Another Two Return
Per DPAA’s “Recently Accounted For” webpage, the following formerly-missing US personnel were publicly announced as having been accounted for during the past week.
From World War II
SSgt. Charles G. McMackin, US Army, assigned to the 68th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force, US Army Air Forces, was lost in Romania on 1 August 1943. His accounting was announced on 19 August 2020.
SGT John E. Hurlburt, US Army, assigned to the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, was lost on Saipan on 7 July 1944. His accounting was announced on 20 August 2020.
From Korea
None
From Southeast Asia
None
Welcome back, elder brother-in-arms. Our apologies that your return took so long.
You’re home now. Rest easy.
. . .
Over 72,000 US personnel remain unaccounted for from World War II; over 7,500 US personnel remain unaccounted for from the Korean War; over 1,500 remain unaccounted for in Southeast Asia (SEA); 126 remain unaccounted for from the Cold War; 5 remain unaccounted for from the Gulf Wars; and 1 individual remains unaccounted for from Operation Eldorado Canyon. Comparison of DNA from recovered remains against DNA from some (but not all) blood relatives can assist in making a positive ID for unidentified remains that have already been recovered, or which may be recovered in the future.
On their web site’s Contact Us page DPAA now has FAQs. One of those FAQs describes who can and cannot submit DNA samples useful in identifying recovered remains. The chart giving the answer can be viewed here. The text associated with the chart is short and is found in one of the FAQs.
If your family lost someone in one of these conflicts and you qualify to submit a DNA sample, please arrange to submit one. By doing that you just might help identify the remains of a US service member who’s been repatriated but not yet been identified – as well as a relative of yours, however distant. Or you may help to identify remains to be recovered in the future.
Everybody deserves a proper burial. That’s especially true for those who gave their all while serving this nation.
Category: No Longer Missing
Welcome Home Warriors! We Salute your Service and pay Honors to your Sacrifice.
Thanks Hondo!
Welcome home.
There is a nice picture of SSgt Charles Garvey “Charlie” McMackin from Massachusetts as well as information on his Crew at this site:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56365327/charles-garvey-mcmackin
“Sgt.Mcmackin was a recipient of the Distinguished flying cross for his participation in the Ploesti raid “Operation Tidal Wave” August 1st 1943. One of the most daring raids of WW2. Coming in at tree top level the 44th BG destroy Romanian oil refineries.”
Rest In Peace, Soldier.
You Were Never Forgotten.
Salute.
Additionally, here is a very detailed story of SSgt Charles Garvey “Charlie” McMackin that even covers a 1943 letter he wrote his Mom:
http://www.8thairforce.com/379th/search/legacy.asp?perIdentification=23557
Worth the read.
ninja, outstanding job on finding this story of these ARMY Air Corps Warriors. When I had to leave the perimeter before the crack of dawn to check on COP CRC, wasn’t sure how the day would go. Got back right after this had dropped, thinking this Aircraft went down over Ploesti and hoping you would have “the rest of the story.” Had to leave right after my FIRST comment. Another trip outside the wire to check on FOB Elizabeth not only gave you the time to do so, but took me to an all time favorite eating place in the bigger town. Fried Pork Chop, smashed taters w gravy, butterbeans,cat heads, lacy johnny cakes, coconut cream pie, and naturally…the house wine, sweet iced tea.
Fascinating narrative of these men and their mission. Probably very similar to what so many other ARMY Air Corps Warriors went thru. I may be fuzzy on the numbers, but if IRC, the Ploesti Raids/Missions cost more in casualties than any others and the ARMY Air Corps (Mighty 8th in particular) lost north of 50K men…killed!
Thank you for the additional details! ps; don’t you just love it? gabn/rtr/hbtd
The operation was often referred to afterwards by the AAF as “Black Sunday”, 5/77. Here’s an article I wrote about it some years ago that gives a bit more background.
https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=36867
Tanks Hondo, I remembered that one, but it was well worth another read. Also good to have those linkys refreshed. I’ll get lost again in those tonight, just like I did 7 years ago.
I’ve made mention of this before, the Mighty 8th Museum down near Savannah in Pooler GA is an outstanding destination visit and the Air Space Museum at Warner Robins GA is a must see.
When I was in FRG in the early 70s there were still areas where they were finding pieces and parts still on top of the ground that they just hadn’t gotten around to yet. Wish I’d have paid more attention/had more time to investigate.
Great background story.
My dad was a B-17 gunner /toglier and spent a lot of
his youth at Revere Beach. Same age, may have met.
The Polesti raid was a great achievement but at a
terrible cost in aircrew lives.
Thanks for the research.
Welcome home, Brothers. Rest in peace in your home soil.
John Elwood Hurlburt, from New Haven, CT, was born on 21 June 1918 and worked for Livingston and Company when he received his draft notice in 1940.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56111571/john-e-hurlburt
Rest In Peace, Soldier.
Your Were Never Forgotten.
Salute.