The remains of United States Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie are returned to his family in St. Louis, Missouri from the Tomb of the Unknowns

The return of United States Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie’s remains to his family in St. Louis, Missouri from the Tomb of the Unknowns marked a significant moment in history. After being interred in the first tomb for over a decade, the identification of Lt. Blassie through DNA analysis brought closure to his family and honored his sacrifice. On July 10, 1998, the remains of Lt. Blassie were finally laid to rest in a solemn and emotional ceremony.

Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. On May 11, 1972, his A-37 Dragonfly aircraft was shot down near An Loc, South Vietnam. His remains were initially unable to be recovered, and he was declared missing in action. In 1984, unidentified remains from the Vietnam War were chosen to be interred in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

For years, Lt. Blassie’s family held on to hope that he would one day return home. They continued to search for answers and maintained their belief that he was still alive. It was the dedication of his sister, Mary Blassie, that ultimately led to the discovery and identification of his remains.

In the early 1990s, advances in DNA technology provided new opportunities for identifying unknown service members. Mary Blassie believed that the Unknown in the Tomb of the Unknowns could be her brother, and she fought tirelessly to have the remains exhumed and tested for DNA.

In 1994, her relentless efforts paid off. DNA analysis confirmed that the remains of the Unknown in the Tomb were indeed those of Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. This groundbreaking identification brought an end to years of uncertainty and allowed his family to finally lay him to rest in their hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

The ceremony held on July 10, 1998, was a somber and dignified event attended by family, friends, and military officials. As Lt. Blassie’s flag-draped casket was brought into Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, a sense of closure and gratitude filled the air.

Speakers at the ceremony emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifice made by Lt. Blassie and all those who served their country. The return of his remains to his family was not only a personal moment, but also a symbolic gesture representing the nation’s commitment to bring our fallen heroes home.

The event garnered significant media attention, highlighting the impact that Lt. Blassie’s story had on the country. It served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women and the importance of never forgetting their contributions.

The return of Lt. Blassie’s remains also sparked conversations about the ongoing efforts to identify and bring home other unidentified service members. It brought attention to the advancements in DNA technology and the importance of ongoing research to provide closure to families who have lost loved ones in service to their country.

In the years following the return of Lt. Blassie’s remains, the military redoubled its efforts to identify unknown service members through DNA analysis. The Department of Defense established the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in 2015, which continues to work towards the goal of accounting for all missing and unidentified service members.

The return of Lt. Blassie’s remains to his family on July 10, 1998, was a momentous occasion. It represented closure for the Blassie family and highlighted the ongoing commitment of the United States to never forget the sacrifices made by its servicemen and women. Through the use of DNA analysis, Lt. Blassie’s story serves as a reminder of the power of science and technology in bringing comfort and closure to grieving families.