James W. Swartz Identified After WWII

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has announced the identification of U.S. Army soldier Cpl. Walter L. Clark from California and Sgt. James W. Swartz from Michigan, both of whom were captured during World War II and died as prisoners of war in the Philippines. Clark, a member of the 19th Quartermaster Truck Company, was reported captured during the Bataan Death March and died on November 1, 1942, while Swartz, part of the 17th Pursuit Squadron, died on September 23, 1942, after enduring similar hardships. Both soldiers were buried in common graves at Cabanatuan POW Camp and were memorialized on the Walls of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery. Their remains were identified over the years through exhumation and advanced forensic analysis techniques including dental and DNA testing. Clark's family has been briefed on his identification, and he will be buried in Dixon, California, while Swartz's remains will be returned to his family for burial in Michigan. These identifications reflect ongoing efforts to account for missing service members from past conflicts.