The identification of two American soldiers, Sergeant Jack Zarifian and Private Rodger D. Andrews, killed during World War II, after decades of being unaccounted for, highlights the enduring commitment to bringing home fallen service members. Their stories, separated by time and circumstance yet bound by the shared tragedy of war and the eventual triumph of identification, underscore the meticulous investigative work and advancements in forensic science employed by organizations like the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The long journey to bringing closure to their families emphasizes the persistent efforts made to resolve the lingering uncertainties of war and ensure that no soldier is ever truly forgotten.

The Identification of Sergeant Jack Zarifian

The Circumstances of His Death and Initial Search Efforts

Sergeant Jack Zarifian, a 19-year-old from Bridgeport, Connecticut, perished near Buchhof, Germany, on April 6, 1945. He was a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 253rd Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division, and tragically succumbed to a rocket strike amidst intense fighting. The chaotic nature of the battle prevented the recovery of his remains at that time, leaving his fate unresolved for many years. Despite extensive efforts by the American Graves Registration Command (AGR) following the war, which included multiple recovery missions in Buchhof, Zarifian’s remains remained elusive. His name was inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Lorraine American Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the many unaccounted for soldiers.

The Unexpected Discovery and Subsequent Analysis

The breakthrough in Zarifian’s case arrived unexpectedly. In October 2023, German authorities contacted the DPAA, reporting the discovery of potential American remains during a construction site excavation near Buchhof. This discovery sparked a detailed investigation. Besides the remains, various items consistent with the presence of a U.S. soldier during World War II were also unearthed, alongside personal effects believed to have belonged to Zarifian. These artifacts served as crucial circumstantial evidence to aid in his identification. Subsequently, the DPAA subjected the remains and the recovered artifacts to comprehensive analysis employing a variety of methods such as anthropological and dental analysis and mitochondrial DNA testing, leading to his formal identification on May 10, 2024. The rigorous process reflects the high standard maintained to ensure accurate identification and bring a measure of closure to his family.

The Legacy of Sergeant Zarifian

The discovery and identification of Sergeant Zarifian’s remains represent a momentous event for his family and a testament to the unwavering dedication of the DPAA. Decades after his death, Zarifian’s remains were found, meticulously analyzed, and formally identified, a testament to technological advancement and unwavering persistence in the face of challenges posed by time and circumstance. The rosette now placed beside his name on the Walls of the Missing stands as a symbol of both the grief experienced by loved ones during all those missing years and now, of solace and recognition after his final return home. The identification not only offers closure to his family, but it also serves as an ongoing tribute to the sacrifice made by service members in World War II.

The Identification of Private Rodger D. Andrews

The Normandy Invasion and Initial Difficulties in Identification

Private Rodger D. Andrews, another 19-year-old soldier, this time from Gravette, Arkansas, served in Company C, 37th Engineer Combat Battalion. He played a crucial role in the D-Day landings of Operation Overlord during World War II in Normandy, France. His unit helped clear vital pathways across Omaha Beach, allowing the advancement of ground troops. His life ended amidst the fierce combat, but the exact circumstances of his death remained unclear. Despite a post-war search for missing personnel, including excavation and recovery efforts, the intense battle conditions had rendered definitive identification extremely challenging.

A Belt, A Set of Remains, and a Delayed Identification

During post-war recovery missions, a set of remains (labelled X-48 St. Laurent) was discovered, possessing a belt with initials consistent with Andrews. However, concerns arose as to the reliability of the belt as definitive evidence, owing to possible trading of equipment among soldiers in those circumstances. Combined with the physical resemblance between several unidentified remains, this made a conclusive identification difficult. This uncertainty led to the remains being buried at the Normandy American Cemetery as those of an unknown soldier in 1948, and his name duly added to the Walls of the Missing at that cemetery.

The Pursuit of Identification and Advancements in Forensics

In 2014, a significant development in Andrews’ case occurred. His family approached the DPAA with a renewed request to investigate further. The agency carefully re-evaluated the available data including contextual details around the circumstances of his death. Combined with the evidence available through improved technology, this permitted a comprehensive comparison between historical data and the physical evidence that were then sufficient to lead to his formal identification. Exhumation and further DNA testing helped clarify the connections. Ultimately the formal accounting came about as a result of these combined elements and the dedication shown by the DPAA towards bringing a degree of closure to the soldier’s family. Andrews’ remains were finally accounted for on June 5th, 2024.

The Role of the DPAA and Advances in Forensic Science

The DPAA played an integral role in the successful identification of both Sergeant Zarifian and Private Andrews. Their expertise in working with historical documents, coupled with advanced forensic techniques, were crucial. The cases demonstrate a profound evolution in technology in forensic science and its capacity to provide resolutions for long-unsolved cases. Techniques including mitochondrial DNA analysis (mtDNA), which was not as sophisticated at the time of the soldiers’ initial disappearance, proved invaluable. Similarly, the integration of traditional methods, including anthropological and dental analyses with the updated technological approaches, enabled them to achieve extremely high levels of accuracy in reaching identifications. The ongoing refinement and improvement of those tools represents a significant improvement over decades past.

Technological Advancements and Collaboration

Advances in DNA technology and the use of improved scientific techniques, when combined with renewed efforts and data review, significantly enhanced their success in resolving cases that proved previously intractable. The success also stands as a testament to the enduring collaboration between U.S. agencies and their international partners. Working jointly with foreign organizations like the German authorities, in locating and coordinating transfer of the remains, also significantly facilitated the ongoing success that DPAA enjoys and ensures. The combined work helps to emphasize and highlight a critical element of their achievements.

The Continuing Legacy of Bringing Home the Fallen

The DPAA’s tireless work represents a continuing dedication to fulfill their essential task. This underscores the profound impact and persistent commitment to recovering, identifying, and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in service to the United States. The identification of Sergeant Zarifian and Private Andrews serves as a strong reminder of the sacrifices made by these soldiers, and as a testament to ongoing mission to leave no soldier behind. These ongoing efforts continue to strengthen and highlight a bond of national and personal duty that is sustained in perpetuity.

Take Away Points

• The identification of Sergeant Jack Zarifian and Private Rodger D. Andrews highlights the continued efforts by the DPAA to identify and return the remains of fallen soldiers from World War II.
• Advances in forensic science, including DNA analysis, played a vital role in successfully identifying both soldiers.
• Both soldiers’ stories showcase the dedication and persistent investigative efforts made by the DPAA, in conjunction with international partners, resulting in successful identification decades after their deaths.
• The successful identifications bring a sense of closure to their families, reminding us of the ongoing commitment to honour the sacrifices of American soldiers and the ongoing work to address cases from conflicts of previous years.