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Korean War Hero's Remains Identified After 70+ Years
15 Apr
Summary
- Soldier identified 75 years after being declared dead.
- He defended his post near Chosin Reservoir heroically.
- His remains were identified using DNA testing.
After more than seven decades, U.S. Army Sgt. Celestino Chavez has been accounted for, his remains identified and returned to his family. Enlisting at 17 in 1949, Chavez was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War.
He was last heard from in November 1950, shortly before being wounded defending his position near the Chosin Reservoir. Despite severe injuries, Chavez refused evacuation and continued to man his post, firing his weapon until the enemy attack was repelled. He was later evacuated but went missing on December 2, 1950, and declared presumed dead on December 31, 1953.
Chavez's identification was made on April 15, 2025, through extensive anthropological and DNA analysis of remains recovered in 2018. His sacrifice earned him posthumous honors including the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Korean Service Medal. He was interred with full military honors in his hometown of Gallup, New Mexico.
