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News & Stories
News | June 30, 2017

Soldier Captured During Korean War Accounted For (Harris)

Sgt. 1st Class Max E. Harris, captured during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.



In late November 1950, Harris was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Approximately 2,500 U.S. and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), which deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was attacked by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. The American forces withdrew south with the Chinese attacks continuing. By December 6, the U.S. Army evacuated approximately 1,500 wounded service members; the remaining
soldiers had been either captured or killed in enemy territory. Because
Harris could not be accounted for by his unit at the end of the battle, he
was reported missing in action on Dec. 12, 1950.



A returning American prisoner reported that Harris had been captured and died while en route to POW Camp 3 in September 1951. Based on this information, the U.S. Army declared him deceased on Sept. 30, 1951.



Interment services are pending.



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Public Affairs Contact Information


Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency PAO
Washington, D.C.
2300 Defense Pentagon
Attn: Outreach and Communications
Washington, D.C. 20301-2300
Email: dpaa.ncr.oc.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil