U.S. Marine, missing in action since World War II.
RE:
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/sh...e-World-War-II
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) has identified a U.S. Marine, missing in action since World War II. Sgt. John H. Branic, U.S. Marine Corps, of Madera, Pa. will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. According to the Pentagon, he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday.
The Pentagon says Branic was a platoon leader for L Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division on Aug. 19, 1942, when a Japanese force overran his defensive position on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. During the attack, Branic was killed, but the Marines of L Company counterattacked and succeeded in driving the Japanese back. The location of Branic's remains was not reported to headquarters, as the L Company executive officer was also killed.
According to the Armed Forces Press Service, in March 1992, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) took possession of Branic's remains. JPAC scientists and Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory specialists used mitochondrial DNA as one of the forensic tools to help identify the remains.
SEMPER FI MARINE may you finally rest in peace!