The Ongoing Search for Missing Soldiers in Vietnam

The concept of soldiers remaining in the missing category doesn't change over time. According to those knowledgeable in the field, such as the organization in Hawaii, these individuals are listed as missing until there is definitive proof of their status. Periodic discoveries of remains have been made over the years, but these are nearly always identified by an entity stationed in Hawaii. One significant challenge lies in the fact that many of the missing soldiers were pilots shot down over North Vietnam. Consequently, there was significantly less information available to assist in the search efforts. As of the last count, just over 1,500 remain classified as missing.

What Happens to Those Classified as Missing?

The outcome for those classified as missing is often grim. In the case of Iwo Jima, for instance, almost 400 Marines' bodies were unaccounted for following the Battle of Iwo Jima. However, these individuals were almost certainly dead, either blown to pieces by shell or mine explosions or buried in the sand. Even in more recent conflicts such as Vietnam, over 1,000 soldiers are currently listed as missing. While it is highly likely that these individuals perished during the conflict, it is not uncommon for new remains to be discovered almost yearly, particularly from World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War.

Morality and Legality of War Actions

While the U.S. conducted extensive bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War, including dropping an astonishing 7 million pounds of bombs, causing the deaths of over 3 million Vietnamese citizens, many never fully acknowledge the moral and legal implications of such actions. Notably, General Curtis Lemay's infamous statement, "We're going to bomb them back into the Stone Age," reflects his belief in using air and naval power to push the Vietnamese back into prehistoric times. According to current standards of morality and law, the actions of the U.S. during the Vietnam War can be classified as war crimes.

It is important to note that even until a decade ago, some members of the far-right in the U.S. continued to harp about missing U.S. soldiers in Vietnam, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Their views often stem from a desire to maintain an idealized version of history and may be rooted in political or cultural motivations.

Conclusion

The search for missing soldiers from the Vietnam War, although often marked by challenging circumstances and limited information, remains an important and ongoing endeavor. While many of these individuals may indeed be proven deceased, the hope for finding any living survivors continues to drive efforts to uncover the truth. As we reflect on the past, it is crucial to remember the human cost of these conflicts and to ensure that such atrocities are not forgotten.