Posted on 04/17/2009 8:50:05 AM PDT by Stonewall Jackson
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.
He is Pfc. David Woodruff, U.S. Army, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. He will be buried on April 22 in St. Louis, Mo.
Representatives from the Armys Mortuary Office met with Woodruffs next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
Woodruff was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. In early 1951, the 2nd ID was augmented by Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) forces and was occupying positions near Hoengsong, South Korea. On Feb. 11, the Chinese Army launched a massive attack on the U.S. line, overwhelming R.O.K. forces and exposing the American flank. The 2nd ID was forced to withdraw to the south and Woodruff was captured by enemy forces. He died in, or near, one of the North Korean prison camps in Suan County, North Hwanghae Province.
Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. One box turned over in 1991 contained Woodruffs military identification tag, and a box turned over in 1992 contained remains recovered from Suan County.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains turned over in 1992.
Until They Are Home
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I am glad for closure for his family. The grandmother of my children lost her only brother in Korea; essentially MIA, presumed KIA. No remains ever have been identified.
He was murdered by North Korean savages. Nothing has changed.
Hand Salute.......................two
My God....Pfc...just embarking on his military career...
Rest in Peace young hero and patriot...you will soon be back home within the love and respect of your family as well as the rest of us.
A very close and dear nephew to my father was captured and later died in a NKorean prison camp.
His remains have never been found. As far as I know he has no surviving relatives. I’ve researched him and know his division and in what battle he was taken prisoner.
Any tips on how I can get some help in having his remains, if and when found, identified, and optimially bringing him home?
Thanks
My God....Pfc...just embarking on his military career...
Rest in Peace young hero and patriot...you will soon be back home within the love and respect of your family as well as the rest of us.
Here is the site to go to for more information.
Good luck with this.
BTTT
Welcome home, Pfc. Woodruff.
Welcome home and RIP.
RIP soldier. Welcome home.
As long as a serviceman is listed as MIA, do pay and benefits continue?
Pfc. David Woodruff, welcome home son. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.
mrs
Rest in Peace PFC Woodruff. God Bless you.
RIP PFC David Woodruff
BTTT
BTTT
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