively large site making significant progress, excavating over 1,000 square meters.  The LJIE (to include members from Stony Beach) conducted investigation and survey operations associated with nine incidents.

 

 


 

NWAOnline 03/06/2020

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From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 2 March, 2020 12:40
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Texas Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 2, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Dan E. Reagan, 20, of Haslet, Texas, killed

during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 30, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Reagan was assigned to the battleship 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 Reagan. 

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Reagan.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Reagan's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner

System used Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) analysis.

 

Reagan's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

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.

 

Reagan will be buried April 14, 2020, in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Reagan's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgXjEAK.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

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From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 3 March, 2020 07:22
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Missouri Soldier Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 3, 2020

 

WASHINGTON—The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that

U.S. Army Pvt. James J. Cansler, 21, of Bolivar, Missouri, killed during

World War II, was accounted for Jan. 29, 2020.

 

In December 1944, Cansler was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th

Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle

with German forces near Vossenack, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he

was reported as missing in action on Dec. 19. A year later, Army officials

had received no evidence he had been captured or otherwise survived combat,

and so released a presumptive finding of death.

 

Following the end of the war, the American Graves Registration Command was

tasked with investigating and recovering missing American personnel in

Europe. They conducted several investigations in the Hürtgen area between

1946 and 1950, but were unable to recover or identify Cansler’s remains. He

was declared non-recoverable in 1951.

 

While studying unresolved American losses in the Hürtgen area, a DPAA

historian determined that one set of unidentified remains, designated X-2505

Neuville, recovered from a minefield north of Vossenack in 1946 possibly

belonged to Cansler. The remains, which had been buried in Ardennes American

Cemetery in 1950, were disinterred in June 2018 and sent to the DPAA

laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for identification.

 

To identify Cansler’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence.

Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used

mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

 

Cansler’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands

American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in

Margarten, Netherlands, along with the others still missing from World War

II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been

accounted for.

 

Cansler will be buried April 15, 2020 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

DPAA is grateful to the American Battle Monuments Commission and to the U.S.

Army Regional Mortuary-Europe/Africa for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Cansler’s personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000QrrPEAS.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 2 March, 2020 12:40
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Texas Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

March 2, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Dan E. Reagan, 20, of Haslet, Texas, killed

during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 30, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Reagan was assigned to the battleship 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 Reagan. 

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Reagan.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Reagan's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner

System used Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) analysis.

 

Reagan's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

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.

 

Reagan will be buried April 14, 2020, in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Reagan's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgXjEAK.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

 February 29, 2020


 

 

Omaha World-Herald

A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House visited the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory this week, led by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry ...


 

 

Local 5 - weareiowa.com

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — An Iowa sailor who was killed in World War II is now accounted for, the Defense POW/MIA Account Agency announced.


 


 

February 28, 2020


 

kfor.com

After the war, no returned prisoners of war reported seeing him in any of the prison camps. Nearly 68 years after he disappeared, his family finally ...


 


 

Los Angeles Times

... the main facility along California Street, can usually be seen with the U.S., California and the National League of Families POW/MIA flags on display.


 


 

WBTV

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Schmitz was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma when it was attacked by ...


 


 

Stars and Stripes

The expedition team is now preparing detailed reports for the Micronesia government and the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which is ...

 


 

Smithsonian

Once the aircraft's debris fields have been archaeologically surveyed, the project team gives the data to the U.S. Defense P.O.W./M.I.A. Accounting ...


 


 

New York Daily News

... missing from past conflicts with about half believed to be lost at sea, according to data from the Defense Department's POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

         February 25, 2020


 

WCCO | CBS Minnesota

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Army Sgt. David C. Sewell, 30, of Walker, Minnesota, was accounted for on Sept. 23, 2019.


 


 

The Chattanoogan

She and her husband Marvin became very involved with the National League of POW/MIA Families in Washington, D.C. shortly after Bobby became ...


 

February 24, 2020


 

Online Athens

The Way We Were: The POWs came home in 1973 ... worn his “POW bracelet,” a program of the era in which people back home wore a remembrance ...

 

 

February 23, 2020

 

Gaston Gazette

According to members of the POW/MIA advocacy group The Ride Home, in November there were 1,527 service members from North Carolina who ...

 

 

February 21, 2020

 

 

Longview News-Journal

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that remains found in North Korea have been identified as an East Texas soldier who has ...

 

From: Ann Mills-Griffiths <powmiafam@aol.com>
Sent: 19 February, 2020 16:32
To:

Subject: Re: Interesting Video About the End of the Vietnam War

 

This is about 5 minutes long, about the ignominious end to the Vietnam War with the Paris Peace Accords of January 27, 1973, and US abrogation of commitments made to the South Vietnamese, i.e. the US Congress voted not to fund pledges made by the Nixon Administration and walked away........

 

It is a short, accurate reminder of what occurred when the US walked away from its commitments to our South Vietnamese allies.........and the entire country fell to the North Vietnamese on April 30, 1975.........and the rest is history........"reunification" of Vietnam (to use the North's terminology, and the long, long process of building the humanitarian channel of communication and cooperation on a humanitarian path, to be pursued as a matter separate from policy and political divisions.........

 

That was so long ago, but look at all that we've achieved since President Reagan came into office in 1981 with his inherent commitment and a staff of like-minded Vietnam Veterans got serious about developing a coherent policy that the POW/MIA Interagency Group (IAG) began to implement........thankfully!  And, onward.................. Ann

Ann Mills-Griffiths

Chairman of the Board & CEO

National League of POW/MIA Families

5673 Columbia Pike, Suite 100

Falls Church, VA  22041

703-465-7432

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 27 February, 2020 09:54
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Iowa Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 27, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Leo T. Keninger, 20, of Ackley, Iowa,

killed during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 30, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Keninger was assigned to the battleship 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 Keninger. 

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Keninger.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Keninger's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

Keninger's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

along with the others who are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be

placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

The date and location of Keninger's funeral has yet to be determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Keninger's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XdznEAC.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 27 February, 2020 10:32
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Oklahoma Soldier Accounted For From Korean War

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 27, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Army Sgt. Kenneth E. Walker, 19, of Madill, Oklahoma, killed during the

Korean War, was accounted for Nov. 12, 2019.

 

In late 1950, Walker was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd

Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action

Dec. 2, 1950, in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, after

his unit was attacked by enemy forces. His remains could not be recovered

following the battle. After the war, no returned prisoners of war reported

seeing him in any camps.

 

On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned

over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members

killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl

Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned

into the DPAA laboratory for identification.

 

To identify Walker's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence.  Additionally,

scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial

DNA (mtDNA), Y-chromosomal DNA (Y-STR) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) and

analysis.

 

Walker's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National

Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are

still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name

to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Walker will be buried April 18, 2020, in his hometown. (Madill, Oklahoma)

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Walker's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000002XQmdEAG.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 27 February, 2020 09:13
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Virginia Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 27, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Navy Fireman 1st Class Andrew J. Schmitz, 26, of Richmond, Virginia,

killed during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 18, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Schmitz was assigned to the battleship 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 Schmitz. 

 

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 Schmitz.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Schmitz's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

Schmitz's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

along with the others who are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be

placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Schmitz will be buried March 6, 2020 in Amelia Court House, Virginia.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Schmitz's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XgQYEA0.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 25 February, 2020 09:48
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Minnesota Soldier Accounted For From Korean War

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 25, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Army Sgt. David C. Sewell, 30, of Walker, Minnesota, killed during the

Korean War, was accounted for Sept. 23, 2019.

 

In late 1950, Sewell was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry

Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov.

28, 1950, in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when his

unit was attacked by enemy forces. Following the battle, his remains could

not be recovered.

 

On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned

over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members

killed during the Korean War.  The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl

Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned

into the DPAA laboratory for identification.

To identify Sewell's remains, scientists from DPAA used circumstantial and

material evidence.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical

Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and autosomal DNA (auSTR)

analysis.

 

Sewell's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National

Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are

still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name

to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Sewell will be buried in Anoka, Minnesota. The date has yet to be

determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at

(800) 892-2490.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Sewell's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000WDWvDEAX.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

 

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 25 February, 2020 12:41
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From California Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 25, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Naval Reserve Machinist's Mate 1st Class Paul H. Gebser, 39, of

San Diego, killed during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 30, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Gebser was assigned to the battleship 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 Gebser. 

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Gebser.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Gebser's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

Gebser's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

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 date and location of Gebser's funeral have yet to be determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Gebser's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XeLKEA0.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 24 February, 2020 15:12
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Michigan Marine Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 24, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Marine Corps Sgt. Duane O. Cole, 23, of Niles, Michigan, killed during

World War II, was accounted for on Sept. 3, 2019.

 

In November 1943, Cole was a member of Company K, 3rd 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, while the Japanese were

virtually annihilated. Cole was killed on the first day of the battle, Nov.

20, 1943.  His remains were reportedly buried in either Division Cemetery 5

or Central Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 26.

 

In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all

of the American remains found on Tarawa to Lone Palm Cemetery for later

repatriation; however, almost half of the known casualties were never found.

No recovered remains could be associated with Cole, and in October 1949, a

Board of Review declared him "non-recoverable." 

 

In 2014, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, located Cemetery

26. Excavations uncovered multiple sets of remains, which were turned over

to DPAA.

 

To identify Cole's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological

analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally,

scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial

DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

 

Cole's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along

with the others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to

his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Cole's will be buried June 20, 2020, in Spooner, Wisconsin.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Marine Corps Casualty Office

at (800) 847-1597.

 

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

mission.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Cole's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XdjYEAS.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 24 February, 2020 14:00
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Arkansas Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 24, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that Navy Fireman 1st Class James C. Webb, 23, of Hobart, Arkansas, killed

during World War II, was accounted for on July 29, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Webb was assigned to the battleship 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 Webb. 

 

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 Webb.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Webb's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

Webb's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along

with the others who are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed

next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

The date and location for Webb's funeral have yet to be determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty Office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Webb's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xg9QEAS.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420

From: Everette, Sean P SFC USARMY DPAA OC (USA) <sean.p.everette.mil@mail.mil>
Sent: 24 February, 2020 13:04
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: USS Oklahoma Sailor From Missouri Accounted For From World War II

 

Dear Editor,

 

Feb. 24, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today

that U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class Everett G. Windle, 20, of Kansas City,

Missouri, killed during World War II, was accounted for Oct. 1, 2019.

 

On Dec. 7, 1941, Windle was assigned to the battleship 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 Windle. 

 

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, known as the Punchbowl, in

Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not

be identified as non-recoverable, including Windle.

 

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma

Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

 

To identify Windle's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and

anthropological analysis.  Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces

Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA

(Y-STR) analysis.

 

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of

the Navy for their partnership in this mission.

 

Windle's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl,

along with the others who are still missing from WWII. A rosette will be

placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

 

Windle will be buried at the Punchbowl. The date has yet to be determined.

 

For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Casualty office at

(800) 443-9298.

 

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account

for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA

website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa

or call (703) 699-1420/1169.

 

Windle's personnel profile can be viewed at

https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XeJAEA0.

 

//////

 

Respectfully,

 

Sean P. Everette

SFC, USA

Public Affairs NCOIC

Outreach and Communications

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

241 18th St. South, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 699-1420


 

 February 20, 2020


 


 

10News

Warren was awarded the Silver Star after his death and is eligible to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. “We figured that ...


 


 

Times Record

It earned his friend the nickname “Test Fire Nichols,” and for safeguarding the trucks, Roberts was awarded the Silver Star. Roberts remembers the ...


 


 

Waynesboro Record Herald

... American Defense Service Medal with fleet clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star appurtenance, ...


 


 

February 20, 2020


 

Elko Daily Free Press

ELKO — This year's Chili Feed fundraiser for POW*MIA Elko Awareness ... An original 1970-era POW-MIA bracelet was donated for auction by an ...

 


 

February 19, 2020


 

WBBM NewsRadio

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, in December 1950, Drews was assigned to King Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry ...


 

February 18, 2020


 

Task & Purpose

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that 21-year-old U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Raymond Warren was identified using DNA ...


 


 

Kane County Chronicle

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced that Army Master Sgt. Harold F. Drews, 21, of Elgin, who was killed during the Korean War, ...

 


 

February 17, 2020


 

Wallowa County Chieftain

“In 2019 the Oregon Legislature passed a bill dedicating Highway 26 as the POW/MIA Memorial Highway, and this bill is a logical continuation in our ...


 


 

Wichita Eagle

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that 21-year-old U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Pfc Raymond Warren was identified using DNA ...


 


 

Baker City Herald

Scientists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed Corn's identity using Y-chromosome DNA analysis, as well as dental analysis, ...