Remains of Korean War soldier ID’d
Military authorities have identified the remains of a Korean War soldier from San Francisco who was missing for more than 56 years, the Department of Defense said Monday.
Army Cpl. Pastor Balanon Jr. was assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment when he was declared missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, after fighting in a battle south of Unsan, North Korea.
A U.S.-North Korean team led by the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command found Balanon’s remains while excavating a burial site near the battleground in 2001. Scientists used forensic identification and circumstantial evidence -- as well as DNA and dental comparisons -- to confirm his identity.
Army officials said they had met with Balanon’s family to explain the recovery and ID process and to coordinate interment with military honors.
Balanon will be buried Thursday in Arlington National Cemetery, officials said.
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