Unearthing the Past: A Mission of Remembrance

In the quiet fields of Poland, a team of students from the University of Arizona embarks on a mission far beyond the classroom. This isn’t just an archaeological dig; it’s a pilgrimage of remembrance, a quest to bring closure to the families of fallen heroes from World War II. Army ROTC cadets Carson Criswell, Jonathan Ellwanger, and Zack Ellwanger, along with anthropology student Max von Husen, have traveled to Europe to join a recovery effort at the crash site of a B-17 bomber, a Flying Fortress that met its tragic end over Germany in March 1945. Their task is not merely to excavate; it’s to recover the remains of those who never returned, to give names and faces back to the missing.

Led by Lt. Col. Rich Ingleby, the U of A Army ROTC commanding officer, the team collaborates with archaeologists from California, working under contract with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). This isn’t a job for the faint of heart. It’s a commitment to honor, to find what was lost, and to offer solace to families who have waited decades for answers. The team will delve into the soil, meticulously sifting through the remnants of a war that ended long ago, searching for any trace of the airmen who bravely fought in the skies. Their work, though physically demanding, is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a dedication to never leaving a soldier behind.

The Weight of Duty and Discovery

The mission’s gravity is not lost on the students. They are aware that the work is not merely about finding bones and wreckage; it’s about identifying those remains so that the families can finally know what happened to their loved ones. The excavation site, located near the Czech Republic border, is a place where the echoes of war still resonate. The team understands that every fragment of the aircraft, every piece of personal equipment, every potential evidentiary material, may hold the key to unlocking a mystery that has haunted families for generations. The DPAA, which already works with numerous organizations worldwide, has identified an average of 200 individuals yearly, but there are still over 80,000 service members who are unaccounted for, many of whom have been missing since World War II.

The team, with the guidance of Jesse Stephen, the DPAA’s Tucson-based chief of innovation, is focusing on bringing back any biological remains that can be explicitly identified. The process can be arduous, and the emotional toll is significant. But the reward, the possibility of providing closure and peace, is what drives them forward. Every day, these students will be immersed in the past, connecting with the legacy of sacrifice and bravery. They will learn the names of the missing aircrew, see their photos, and understand that these were real people who had families and dreams, making this a deeply human endeavor.

Training for Valor and Leadership

For Lt. Col. Ingleby, this opportunity is more than just a recovery mission; it’s a chance to teach the next generation of Army officers about leadership, duty, and the profound meaning of caring for soldiers. It reinforces the fundamental principle of leaving no soldier behind. These students are learning the importance of dedication, teamwork, and attention to detail. They’ll be working six days a week, sun up to sundown, washing buckets of dirt through wire-mesh screens, searching every inch of soil for potential evidence. It’s a demanding job, but it is a testament to their resolve and commitment.

The U of A students are participating in a pilot program and are a perfect fit for it because there is a deep history here of military service, and there’s a deep history here of archeology, specifically. Moreover, their success isn’t measured by how many individuals are identified. Rather, it is about putting their full attention and effort into the activity. The students are going to be connected with their mission on a personal level, learning the names of the missing air crew and seeing their photos. The students’ contribution will be measured by their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering effort to honor those who served. Any remains that they recover will be transported back to the United States with utmost respect. Everything is done with a high degree of respect and security to maintain an exacting chain of custody.

Remembering the Fallen: A Shared Mission

To prepare for this critical mission, the U of A team visited the 390th Memorial Museum to familiarize themselves with the B-17 and its equipment. They met with veterans and saw firsthand the remnants of a war that changed the world. The museum’s executive director, Bill Buckingham, hopes that the work will bring back fallen heroes. Stephen recognizes that the operation is one of dozens that are underway across Europe and around the globe, and the DPAA and its partners conducted nearly 100 investigations and recovery missions in 36 different countries during fiscal year 2024. The team’s work will serve as a crucial step in providing long-awaited answers and closure to those who have been waiting for decades.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Honor and Remembrance

The University of Arizona students are undertaking a mission of profound significance, a mission that honors the past and offers hope for the future. Their work in Poland is more than just an archaeological dig; it’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the unwavering commitment to never leave a soldier behind. They are the guardians of memory, the keepers of history, and the bringers of closure. The goal to bring home the fallen is a testament to their dedication and commitment to honor those who served. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, respect, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom.