Lost in war, found in time: How America accounts for unknown war dead
The grave of an unknown American serviceman, killed in the Battle of Tarawa, November 1943. About a thousand U.S. Marines and sailors were killed there, including Sgt. Robert F. Van Heck, 25, of Chicago (inset at left). He was among many who were quickly buried, and whose remains could not be accounted for after the war — until now. Left: Lt. Cdr. Charles Kerlee, USNR via Naval History and Heritage Command; Right: identification photo via Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
On Memorial Day, we learn about the ongoing work to identify missing soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from America’s past wars. That includes Illinoisans who’ve finally been accounted for, like Marine Sgt. Robert F. Van Heck of Chicago. He was killed at age 25 during the Battle of Tarawa in World War II. Plus, we’ll talk about the enduring symbolism and mythology of soldiers thought left behind in Vietnam.
Guests
Emily Tarbet Hust
Forensic anthropologist, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Thomas M. Hawley
Author, The Remains of War: Bodies, Politics, and the Search for American Soldiers Unaccounted For in Southeast Asia (2005)
Professor of political science, Eastern Washington University