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North Korea Returns Remains of U.S. Soldier Who Went Missing Over Six Decades Ago

2 minute read
American Intervention
U.S. troops emerge from tandem helicopters onto an open field during the Korean War.Hulton Archiv—Getty Images
By Nash Jenkins

The remains of a U.S. soldier who went missing in the Korean War have been identified and returned to his California family almost 65 years after he died, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported.

Robert V. Witt was 20 years old in November 1950 when thousands of Chinese troops attacked his battalion in North Korea. Witt was taken prisoner and died of malnutrition in late January 1951, but it would be almost half a century until an excavation team organized by the U.S. and North Korea located his remains.

Last month, 15 years after the recovery, DNA tests confirmed that the bones had been Witt’s. They were then sent to his sister Laverne Minnick, his last surviving family member.

“I am so happy. He’s going to be home, where he belongs, with his family,” Minnick, who was 17 when her brother died and is now 82, told the Press-Telegram.

In 2008, army scientists contacted Minnick and her family to share the news that DNA analysis would determine whether or not the remains were those of her brother. Family members provided DNA samples to be used as a reference point, but were not optimistic about their prospects.

“I didn’t think I would hear anything,” Valerie Davis, Witt’s niece, said. “My mom didn’t think she would be alive to hear the news.”

Witt’s family plan to bury him with full military honors later this week.

See the Monumental Extravagance of North Korea's Architecture

Portraits of the leaders in a Pyongyang Metro car The Pyongyang Metro opened in 1973 and currently consists of two lines
Portraits of the leaders in a Pyongyang Metro car. The Pyongyang Metro opened in 1973 and currently consists of two linesEddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Statue of Kim Il Sung at Kaeson station,
Statue of Kim Il Sung at Kaeson station, Pyongyang Metro As part of the efforts to give each station in the metro system a distinct design, Kaeson station has no pillarsEddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Portrait of the Leaders, Jannamsan Hotel, Kaesong, Pyongyang. There are a number of portraits of the North Korean leaders, featuring specific backdrops or content that have been officially approved and are displayed throughout the country. Artists who have been specially trained in reproducing the image of the leaders create all these portraits at Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang
Portrait of the Leaders, Jannamsan Hotel, Kaesong, Pyongyang. There are a number of portraits of the North Korean leaders, featuring specific backdrops or content that have been officially approved and are displayed throughout the country. Artists who have been specially trained in reproducing the image of the leaders create all these portraits at Mansudae Art Studio in PyongyangEddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Yanggakdo HotelSituated on Yanggak Island is this 47-storey hotel. Despite the broad marble-clad foyer seen in other North Korean hotels; both the construction methods, and the wider architectural style of this 1995 hotel display a marked departure from the ways of the past, paving the way for the more modern architecture.
Yanggakdo Hotel on Yanggak Island, Pyongyang rises to 47-storeys. Eddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Rush hour | Pyongyang MetroThe stations contained within the Pyongyang Metro showcase distinct designs, usually featuring statues, mosaics, and a frequent use of marble; much of this subway system is reminiscent of the Moscow Metro’s opulent station interiors, which were built during the late-Stalin period.
Pyongyang Metro at rush hour. The stations of the Pyongyang Metro showcase distinct designs, usually featuring statues and mosaicsEddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Kim Il Sung SquareConstructed in the mid-1950s, this square lies in the centre of post-war Pyongyang, and was built in the same style as many of those found in the USSR. This area is a key focal point within the DPRK (North Korea), and plays host to all of the country’s most important and often seen military parades and mass rallies.
Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang. Constructed in the mid-1950s, this square lies in the centre of post-war Pyongyang, and was built in the same style as many of those found in the USSREddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Sings display the date of Kim Il sung's birthday, which is April 15. That date is now a national holiday in North Korea
Sings display the date of Kim Il sung's birthday, which is April 15. That date is now a national holiday in North KoreaEddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
The entrance to Kim Il sung stadium. The marble pillars and expansive lobby are typical of the neoclassical style seen throughout Pyongyang
The entrance to Kim Il sung stadium. The marble pillars and expansive lobby are typical of the neoclassical style seen throughout PyongyangEddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio
Kumsusan Palace of the SunA loudspeaker sits outside this building which originally functioned as the seat of government under Kim Il Sung (1912-1994), and today acts as his mausoleum, as well as that of his son, Kim Jong Il (1941-2011). These sorts of loudspeaker, which broadcast revolutionary music and messages from the Workers’ Party, are found in almost all public spaces throughout Pyongyang.
A loudspeaker sits outside the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Pyongyang. The building originally functioned as the seat of government under Kim Il Sung (1912-1994) and today acts as his mausoleum for him and his son, Kim Jong Il (1941-2011)Eddo Hartmann—Koryo Studio

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