Scientists from India and America collecting samples
The discovery was a joint attempt by the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, India and the US-based Nebraska-Linkan University (UNL). This was done under a tripartite agreement with the US Defense Pow/Mia Accounting Agency (DPAA). The teams visited the accident site in 2022-23. he/she collected human remains and other evidence. These included buttons, boot pieces, identity tags, parachute pieces, coins and survival compass banking. The recent analysis of the sample has confirmed the identity of three soldiers.
The remains of soldiers will be sent to America
The martyred soldiers have been identified as 33 -year -old flight officer Chester L. Rinke, 21 -year -old Lieutenant Walter B. Mikalosh and 33 -year -old Sergeant Donal C Acne. All three soldiers were part of the bombing mission and died in a plane crash. Officials said the remains would be sent to the US with proper procedure.
How did the search operation happen?
NFSU’s project lead, Gargi Jani told about the search operation. he/she said, “Standard archaeological methods were used for excavation in and around the accident site. Since there was water in the area, this operation was not easy. Earlier water was extracted and filtered through water pumps and tubes. Then the mud is passed by 6 mm mesh screen. It removes mud and small pieces of proofs are found.”
Advance techniques like ‘MTDNA’, ‘Y-STR’ were also used for this operation. This analysis was done by scientists of the armed forces medical examiner system. MTDNA is mitochondrial DNA, which children get from the mother. The Y-STR is analysis of small, repeated DNA sequences found on Y chromosome, which helps in identifying men.
This discovery is a great relief for the families of soldiers who lost their loved ones. This discovery is a great example of cooperation between India and America. This shows how the two countries together can solve the unresolved mysteries of history.
