Historical Analysis of United States POW/MIA Repatriation and Remains Recovery

<p>This study investigates the historical record concerning the repatriation of American service members and the recovery of remains during World War II Korea and the Vietnam War. The issue of accounting for American service members has been proclaimed as a matter of the highest national priority and that the fullest possible accounting will be achieved. In reality the results of U.S. policy fall short of the stated intent. This paper focuses on evidence from the historical record that illustrates that less than a full accounting occurred. The thesis concludes that there has not been a cover-up or conspiracy involving this issue through the years. Rather there has been a great deal of sloppiness secrecy and evasion on the political level but nothing more. The research identifies several recurring themes consistent with each conflict that shaped the ability and commitment of the United States to fully carry out their POW/MIA and remains policy. With a better understanding of what led to less than a full accounting perhaps future American conflicts will result in an accounting commensurate with America's highest national interest.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>