Forging Identity from Unmarked Graves
In an extraordinary twist of fate, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of Army Private First Class Harry Jerele of Berkeley, Illinois. Pfc. Jerele’s remains were exhumed from a remote grave in the Philippines, where he succumbed to pneumonia while interned in a Japanese prisoner-of-war (POW) camp during World War II.
A Brave Soldier’s Untimely Fate
Pfc. Jerele, a valiant member of the 192nd Tank Battalion, found himself amidst the horrors of the Philippine Islands invasion by Japanese forces. The relentless advance left him and countless other American and Filipino service members incarcerated in squalid POW camps following the surrender of U.S. forces in Bataan.
Tragedy struck on December 28, 1942, as Pfc. Jerele succumbed to pneumonia in the depths of the Cabanatuan POW camp. His remains, alongside those of his fellow fallen comrades, were laid to rest in an unmarked, communal grave.
Finding Closure After Decades of Uncertainty
In a testament to perseverance, the remains from this solemn burial site were exhumed in 2020 and analyzed by the DPAA laboratory. Using a multifaceted approach of anthropological analysis, circumstantial evidence, and DNA testing, Pfc. Jerele’s identity was finally brought to light.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
On October 6, Pfc. Harry Jerele’s remains will receive a long-overdue burial at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. His family, who have carried his absence in their hearts for decades, will finally witness the honorable homecoming of a lost loved one.
A Legacy Etched in Memory
Pfc. Jerele’s niece, Rosemary Dillon, remembers her uncle fondly as a gentle and musical soul. She expresses gratitude for the miracle of his identification, wishing that her mother and grandmother could have shared in this profound moment.
A Remembrance of Sacrifices Past
The identification of Pfc. Jerele is a poignant testament to the sacrifices made by countless American servicemen and women who fought valiantly during World War II. Their unwavering courage and resilience left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Epilogue
The story of Pfc. Harry Jerele’s identification is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of honoring the fallen. As we commemorate the 81st anniversary of his death, let us remember the immense sacrifice he and so many others made for the freedoms we cherish today.
[Image of Harry Jerele in military uniform]
Memorial Ceremony Details:
- Date: October 6, 2023
- Location: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois
- Time: 1:00 PM CST
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
