Search For Crews Lost Flying The Hump

The Department of Defense announced today that the senior American official responsible for US policies to account for its missing servicemen has concluded a two-day visit to New Delhi for discussions with the Ministries of External Affairs and Defense, and other officials.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs Jerry D. Jennings outlined the commitment of the United States to its worldwide effort in returning missing US servicemen to their families. He discussed with Indian government officials joining Department of Defense operations in searching for and recovering remains of Americans who are missing from World War II.

Stressing his emphasis on safety of US teams operating worldwide, Jennings noted that more than 500 aircraft and 1,200 crewmembers are still missing in World War II's China-Burma-India theater of operations. It is believed that approximately 416 men remain missing in India from flying resupply missions over "The Hump" -- referring to the Himalayan mountain range.

FMI: www.dtic.mil/dpmo