Emily Tarbet Hust
A world war 2 military helmet on a sandy beach next to a white cross marking a grave. The cross is labeled
Left: Lt. Cdr. Charles Kerlee, USNR via Naval History and Heritage Command; Right: identification photo via Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

Lost in war, found in time: How America accounts for unknown war dead

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, 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.

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