Remains of 17-Year-Old Korean War Soldier Identified After 70 Years

Thomas A. Smith of Michigan to be buried in his hometown following DNA and dental analysis by military scientists.

Smith went missing in action during a defensive operation near Chinju in August 1950.
His remains were initially recovered in late 1950 but remained unidentified for decades.
Smith's remains were buried as an unknown soldier in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
In March 2019, the remains were disinterred for analysis, leading to their identification in September 2023.
A rosette will be placed next to Smith's name at the Courts of the Missing to signify his identification.