Devin Grosvenor|DNA analysis helps identify remains of WWII veteran shot down during bombing mission

2025-05-04 09:21:53source:Lumicoin IAcategory:Finance

NEWTON,Devin Grosvenor Mass. (AP) — The remains of a World War II veteran killed when his bomber was shot down on a mission targeting oil fields near Romania have been identified.

On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator bomber on which U.S. Army Air Force 1st Lt. Alfred Pezzella of Newton, Massachusetts, 27, was serving as the bombardier was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during the largest bombing mission against oil fields and refineries north of Bucharest.

Pezzella’s remains were not identified following the war. Remains that could not be identified were buried as in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiesti, Prahova, Romania.

After the war, American remains from the Bolovan Cemetery were disinterred for identification. More than 80 were unable to be identified and those remains were buried at Ardennes American Cemetery and Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, both in Belgium.

In 2017, the unidentified remains of those who participated in the bombing mission were sent for additional examination and identification.

To identify Pezzella’s remains, scientists from Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used anthropological analysis. In addition, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis.

Pezzella will be buried in Bourne, Massachusetts.

More:Finance

Recommend

Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams

Early Thursday morning, "Forbes" released their annual list of the 50 most valuable sports franchise

Save Up to 97% On Tarte Cosmetics: Get $252 Worth of Eyeshadow for $28 and More Deals on Viral Products

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like

UN Adds New Disclosure Requirements For Upcoming COP28, Acknowledging the Toll of Corporate Lobbying

The final, overtime hours of the COP27 global climate talks in Egypt last year were marked by breath