Remains of Pennsylvania Marine killed in WWII identified

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Military authorities say the remains of a Marine from Pennsylvania killed in the Pacific during World War II have been identified.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Wednesday that 20-year-old Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Michael Kocopy of Gardendale was accounted for in August.

Kocopy was among the Marines who landed against stiff Japanese resistance on tiny Betio island in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands in November 1943. Kocopy was killed on the first day of battle, but his remains couldn’t be identified in a cemetery on the island and were declared “non-recoverable” in 1949.

But in 2014, nonprofit organization History Flight Inc. identified another site where more remains were found. Scientists were able to identify Kocopy’s remains, which will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

RELATED

Remains identified of World War II Marine who died at Tarawa Atoll

The remains of Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Joseph F. Boschetti were accounted for on July 8.

In Other News

Better pay for junior troops will be top focus of new House panel

The lawmaker leading the work said he hopes to propose major changes to military pay in early 2024.

National Guard preps for potential Arctic conflicts with Russia, China

As China and Russia increase northern operations, the National Guard is preparing to help defend NATO territory.

Snagged military fuel card contract triggers lawmaker scrutiny

Rep. Michael Waltz raised alarms about the AIR Card contract process.

Car catches fire after attempt to break onto California Marine base

The base temporarily closed the main gate, but reopened it at approximately 9 p.m. Friday.

How to fix a howitzer: US offers help line to Ukraine troops

A group of U.S. and allied troops and contractors is using phones and tablets to provide maintenance advice to Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.

Afghan soldier seeking US asylum hopes for ‘American dream’

Abdul Wasi Safi, who fled Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, was freed this week after spending months in immigration detention.

Marine Corps officially opens Guam base, with an eye toward China

Camp Blaz will ultimately be home to about 5,000 Marines.

Prosecution experts in ‘MARSOC 3′ trial say fistfight killed Army vet

“I found a brain that was severely traumatized,” he said, describing the blood, hemorrhaging, bruising and dead tissue.

How troops can watch the NFL Playoffs for free

Service members can stream NFL playoff games on AFN.

High turnover on House Veterans’ Affairs Committee again this session

The panel will have 13 new faces this year, more than half of its total membership.

Load More