VFW Memorial Post 8904 Quartermaster Larry Hume sent over some information yesterday in regards to what a family can do to help identify those still missing in action from WWII, Korea, Cold War and Vietnam.

He said if families can provide DNA samples it would assist. Hume said there are approximately 79,000 Americans unaccounted for from WWII, but only 4 percent of the families have provided DNA samples. He said if you are a maternal family member of any individual that’s MIA, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate Service Casualty Office: Army (Army Air Force) 800-892-2490 or Navy 800-847-2490.

Submitting DNA does not insure identification but will speed up the process in the event remains are found. Hume said he was told by an Army representative they will send a family via FedEx a DNA Kit that you use to simply take a swab from your mouth, then return. Hume said there are 19 Shelby County Veterans sill missing in action, including 18 from WWII and one Korea. He said if you have any questions on those identified, or know if a Shelby County Veteran that’s still missing from any war and not listed, contact him.

He says the list is probably not complete as I add to it from time to time during my research.  They are:  John C. B. Alford, Lloyd L. Andrews, Lee O. Brunson, Philip H. Childs, James A. Cleveland, Reed H. Dominy, Roy V. Duncan, Pershing H. Harvey, Curtis Jolley, Willie E. Lathon, James A. McDaniel, William L. Meek, Kenneth N. Nicholson, John C. Scott, Johnie F. Stack, Claude M. Wilkerson, Elgie P. Williams, Ray D. Williams and Willie E. Windham (Korea).