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December 1996

The Director - Features

The Search for American MIAs: Forsenic Anthropology in the Field

Although the United States may have withdrawn its forces, Americans have yet to close a painful chapter on the Vietnam War. The epilogue is the return of those still unaccounted for. As of August 1996, more than 2,140 Americans remain missing in action (MIA). Until the mystery of where the remains of the MIAs is solved, the search will continue. The Search for American MIAs: Forensic Anthropology in the Field, written by a group of highly trained anthropologists and experts, reveals exactly what goes on during an excavation for American MIAs in Southeast Asia. Each excavation site presents its own difficulties, hazards and unique features. Along with obeying strict standard archaeological procedures, U.S. and vietnamese team members sometimes encounter exposed, unstable explosive materials, including 1,000-pound bombs, antipersonnel mines, aerial-dispersed bomblets, missiles and rockets. The story, which includes several pictures, explores how they manage these hazards in their never ending search.