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Post 13 in Sitka worked with the DPAA and community to honor the servicemember after 84 years of buried as an unknown. 

Members of American Legion Post 13 in Sitka, Alaska, had the distinct honor to render respect and help transfer the remains of an unidentified World War II servicemember after over 80 years buried as unknown in the Sitka National Cemetery.

“It was an honor because this is exactly what 91��ý stands for: honoring those who served and ensuring they are never forgotten,” said Post 13 Commander Vince Winter. “To support the DPAA's (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) mission and pay tribute to an unknown servicemember making his journey home was a privilege that few ever experience. Supporting the DPAA was our way of saying, ‘You are not carrying this mission alone.’”

The DPAA recovered the remains of the World War II soldier, known as X-3 Fort Randall, who is believed to be one of 16 soldiers killed in a C-53B Transport plane that went down on July 5, 1942. Following the recovery on June 29, Post 13 stood alongside members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Sitka Police Department, Sitka Fire Department, cemetery staff and others for the dignified transfer of the flag-draped transfer case.

“It became a true community effort to honor one of our nation’s missing servicemembers,” Winter said. “As commander of Post 13, I am incredibly proud of our community.”

Then, on July 1, the unknown soldier’s dignified transfer journey continued with respect through downtown Sitka to the airport.  “As the escort passed, people lined the streets in respectful silence with their hands over their hearts or rendering a salute,” Winter said.

At the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, American Legion members, police officers, firefighters, Alaska Airlines crew and others provided the dignified transfer to the aircraft “to complete Sitka's role in bringing this American hero one step closer to home,” Winter added.

Post 13’s support of the DPAA’s journey to identify the remains of the World War II servicemember carried to the family who will finally receive closure after 84 years once DNA has been matched.

“Knowing that, after decades of uncertainty, a family may finally receive answers and the opportunity to lay their loved one to rest brings profound meaning to the sacrifice of everyone involved,” Winter said. “Being part of that journey was a reminder that our nation's promise to never leave a fallen servicemember behind is more than words. It is a commitment that continues across generations.”

A dinner for cemetery staff and the DPAA team, which included archaeologists, historians, anthropologists, military personnel, civilian professionals and volunteers, was hosted at the post home by the Legion Family.

“It gave us It gave us an opportunity to thank them and gain a deeper appreciation for the planning, expertise and commitment required to carry out a mission of this magnitude,” Winter said. “We also recognized that this work carries a tremendous emotional burden. Day after day, these men and women work with the remains of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. While their mission is one of the highest honors our nation can perform, it can also take a personal toll. Our dinner wasn't simply about feeding a team — it was about supporting the people behind the mission. It was also a Be the One moment.”

Winter said that eight members of Post 13 are trained in suicide prevention to support Be the One, the Legion’s veteran suicide prevention mission. “We understand the importance of checking on those who spend their lives taking care of others,” he added. “Sometimes the greatest support we can offer is simply providing a place where someone can relax, laugh, enjoy a meal and know they are appreciated. We wanted them to leave knowing that Sitka valued not only the mission they perform but also the people carrying it out.

“The DPAA team was incredibly appreciative and humbled by the invitation to dinner and the opportunity to share their mission with our membership.”

91��ý has been a longtime supporter of the DPAA that resulted in the DPAA contacting Post 13 before arriving in Sitka on June 22 to share the agency’s mission and scope of the project. And the post wanted to “support them in any way we could,” Winter said.

“Their work embodies one of our nation's highest commitments to never leave a fallen servicemember behind and to continue searching until every possible effort has been exhausted,” he said. “As veterans, we understand the significance of that promise. It is incredibly important that we honor all who have served, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and have yet to make it home. Every recovery represents not just a mission completed, but a family that may finally receive answers and a hero who can be laid to rest with the dignity they deserve.  Whether it was sharing a meal, learning about their work, helping coordinate the dignified transfer or simply being present, we wanted them to know their efforts are appreciated and that our community stands behind them.

“At 91��ý, service doesn't end when we take off the uniform. Whenever there is an opportunity to honor our fallen, support those who continue the mission, and strengthen the bonds between veterans, military and our community, we believe we should answer that call.

“Welcome home, X-3. May your journey lead you to your name, your family and the honor you have always deserved.”