OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced a significant milestone in the accounting mission during its annual Korean/Cold War Government Briefing in Omaha, Nebraska, Aug. 6-7, marking the 800th identification from the Korean War.
The annual event, held for the first time in Omaha, provided families in attendance with the latest information on the cases of their missing loved ones.
The Honorable Anthony J. Tata, Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, provided opening remarks at the Annual Government Briefing and announced to those gathered the significant identification milestone.
“Yesterday the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recorded its 800th identification from the Korean War,” said Tata. “We are proud—and humbled—to have returned PFC Ricardo Garza of Taft, Texas, home to his loved ones.”
On July 11, 1950, the U.S. Army's 21st Infantry Regiment, which had arrived in Korea six days earlier, was placed in defensive positions near the town of Chochiwon, South Korea. That day, they were attacked by North Korean forces and were forced to withdraw to avoid being surrounded, as well as to buy time until they could be reinforced and resupplied. It was during this fighting that Garza died.
During his remarks, Tata noted, “After the war, his remains could not be identified and for years he was buried as an unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.” He added, “Through…modern forensic science and the tireless efforts of our DPAA team, PFC Garza and his family are finally at peace. The Army notified his family this week, giving them the answers they have long deserved.”
Tata emphasized that the story of Pfc. Garza “illustrates a core, non-negotiable principle: we will never leave a fallen comrade behind.”
The event gave families of unaccounted-for personnel the opportunity to engage directly with DPAA personnel and have conversations regarding their loved ones, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting. Attendees were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and connect with DPAA staff members. A remembrance ceremony also provided an opportunity for families to honor their loved ones and share personal stories.
Robert Johnston, son of U.S. Army Sgt. James Johnston, shared his father’s story, “I’m here with my family, my wife Brenda, my son Jason, and my grandson Jake. So, it’s three generations that are going to follow my father’s legacy and to pass it on as well.
“My father joined the Army when he was 16 years old in 1940 just before the war started in World War II. He served all the way through WWII, … and by God’s grace survived all of that, came home, married my mother and went to Fort Benning, Georgia, and my mom said that is where I got started,” said Johnston.
His father would then deploy to Korea and was stationed with the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Infantry Regiment, B Company, part of Task Force Faith. On the evening of Nov. 27, 1950, Chinese Communist Forces launched a massive attack against the U.S. and United Nations troops stationed in the Chosin Reservoir area in northeast North Korea, resulting in a 17-day conflict that became known as the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. At the time of the initial attack, members of the U.S. Army's 31st and 32nd Infantry Regiments were defending the area north of Sinhung-ni, on the east side of the reservoir. The defenders were overwhelmed by the numerically superior Chinese Communist Forces, and on Dec. 1, were forced to withdraw to friendly lines at Hagaru-ri. Chinese roadblocks from Sinhung-ni to Hagaru-ri along with the constant enemy fire from the surrounding high ground, made the withdrawal route extremely dangerous. Eventually, the column was broken into separate segments, which the Chinese Communist Forces attacked individually. Many men were lost or captured during the moving battle, with survivors reaching friendly lines in Hagaru-ri on Dec. 2 and 3.
“My father was unfortunately killed on Dec. 2, I was born on Jan. 6,” said Johnston. “My mom said that she got a letter where he named me from a foxhole in North Korea at 30 below zero temperature. I would just imagine what that had to be like for him.”
Johnston concluded his remarks about his father by reminiscing about conversations he had with a 95-year-old Korean War veteran who when asked if he was afraid of the combat he saw, he remarked that he was not, but that he was afraid of being forgotten. That struck Johnston, who said, “my family will never forget Sgt. James Fred Johnston, a career combat infantry soldier, that gave his life for the freedom of the Korean people, the whole North and South, just like your loved ones did as well. I will speak his name again, Sgt. James Fred Johnston, my hero!”
Johnston’s story resonated with DPAA Director Kelly McKeague, who when addressing the approximately 450 family members representing about 240 missing U.S. personnel from the Korean War and Cold War registered for the event, with more than 110 attending for the first time, remarked how three generations were present and for some, the first time attending an annual government briefing.
“Three generations,” McKeague emphasized. “Again, it is about passing that torch, carrying on those memories, those stories, and more importantly holding us accountable to find you the answers you need.”
Throughout the event, participants attended formal presentations, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and one-on-one meetings with DPAA officials, scientific experts, and fellow family members. They received case-specific information related to their loved ones.
During the annual government brief, the Republic of Korea Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs sponsored a dinner and concert at the Strategic Air Command Museum for the Gold Star family members attending the gathering. The evening event reinforced the strong Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance and their dedication to honoring the memory of those who sacrificed for their freedom, according to Jennifer Nasarenko, DPAA Outreach and Communication director.
Because the annual government brief was hosted in Omaha, family members had the opportunity to tour the DPAA laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base. The visit provided families with a firsthand look at the scientific processes used to identify missing service members, reinforcing transparency while strengthening their connection to DPAA’s mission of providing the fullest possible accounting.
DPAA remains steadfast in its commitment to honor the sacrifices of U.S. personnel and their families. The stories shared and relationships strengthened during the meeting reflected the nation’s enduring promise to account for those still missing. Through continued partnerships with families and allies, scientific innovation, and global recovery efforts, DPAA remains dedicated to providing the fullest possible accounting of missing U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.