Thomas A. Smith : “17-Year-Old Soldier’s Remains from Korean War Identified”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Korean War soldier remains identified“
2. “17-year-old soldier Korea War identification”

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified the remains of a 17-year-old soldier from Michigan who was killed in the Korean War in 1950. U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas A. Smith’s remains were identified using DNA, dental, and anthropological evidence. Smith, from Grant, Michigan, will be buried in his hometown at a later date. He went missing during a defensive action near Chinju on the Korean peninsula. His remains were recovered near Hwagye, South Korea, in 1950 but could not be identified until recently. A rosette will be placed next to Smith’s name at the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl to signify his identification.

The Heartbreaking Story of Pfc. Thomas A. Smith

The tragic story of U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas A. Smith, a 17-year-old soldier from Grant, Michigan, who lost his life in the Korean War in 1950, has finally come to a bittersweet conclusion. After more than seven decades, Smith’s remains have been identified by military scientists through DNA, dental, and anthropological evidence. This emotional discovery brings closure to his family and loved ones, allowing them to lay him to rest in his hometown.

A Young Soldier’s Sacrifice

Smith’s journey began on August 2, 1950, when he was reported missing in action during a defensive operation near Chinju, at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. Despite extensive efforts to locate his remains, the Army was unable to recover them, leading to a presumptive declaration of death in late 1953. His bravery and sacrifice were honored by his unit and the nation, but his final resting place remained a mystery for decades.

The Long Road Home

The remains that were recently identified as Smith’s were originally discovered near the village of Hwagye, South Korea, in late 1950 by the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. Despite their efforts, they could not be positively identified at the time. As a result, these remains were laid to rest in Honolulu at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, alongside other unidentified service members who perished in the Korean War.

A Closure After Decades

In a poignant turn of events, Smith’s remains were exhumed in March 2019 and sent to the DPAA laboratory for thorough analysis. This meticulous process led to the positive identification of the young soldier, allowing his family to finally bring him home to Grant, Michigan. A rosette will be placed next to Smith’s name at the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, signifying that he has been officially accounted for.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the sacrifice and bravery of Pfc. Thomas A. Smith, we are reminded of the toll that war takes on young lives and the families left behind. While his journey may have been long and arduous, the discovery and identification of his remains bring a sense of closure and peace to those who have mourned him for over seven decades. Smith’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless young soldiers in defense of freedom and democracy.