WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Pvt. Mike R. McDowell, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Jan. 29, 2026.
In the summer of 1944, McDowell was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), better known as Merrill’s Marauders. He was reported killed in action during the Battle of Myitkyina in Burma. Unfortunately, the limited records that survived the battle don’t have details surrounding his loss, though it is likely he was killed somewhere between Radhapur and Sitapur. McDowell’s remains were never identified and he was declared non-recoverable in April 1952.
This is an initial release. The complete accounting of McDowell's case will be published once his family receives a full briefing.
For additional information on the War Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while service their country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil or on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa, www.linkedin.com/company/dodpaa, www.instagram.com/dodpaa/, or www.x.com/dodpaa.
McDowell’s personnel profile can be viewed here https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000cdGREAY.