Remains of American and Filipino servicemen lost during World War II may soon be recovered, thanks to a new collaboration between a Virginia-based nonprofit and the autonomous Muslim government in the Philippines. The initiative aims to locate and honor the remains of soldiers who disappeared amid the chaos of the war, particularly on Mindanao Island, where many were last seen.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in the search for answers regarding the fate of these servicemen. According to Mike Henshaw, founder of the Asymmetric MIA Accounting Group, “This is the first time since World War II that local authority, historical knowledge and access to MIA burial sites are all aligned in these areas of Mindanao.” While there are no guarantees of recovering the remains, this collaboration presents a unique opportunity to find long-sought answers.
Historical Context and a Personal Connection
The partnership draws inspiration from the experiences of Ben Hagans, a retired firefighter and former Philippine Scout who has vivid memories of the war. Hagans, who spent his childhood on Mindanao, shared his story in an interview with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The interview highlighted the execution of Brig. Gen. Guy Fort, the highest-ranking U.S. military officer executed by enemy forces during World War II, as well as the tragic fate of his comrades.
Hagans witnessed the execution of Lt. Col. Robert Vesey and has provided critical information regarding the potential burial sites of these soldiers. His memories have created a renewed interest in locating the remains of Fort, Vesey, and other servicemen, including Capt. Albert Price and 1st Sgt. John Chandler, who were also executed.
The partnership was formalized during a meeting in late January in Cagayan de Oro, attended by representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and members of the Philippine government’s Congressional Committee on World War II in Mindanao. The local officials expressed their commitment to assisting the recovery efforts, motivated by a desire to honor the fallen soldiers and provide closure to their families.
Challenges and Historical Significance
The search for remains has been complicated by the ongoing recovery of Mindanao from conflicts, including the 2017 uprising by Islamist extremists in Marawi. This situation has displaced many residents and restricted access to certain areas. Henshaw noted, “We are not operating independently. This is a coordinated mission with regional authorities.”
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) indicates that nearly 81,000 U.S. military personnel remain unaccounted for from various conflicts. Among these, World War II accounts for the majority, with approximately 46,904 missing in the Indo-Pacific and 10,466 in the Philippines. The plight of Filipino soldiers, including around 4,200 who served with the Philippine Scouts, remains equally important to this recovery mission.
Henshaw’s recent visit to the Philippines aimed to solidify this partnership and gather local insights. His team hopes to be in the country by April 9, 2023, coinciding with the Day of Valor, a national day commemorating the bravery of Filipino and U.S. soldiers during the war. The DPAA has expressed support for these efforts, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local authorities.
Local Knowledge as a Key Resource
The involvement of local historians and officials, such as Robert Alonto from the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, is essential. Alonto noted that the historical knowledge held by local communities will be crucial in pinpointing burial sites. This grassroots approach has the potential to yield results that past recovery efforts, hampered by inaccuracy and lack of local insight, could not achieve.
Hagans’ participation also highlights the personal nature of this mission. Virtual attendance at the recent meeting allowed him to share his experiences, bridging the gap between generations. His memories serve not only as historical accounts but as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
The search for the remains of these soldiers is more than a historical endeavor; it is a quest for closure for their families. As Barbara Fox, who has long sought to locate Gen. Fort’s remains, expressed, “We’ve searched and searched and searched.” The emotional weight of this mission underscores its significance beyond mere recovery.
Looking Ahead
As preparations advance, the team led by Henshaw is focused on securing necessary funding and permissions to initiate ground-penetrating radar searches and archaeological excavations. An anonymous donor has already pledged $24,000 to support the operation, demonstrating growing interest in this humanitarian effort.
Despite concerns over safety in certain areas, Henshaw remains optimistic. His Muslim partners have assured him of their commitment to ensuring the safety of the recovery team. The success of this mission could pave the way for similar efforts to recover the remains of other soldiers lost during the war.
The partnership between the Asymmetric MIA Accounting Group and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region could serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at reconciling history with the needs of the present. As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact of war and the enduring hope for closure and remembrance.
