Korean War soldier's remains identified after 74 years

In South Korea, the remains of an American soldier, William A. Wheeler, were identified after he was killed in action during the Korean War in 1950. Wheeler, a Private First Class in the United States Army, was reported missing on September 1, 1950, during combat with North Korean forces. The military later confirmed his death occurred on October 25, 1950. His remains, designated Unknown X-181, were part of a collection returned by Chinese Communist Forces in 1953 to the United Nations Command as part of Operation Glory. The discovery of Wheeler's remains was part of a larger effort by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to identify soldiers missing in action. In 2017, the Korean War Disinterment Project led to the exhumation of his remains from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, where they had been buried. Scientists utilized dental and DNA analysis for identification, demonstrating the advancements in forensic techniques that have made it possible to identify soldiers after so many years. Wheeler's family was notified of the identification on August 27, 2024. This marked a significant milestone not only for his family but also for efforts to bring closure to many families affected by the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Army confirmed plans for Wheeler's burial in Troy, Michigan, later that year. Similarly, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willis R. Hall was also accounted for almost 60 years after his death during the Vietnam War. Hall was assigned to a tactical air navigation radio site in Laos and was killed alongside 10 others when they were trapped during an attack. His remains were identified after extensive recovery operations over the years. Wheeler's identification highlights the importance of these ongoing efforts to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by service members during these conflicts.