Virginia Airman killed in World War II returns home after being ruled non-recoverable
VIRGINIA (WAVY) – A World War II airman reportedly lost his life on Dec. 7, 1941, after Japanesse aircrafts attacked Oahu, destroying U.S. aircraft, hangars, barracks, supply buildings, and the base chapel in a four-hour attack.
Donald E. Bays, 21, was previously determined to be non-recoverable on Dec. 27, 1948, but his remains have now returned home.
Bays was one of 12 soldiers whose identities were unconfirmed from the bombing on Hickam Field, after members of the American Graves Registration Service were tasked with recovering and identifying the fallen soldiers in August 1947.
Bays was officially accounted for on Dec. 20, 2024.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) scientists were able to identify Bays using anthropological and dental analysis, along with circumstantial evidence. In addition scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA analysis.
Bays family has been fully briefed on his identification and he will be buried in Lee County, Virginia in May 2025.
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