# One of World War II’s biggest mysteries is finally solved as missing US soldier who belonged to iconic Army unit is identified

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/one-of-world-war-iis-biggest-mysteries-is-finally-solved-as-missing-us-soldier-who-belonged-to-iconic-army-unit-is-identified/
- Published: 2026-11-06T00:13:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T00:18:17+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16268861/World-War-II-missing-US-soldier-identified.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Joseph Gala’s remains were identified more than 80 years after he went missing.
- He served with the Merrill Marauders in Burma.
- Gala was buried with full military honours in Massachusetts.

## Summary

The US military has identified the remains of Joseph Gala, a soldier in the Merrill Marauders who went missing in Burma in 1944. His identification, more than 80 years later, resolves a long-standing uncertainty for his family and brings him home for burial.

Gala was 21 and was last seen near Mankrin during the unit’s advance towards Japanese positions north of Myitkyina. The DPAA said scientists used dental and anthropological analysis, circumstantial evidence and DNA testing to identify him; his remains had been buried among unidentified servicemen in Hawaii. About 3,000 men volunteered for the Marauders’ mission, and Gala was laid to rest with full military honours in Lynn, Massachusetts, on 5 November.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.