NATIONAL NEWS

Remains of Pennsylvanian WWII soldier who died in prison camp identified

Jan 30, 2024, 12:53 PM | Updated: 12:54 pm

The remains of a Pennsylvanian soldier, U.S. Army Private Earl E.R. Seibert, who died in a prison c...

The remains of a Pennsylvanian soldier, U.S. Army Private Earl E.R. Seibert, who died in a prison camp during World War II have been identified. Mandatory Credit: DEFENSE POW/MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY/KDKA

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — The remains of a Pennsylvanian soldier who died in a prison camp during World War II have been identified.

Twenty-three-year-old U.S. Army Private Earl E.R. Seibert of Allentown, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war, was accounted for on Aug. 10, 2023, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced on Monday.

In late 1941, the DPAA said Seibert was a member of Headquarters Company, 803rd Engineer Battalion (Aviation), when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands, leading to intense fighting until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island more than a year later.

Seibert was among those reported captured when U.S. forces in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese, the DPAA said. The prisoners of war were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March, then held at a camp where more than 2,500 people died.

Citing the prison camp and other historical records, the DPAA said Seibert died July 27, 1942, and was buried in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in Common Grave 225. His remains were moved but never identified, and for 70 years, his grave at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial was cared for by the American Battle Monuments Commission.

In 2018, the unidentified remains were sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis, and scientists were able to identify Seibert using anthropological analysis, circumstantial evidence and DNA.

Now that he’s been identified, his family will determine when and where he’ll be buried.


The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

President Donald Trump is pictured before boarding Air Force One at the Naval Air Station Joint Res...

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

9 hours ago

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean (33) scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass ...

Associated Press

Eagles deny the Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat with dominant defense in 40-22 rout

Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

10 hours ago

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: (L-R) Ed Kelce, Ashley Avignone, Alana Haim, Ross Travis, Tay...

CNN

Taylor Swift channels Chiefs fans everywhere as Eagles etch big lead at halftime

Taylor Swift showed up to Super Bowl LIX in “Style.”

13 hours ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow.

15 hours ago

This photo provided by Booking.com shows Booking.com's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot....

DEE-ANN DURBIN, MAE ANDERSON and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, AP Business Writers

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Super Bowl commercials this year are going for the laughs, feels and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps.

19 hours ago

Photo shows wreckage of Alaska plane crash....

Karina Tsui, CNN

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash have been recovered, officials say

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash off the coast of western Alaska have been recovered, authorities said Saturday.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Remains of Pennsylvanian WWII soldier who died in prison camp identified