Repatriation US Army, Korean War MIA/KIA, CPL Edward J. Smith. Allentown Pa. August 23rd
05 Aug 24 |
 |
 |
Repatriation Korean War MIA/KIA
CPL Edward J. Smith
US Army Korean War, MIA
Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Allentown PA 18106
———————————————————————————————————————
Press Release | July 11, 2024
Soldier Accounted for, from Korean War (Smith, E.)
Washington
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Army Corporal Edward J. Smith, 18, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, killed during the Korean War, was accounted
for May 15, 2024.
In August 1950, Smith was a member of Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Aug. 31 while fighting North Korean forces in the vicinity of Changnyong, South Korea. He was never found, nor were any remains recovered that could be identified as Smith.
On October 6, 1950, a sets of remains was recovered from an isolated grave in a rice paddy near the village of Ibang-ni, roughly 8 miles west of Changnyong. Investigators could not make a scientific identification, and the remains, designated Unknown X-321 Miryang, were later transported to the United Nations Military Cemetery for temporary interment. In Feb. 1951, X-321, along with other unidentified Korean War remains, were transferred to National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.
In June 2021, DPAA exhumed X-321 for scientific analysis and identification, and transferred the remains to the DPAA Laboratory.
To identify Smith’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.
Smith’s name is recorded on the American Battle Monument Commission’s Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Smith will be buried in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on August 23, 2024.
CPL Edward J. Smith made the ultimate sacrifice in service of his Country. Now it is our turn to stand in honor of that sacrifice.
———————————————————————————————————————
Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Stephens Funeral Home
274 N. Krocks Road
Allentown, PA
18106
Staging: 1200 Hrs
Service: 1230 Hrs
Escort: Following Service
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CwNYJr3YnocZadwB7
Bethlehem Memorial Park
1851 Linden St.
Bethlehem, PA
18017
Committal: Upon Arrival
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/91tsvXMJ2UR7V7Qu6
———————————————————————–
RCIC: Bill Ryan
Email: patriot@rcn.com
RC: Les Sharp
Email: lessharp52@aol.com
————————————————————————
Please, be advised, you are never required to stand for an entire mission. Please know your limitations in extreme weather, or under any circumstance. Your health and well-being are a priority.
Thank you all, for all you do
————————————————————————————————————–
Eric M. Cramer,
Veterans Liaison East
Email: pgrpa.vetrep.east@gmail.com
Phone: 717-507-5213
