The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced this week two U.S. Army soldiers who were killed during the Korean War had been accounted for.
Army Cpl. Dale W. Wright, 19, of Flint, Michigan, was accounted for April 23, 2020 and Army Sgt. William E. Cavender, 20, of Leslie, Michigan, was accounted for May 19, 2020.
In late 1950, Wright was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. In late 1950, Cavender was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
Cavender was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.
Wright was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.
On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned into the DPAA laboratory for identification.
To identify Wright’s and Cavender’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.
Wright’s and Cavender’s names are recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to their name to indicate they have been accounted for.
Wright will be buried in Holly, Michigan. The date has yet to be determined.
Cavender will be buried in his hometown. The date has yet to be determined.
