The recent identification of two World War II American soldiers, Sergeant Jack Zarifian and Private Rodger D. Andrews, highlights the enduring efforts to account for missing personnel from the conflict. Decades after their deaths in Europe, advancements in forensic science and persistent investigative work have finally brought closure to their families. This poignant story underscores the commitment to honoring fallen soldiers and the complexities of recovering and identifying remains after intense battles. The meticulous processes involved in their identification demonstrate a dedication to respecting the sacrifices made during wartime. This article will detail the individual journeys of these soldiers, emphasizing the long road to identification and repatriation.

The Identification of Sergeant Jack Zarifian

Discovery and Initial Investigations

Sergeant Jack Zarifian, a 19-year-old from Bridgeport, Connecticut, perished in action near Buchhof, Germany, on April 6, 1945, during a fierce engagement with German forces. A rocket strike claimed his life, and the intense fighting prevented the recovery of his remains at the time. Despite extensive post-war efforts by the American Graves Registration Command (AGR), his remains evaded discovery. His name remained inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery, a stark symbol of his absence. The breakthrough came unexpectedly in October 2023 when German officials contacted the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to report the possible discovery of American remains during a construction site clearing operation near Buchhof.

Forensic Analysis and Confirmation

The remains, unearthed near the location of Zarifian’s death, were carefully examined. Along with the skeletal remains, various items consistent with U.S. military personnel from World War II were discovered. Personal effects believed to belong to Zarifian were found. These artifacts, coupled with the skeletal remains themselves, were subjected to thorough forensic analysis. This multifaceted process, involving anthropological and dental analysis and importantly, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, was critical in confirming the identity of Sergeant Zarifian. The comparison of mtDNA from the remains with that of Zarifian’s living relatives provided a conclusive match. This technological advancement allows for identification even after prolonged periods, making these identifications possible.

Repatriation and Memorialization

After the identification process, confirmed on May 10, 2024, a rosette was placed next to Sergeant Zarifian’s name on the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery. This symbolic gesture recognizes the resolution of his status. Future plans call for a proper burial for Sergeant Zarifian in Providence, Rhode Island, offering his family a long-awaited opportunity for closure and remembrance. The story of Sergeant Zarifian serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of the DPAA to provide answers and honour the memory of fallen service members, even those lost amidst the chaos of wartime.

The Identification of Private Rodger D. Andrews

Initial Loss and Early Investigations

Private Rodger D. Andrews, a 19-year-old from Gravette, Arkansas, participated in the crucial D-Day landings at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, during Operation Overlord. He served in Company C, 37th Engineer Combat Battalion. While bravely aiding in clearing German defenses, he was killed in action on June 6, 1944. The intensity of the fighting made determining exactly how he died exceptionally difficult. Unlike Zarifian’s case, remains labeled X-48 St. Laurent were discovered in the aftermath of the battle. This set of remains was linked to Andrews through a belt found with his initials; however, uncertainties around the identification persisted at that time. The possibility of swapped items among soldiers or that other remains shared similar physical attributes prevented a decisive identification, leading to the remains being interred as “unknown” in the Normandy American Cemetery.

Renewed Efforts and Advanced Analysis

In December 2014, the DPAA received a renewed request from Andrews’ family to focus their efforts on his case. This spurred an intensive reinvestigation of the circumstances surrounding his death and a re-examination of the existing evidence, particularly the belt bearing his initials, as well as other pieces of clothing found in connection to the case. With strengthened evidence linking the X-48 remains to Andrews, exhumation and transfer to the DPAA laboratory occurred in 2019, beginning the intensive, cutting edge forensic and genealogical work required to verify Andrews’ identity. These efforts involved not only reassessing the previous findings but also taking advantage of technological advancements that provided a higher probability of definitive results. This commitment reflects a sustained commitment to utilize new technology when reviewing cold cases.

Final Confirmation and Upcoming Burial

Using the latest technological advancements in DNA testing, the DPAA successfully confirmed the identity of Private Rodger D. Andrews. On June 5, 2024, the long wait for his family and his community for an identification was finally resolved, marked by placing a rosette next to his name on the Walls of the Missing at the Normandy American Cemetery. Similar to Zarifian, a ceremony will be conducted to lay Private Andrews to rest after he was identified, bringing closure and peace to a very long chapter in his family’s history. This repatriation process underscores the unwavering dedication of the DPAA and the power of modern forensic technologies in the pursuit of identifying the nation’s lost fallen soldiers.

The Role of Modern Forensic Techniques

The success stories of both Sergeant Zarifian and Private Andrews’ identifications are largely attributed to advances in forensic science and persistent investigative work. While post-war recovery operations initially recovered many remains, positive identification often remained elusive. The difficulty in connecting many sets of remains with their correct names were further challenged by the intensity of warfare in many areas where remains were uncovered, making certain identifications problematic even years later.

DNA Analysis and Other Technologies

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis played a pivotal role in confirming identities in both cases. mtDNA is inherited through the maternal lineage and offers remarkable stability, enabling the identification of even severely degraded remains decades after the fact. Combined with other forensic technologies including anthropological and dental analysis, DPAA specialists can link remains with specific soldiers. The comparison of mtDNA profiles obtained from the remains with that of the soldier’s maternal relatives resulted in definitive identification, solidifying a certainty beyond reasonable doubt. While technological innovations in recent years make many identifications possible today that would have been unattainable just decades earlier, there will remain difficult cold cases that need additional research to solve, showing continued research needs into the technologies that will help.

Collaborative Efforts and Archival Research

The successful identifications highlight a significant aspect of the collaborative effort that helps resolve many cases: detailed genealogical and historical research. This detailed work, often undertaken over many months or even years, enables the meticulous gathering and review of various evidence for cases with limited or conflicting evidence, to build confidence in potential identifications. For instance, personal effects found with the remains in both instances—items like military equipment or other objects—help add another layer to the investigation. Even small, unassuming findings can become critical in a complex investigation. By integrating information from multiple sources, such as records, photos, and even family narratives, the DPAA is equipped to perform effective identification operations and bring a resolution to lingering questions of family and community.

Ongoing Commitment to Accountability

The DPAA continues to dedicate significant resources towards identifying and returning the remains of America’s missing service members from past conflicts. These recent identifications reaffirm their commitment to accountability and remembrance.

Importance of Remembrance and Closure

For the families of Sergeant Zarifian and Private Andrews, the identifications and pending burials are deeply meaningful. It provides closure and provides concrete steps to finally honouring the sacrifice of these brave soldiers. For the wider community of veterans, and for many Americans generally, it gives closure to a long wait to properly honor two patriots’ sacrifice and finally gives loved ones a clear way to mourn and celebrate the legacy of those individuals. Their stories will undoubtedly reinforce the commitment that continues among many veterans’ families to receive accountability of their lost loved ones in future years.

Technological Advancements and Future Work

Advances in forensic science technology will be instrumental in successfully identifying and recovering soldiers’ remains. However, there remains an urgent need to secure existing records and technology to support identification processes where limited or degraded evidence may have presented additional hurdles for resolving additional unsolved cases, which could benefit greatly from the continued effort for identifying previously unidentifiable soldiers through existing records or forensic data in future endeavors.

Take Away Points:

• Advancements in forensic science, particularly DNA analysis, are crucial for identifying remains of soldiers lost in past conflicts.
• The DPAA’s dedicated efforts, in collaboration with international partners, are instrumental in bringing closure to families and honouring fallen service members.
• Identifying missing soldiers from past conflicts involves a comprehensive investigation process that is ongoing and improving to continue resolving these complex and sensitive cases. It also reflects a vital aspect of society’s collective obligation to ensure that fallen heroes are honoured with the dignity they deserve and provides an adequate method of resolving these very emotional family issues, so that those lost are no longer simply the unknown dead of past conflict.