09.24.24

Hoeven Statement on Identification of ND WWII Servicemember Charles R. Reiser, Lost During Operation Forager

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the service of Army Pvt. 1st Class Charles R. Reiser, a native of Washburn, North Dakota who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was lost during Operation Forager on the island of Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of Reiser, 20, were accounted for on June 25, 2024. Reiser was killed on June 15, 1944, when it is believed his unit, D, 708th Amphibious Tank Battalion, was providing armor support to the Marines’ initial landing on the beaches during Operation Forager. U.S. servicemembers ashore were under constant assault from Japanese mortars.

“We are grateful for the DPAA and their work in identifying Charles. It’s vital that we always remember the bravery and sacrifices made by our servicemembers during WWII,” said Hoeven. “Charles, who was killed along with thousands of other Americans during the Battle of Saipan, reminds us yet again of the courage of the Greatest Generation. We honor Charles’ sacrifice and join his family, his fellow veterans and North Dakotans in paying tribute to his loss.”

Hoeven helped advance legislation in 2014 that created the DPAA, and since that time, he has worked to support the agency as it seeks to locate and bring home the remains of missing service personnel. The DPAA identified Reiser’s remains using DNA as well as dental and other evidence. Reiser will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, on a date to be determined.

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