The remains of U.S. Army Private William Calkins, a World War II soldier from Oregon, have been identified and are set to return to the state for burial. Calkins was captured after U.S. troops in Bataan province surrendered to Japanese forces and survived the Bataan Death March. He was held at Cabanatuan POW Camp #1, where records indicate he died on Nov. 1, 1942, at the age of 20. After the war, his remains were exhumed from the camp and relocated to the Manila American Cemetery, where they were buried as “unknowns” until this year when they were identified through DNA analysis and other techniques.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency was responsible for the recovery of Calkins’ remains and the identification process. In 2018, the agency exhumed the unknown remains associated with Common Grave 704, where Calkins was buried, and sent them to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists used DNA analysis and other techniques to positively identify Calkins’ remains, allowing for a rosette to be placed next to his name on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery to indicate that he had been accounted for. Calkins’ remains are scheduled to return to Oregon for burial in September.
Hillsboro, a Portland suburb, is the chosen location for the burial of Calkins’ remains. The community will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the fallen soldier and honor his memory. The return of Calkins’ remains to Oregon will bring closure to his family and loved ones, who have waited for decades to lay him to rest. The identification and return of Calkins’ remains highlights the ongoing efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to recover and identify the remains of missing service members from past conflicts.
The process of identifying and repatriating the remains of fallen soldiers from World War II continues to be a priority for the Department of Defense. The agency conducts thorough investigations and utilizes advanced technology to ensure that the remains of missing service members are properly identified and returned to their families for burial. The identification of Calkins’ remains is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the agency to uphold the promise of leaving no soldier behind. The return of Calkins’ remains to Oregon is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by service members during times of war.
The story of William Calkins serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War II and the importance of honoring their memory. Through the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Calkins’ remains have been positively identified and will be laid to rest in his home state of Oregon. The community of Hillsboro will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Calkins and show their appreciation for his service and sacrifice. The return of Calkins’ remains is a poignant moment for his family, who can finally find closure and peace knowing that their loved one has been brought home.
