What You Need to Know
• In June, a ceremony in Sitka, Alaska marked the disinterment of an unidentified soldier known as “X-3.”
• “X-3” is among over 81,000 U.S. service members whose remains have never been identified or found.
• The Department of Defense estimates around 120 unidentified soldiers are currently in Alaska, with over 1,900 in Hawaii.
In June, a ceremony involving service members, veterans, and local personnel took place in Sitka, Alaska, to honor the disinterment of an unidentified soldier known as “X-3,” who has been deceased for over eighty years. “X-3” is one of more than 81,000 U.S. service members whose remains are either missing or unidentifiable, primarily from conflicts such as World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. The Department of Defense oversees efforts to locate and identify these service members, noting that remains are rarely found on U.S. soil due to the lack of significant military action. However, in locations like Hawaii and Alaska, where military operations occurred during World War II, the number of unidentified soldiers is notably higher.
Why It Matters
The story of “X-3” highlights the ongoing efforts of the Department of Defense to locate and identify missing service members from past conflicts. With over 81,000 service members unaccounted for, the significance of identifying remains is crucial for closure for families and the nation. Historical military actions in Alaska and Hawaii contribute to the higher number of unidentified soldiers in these regions, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in forensic identification and recovery.
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