DNA Samples Needed For Missing In Action Identifications

April 15, 2015 - Each week I receive an email from the VFW Action Corps with items of current interest. This last week they brought to light the need for family DNA samples to help identify those still missing in action from WW II, Korea, Cold War and Vietnam. There are approximately 79,000 Americans unaccounted for from World War II, but only 4 percent of WW II families have provided DNA samples.

I have compiled a list of 19 Shelby County Veterans that are still missing in action (18 WW II and 1 Korea). This list is probably not complete as I add to it from time to time during my research. They are: John C. B. Alford, Lloyd L. Andrews, Lee O. Brunson, Philip H. Childs, James A. Cleveland, Reed H. Dominy, Roy V. Duncan, Pershing H. Harvey, Curtis Jolley, Willie E. Lathon, James A. McDaniel, William L. Meek, Kenneth N. Nicholson, John C. Scott, Johnie F. Stack, Claude M. Wilkerson, Elgie P. Williams, Ray D. Williams and Willie E. Windham (Korea).

If you are a maternal family member of any individual listed above you are encouraged to contact the appropriate Service Casualty Offices: Army (Army Air Force) 800-892-2490 or Navy 800-847-2490. Submitting DNA does not insure identification but will speed up the process in the event remains are found. I have been told by an Army representative that they will send you via FedEx a DNA Kit that you use to simply take a swab from your mouth and return it to them via a prepaid FedEx envelope. Please contact me if you have any questions on those identified above or if you know of a Shelby County Veteran that is still missing in action from any war that is not listed.