Over 81,000 U.S. soldiers are missing from past wars. One may soon be identified
The U.S. Department of Defense is working to identify the remains of over 81,000 service members missing from past wars, including a soldier known as X-3 who died in Alaska during WWII. The effort involves locating remains in remote areas and using modern forensic techniques to provide closure to families.
Why it matters
This ongoing mission reflects the government's commitment to honoring fallen soldiers and provides historical closure for families affected by past global conflicts.
Back in June, a dozen service members, veterans, and police and fire personnel stood at solemn salute in the small island community of Sitka, Alaska while two U.S. Coast Guardsmen carried an American flag-adorned case from a cemetery to a hearse.
They weren't there to honor a recently deceased soldier. Rather, to formally mark the disinterment and transport of an unidentified soldier known simply as "X-3," who's been dead for over eighty years.
X-3 is one of more than 81,000 U.S. service members whose remains have either never been found or never been identified. The majority are missing from World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in