The remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas A. Smith, a 17-year-old soldier from Michigan who was killed in the Korean War in 1950, have been identified and will be buried in his home state. Smith was reported missing in action when his unit took part in defensive action near Chinju at the southern end of the Korean peninsula. His remains were recovered in late 1950 near the village of Hwagye, South Korea, but could not be identified at the time. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death for him in late 1953, and his remains were buried in Honolulu at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific with other unidentified service members who died in the Korean War.
After nearly 70 years, in September, military scientists were able to identify Smith’s remains using DNA, dental, and anthropological evidence. In March 2019, his remains were disinterred and sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) laboratory for analysis. A rosette will be placed next to Smith’s name at the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl to indicate that he has been accounted for. Smith, who was from Grant, Michigan, will be buried in his home city at a date that has yet to be determined. This identification brings closure to Smith’s family and allows for a proper burial in his hometown after decades of uncertainty.
The identification of Smith’s remains highlights the ongoing efforts of the DPAA to locate and identify missing service members from past conflicts, ensuring that they are properly honored and remembered. The recovery and identification of these remains are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of military scientists who work tirelessly to bring closure to families of missing soldiers. Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by young soldiers during the Korean War and the importance of never forgetting those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Smith’s burial in Grant, Michigan, will be a somber yet meaningful occasion, honoring his memory and recognizing his ultimate sacrifice. The community of Grant and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Smith, a local hero who bravely served his country at a young age. As his remains are laid to rest in his hometown, it serves as a solemn reminder of the toll of war and the bravery of those who served. The ceremony will be a fitting tribute to Smith and a way to ensure that his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and the generations that follow.
The identification of Smith’s remains also underscores the importance of never giving up on the search for missing service members, no matter how much time has passed. The dedication of the DPAA and other agencies tasked with locating and identifying missing soldiers ensures that the sacrifices of those who have fallen in battle are never forgotten. As advancements in technology continue to improve the ability to identify remains, more families may find closure and solace in knowing the fate of their loved ones who were lost in war. Smith’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and commitment of those who work tirelessly to bring closure to families of missing soldiers and ensure that their memories are honored with dignity and respect.
In conclusion, the identification and upcoming burial of U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas A. Smith in Grant, Michigan, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring closure to families of missing service members from past conflicts. Smith’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by young soldiers during the Korean War and the importance of ensuring that their memories are honored with dignity and respect. The upcoming burial ceremony in Grant will be a fitting tribute to Smith and a way for the community to pay their respects to a local hero who gave his life in service to his country. The identification of Smith’s remains after nearly 70 years highlights the dedication and perseverance of military scientists and the ongoing commitment to honoring the memories of those who have fallen in battle.
