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U.S. and Italy Sign Pact to Recover Remains of WWII Soldiers
The United States and Italy have signed a new agreement to strengthen efforts to recover the remains of American soldiers missing in action during World War II. The agreement, signed Tuesday, aims to improve operations to locate and recover the remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military members in Italy and includes provisions for protecting archaeological sites involved in the search.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and Italy’s Ministry of Culture finalized the memorandum. Italy was the scene of fierce fighting from 1943 to 1945, following the Allied invasion.
While the exact number of missing U.S. soldiers in Italy is unclear, approximately 72,000 American service members remain unaccounted for from WWII globally. Since the 1970s, the remains of nearly 1,000 Americans killed in World War II have been identified.
DPAA forensic experts utilize DNA, dental records, and other methods to identify the remains of fallen service members. The agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while contributing to Italy’s liberation. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli praised the agreement as a tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom and as a continuation of the decade-long partnership between Italy and the DPAA.