Remains of World War II soldier from Pennsylvania identified

Army Pfc. Francis Martin
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the remains of a World War II soldier as Army Pfc. Francis Martin from Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was killed during an ambush in France in 1945. Photo credit Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Authorities identified the remains of a World War II soldier from Pennsylvania who was killed during an ambush in France in 1945, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said.

Scientists used DNA, dental and anthropological analysis to determine unidentified remains buried in Belgium were Army Pfc. Francis Martin, 25, of Scranton, the agency said Monday.

According to officials, Martin was on truck convoy bringing supplies to the front lines in France when it was attacked by German forces in January 1945. His was among 37 unidentified sets of remains that were recovered in 1947 and buried.

Army Pfc. Francis Martin, 25, of Scranton
Army Pfc. Francis Martin of Scranton Photo credit Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

They were disinterred in 2021 and taken to Nebraska for analysis.

Martin’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in France and a rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for, the agency said.

Martin will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency