WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Pfc. Charles O. Killian, 18, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for on March 19, 2026.
In the spring of 1951, Killian served in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 5th Regimental Combat Team. On April 25, the 25th Infantry Division received new orders to withdraw to a second defensive position, Line Delta. As the division retreated, the 5th RCT, now with the 8th Ranger Company attached, became the rearguard of the division as it moved towards Line Delta. Chinese Communist Forces established a roadblock on the route in the vicinity of Ukkalgye, South Korea. The team engaged the roadblock and it is possible that Killian was killed during this action. He was reported missing in action after the engagement.
This is an initial release. The complete accounting of Killian'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 serving their country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil or on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa, https://www.linkedin.com/company/dodpaa, https://www.instagram.com/dodpaa/, or https://x.com/dodpaa.