The remains of Army Pfc. Harry Jerele of Illinois, who died during World War II at a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in the Philippines, were identified by military scientists in December after 81 years. Jerele, who was 26 when he died of pneumonia at the Cabanatuan POW camp in December 1942, will finally be buried on October 6 at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. His niece, Rosemary Dillon, expressed her joy and disbelief that her uncle’s remains have been found, stating that it is a miracle. She fondly remembers Jerele as a quiet man who enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, and wishes her mother and grandmother could be there to witness his homecoming.
Jerele was a member of the U.S. Army’s 192nd Tank Battalion when the Japanese invaded the Philippine Islands. Along with thousands of other U.S. and Filipino service members, he was captured and interned at POW camps after the surrender of U.S. forces in Bataan in April 1942. Historical records indicate that Jerele passed away on December 28, 1942, and was laid to rest in a common grave at Cabanatuan POW camp along with other deceased prisoners. In 2020, remains from this grave were excavated and sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) laboratory for analysis.
After undergoing anthropological analysis, circumstantial evidence review, and DNA analysis, Jerele’s remains were positively identified. This breakthrough comes after years of research and analysis by military scientists, finally bringing closure to Jerele’s family after more than eight decades. The identification of Jerele’s remains serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members during World War II and the ongoing efforts to bring closure to families of the fallen. Dillon expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of the DPAA and other organizations involved in the identification process.
The discovery of Jerele’s remains highlights the importance of honoring and remembering the service and sacrifices of those who served in the armed forces. As the nation prepares to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Jerele’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the dedication of military scientists to identifying and honoring fallen service members. His upcoming burial at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery will provide a fitting tribute to his memory and a chance for his family to finally lay him to rest with the honor and dignity he deserves.
The identification of Army Pfc. Harry Jerele’s remains is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of military scientists and researchers who work diligently to bring closure to families of missing service members. His niece, Rosemary Dillon, expressed her gratitude for the discovery of her uncle’s remains, reflecting on the impact of his loss on their family and the joy in finally bringing him home. Jerele’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces. His upcoming burial will provide closure and a sense of peace to his family, allowing them to honor and remember his legacy with the respect he deserves.
