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News Release

Press Release | May 8, 2012

Soldier Missing From Korean War Identified (Green)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Master Sgt. Elwood Green, 33, or Norman, Ark., will be buried May 12, in Black Springs, Ark. In late November 1950, Green and the E Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, were fighting Chinese forces near Samso-ri, North Korea. After a full day of fighting, they withdrew to an area south of Sunchon. The 5th Cavalry suffered extensive losses, and numerous Americans were taken captive during that time. On Nov. 28, 1950, Green was listed as missing in action.

In 1953, returned U.S. soldiers reported that Green had been captured and died in early 1951 from malnutrition, while in a Chinese POW Camp in North Korea. His remains were not among those returned during Operation Glory in 1954.

In 2005, a joint U.S./D.P.R.K. recovery team excavated a burial site in Unsan County and recovered human remains and material evidence.

Scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used extensive DNA testing, dental comparisons, and analysis of circumstantial evidence, which took more than 4 years. Mitochondrial DNA – which matched Green’s brother – assisted in his identification.

Today, more than 7,900 Americans remain unaccounted-for from the Korean War. Identifications continue to be made from the remains that were returned to the United States, using forensic and DNA technology.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1420.