Editorial: Closing a chapter to a family’s grief

Wednesday, April 29, 1998 | 10:49 a.m.

A Pentagon panel is recommending that the remains of an American killed during the Vietnam War be exhumed from the Tomb of the Unknowns, the monument dedicated to the nation's unidentified war dead. Family members of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie believe the remains are his, although there is a possibility the remains could be one of eight other Air Force or Army fighter and helicopter pilots.

Before Cohen moves forward, the Pentagon is consulting family members of the nine Americans who could be the unidentified pilot, members of Congress and veterans' groups. Cohen also said Monday he won't make his decision on the panel's recommendation until his general counsel determines whether there are any legal obstacles.

If the remains are exhumed, scientists will use sophisticated DNA testing to see if they can be matched to any of the nine Americans. The inquiry into the Tomb of the Unknowns started earlier this year when questions were raised about the Pentagon's decision in 1984 to bury the Vietnam remains although there was physical evidence linking them to Bassie. But Charles Cragin, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said a review showed the Pentagon was correct to determine the remains were unidentifiable since they didn't match Blassie's blood or body type.

The families already have suffered much anguish in losing someone to war. The bottom line is that if the remains can be identified, then the families' request deserves to be honored so their loved ones can be buried with their own, identified tombstone. It's the least our nation can do for them.