The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that the remains of U.S. Army Air Forces Cpl. Glenn H. Hodak of Cambridge Springs, Crawford County, who died in the Tokyo Prison Fire on May 26, 1945, have been positively identified. Hodak was serving as a gunner on a B-29 “Superfortress” when his aircraft was shot down during a mission to Tokyo in March 1945. Initially reported as missing in action, it was later discovered that he perished in the Tokyo Prison Fire. His remains were not immediately recovered or identified after the war.
Following investigations, Hodak’s remains were disinterred in March and April 2022 and sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis. Scientists used dental and anthropological analysis to identify him. Despite being interred as an Unknown in the Manilla American Cemetery and Memorial for the past 70 years, Hodak’s grave was meticulously cared for by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Hodak will be buried in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania, in May. The identification and burial of Hodak bring closure to his family and honors the sacrifice he made while serving his country. This discovery highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like the DPAA to locate and identify the remains of missing service members, ensuring they are properly laid to rest.
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