MISSOURI — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) today confirmed that U.S. Army Sgt. Simon Garelick, 22, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was accounted for on Oct. 7, 2024.

Garelick, captured during World War II, died in captivity and has now been positively identified following decades-long investigation and scientific analysis.

Garelick’s family recently received a comprehensive briefing regarding the identification, enabling DPAA to release additional details, according to a news release.

In late 1941, Garelick served with Headquarters Company, Philippines Department, stationed in the Philippines when Japanese forces invaded in December. After fierce combat, U.S. forces surrendered on the Bataan Peninsula on April 9, 1942, followed by the fall of Corregidor Island on May 6.

Among the

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