Memorial site honoring Korean War veterans.
Sergeant James B. Brock, missing since the Korean War, has been identified after 75 years of unaccounted status. His recognition brings closure to his family and honors his service. Efforts by the DPAA culminated in this significant milestone, utilizing advanced DNA testing and analysis of remains from the National Memorial Cemetery. This identification not only honors Brock’s memory but also underscores the commitment to accounting for service members lost in conflict.
PHOENIX – U.S. Army Sergeant James B. Brock, who lost his life during the Korean War in 1950, has been officially identified after 75 years of being unaccounted for. The announcement was made by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on January 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to provide closure to his family and honor his memory.
Sergeant Brock served with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division during late 1950. His unit took part in the fierce Battles at the Chosin Reservoir. Following heavy fighting, the unit retreated from Hagaru-ri, North Korea, during which time Brock was reported as missing in action. Throughout the conflict, there were no reports indicating that Sergeant Brock was captured as a prisoner of war.
In 1953, North Korea returned a number of human remains to the United Nations Command as part of Operation Glory. However, at that time, none of the remains were identified as belonging to Sergeant Brock. By 1954, a presumptive finding of death was issued for him. Subsequently, in late 1956, unidentified remains, including one designated X-15881, were buried as Unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, commonly referred to as the Punchbowl.
In 2018, the DPAA initiated a plan to disinter over 600 Korean War Unknowns from the Punchbowl to further investigate their identities. In line with this initiative, as part of Phase Four of the Korean War Disinterment Plan, the remains identified as X-15881 were excavated in 2022 and sent for scientific analysis at the DPAA laboratory.
Utilizing modern technology, including advanced DNA testing and dental analysis, the laboratory successfully identified the remains as belonging to Sergeant James B. Brock. His family has been notified of the identification results, bringing long-awaited news about their loved one after decades of uncertainty.
Sergeant Brock’s name has long been inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at Punchbowl, a memorial dedicated to service members who remain unaccounted for. A rosette will now be placed next to his name to indicate that he has been officially accounted for, providing a significant recognition of his service and sacrifice.
The specific burial location and date for Sergeant Brock’s remains have yet to be determined, but plans are underway to ensure he receives the honor he deserves. The identification of this soldier represents not only a personal connection for his family but also an important reminder of the sacrifices made by countless service members throughout history.
The ongoing efforts of the DPAA and related organizations highlight the commitment to bring closure to families with unaccounted loved ones from past conflicts, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to honoring its military heroes.
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