Status Changes Under the Missing Persons Act
Abstract
An analysis of the dilemma facing the U.S. Government in resolving the cases of over 1,300 personnel who were unaccounted for following the release of U.S. prisoners of war by North Vietnam. A brief overview of the treatment of captives by belligerents throughout history is cited as a background for the Paris Agreement and withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. The Communists have not lived up to the agreement and search efforts by the U.S. have been severely restricted. The divisiveness of the war carries into the families of unaccounted for personnel. The Constitutionality of the Missing Persons Act was the subject of legal action initiated by some next of kin to bar status changes. In this regard, procedures used by the services have been modified but there are still many judgmental considerations. The prospects for our gaining additional information about those who are unaccounted for is not encouraging. Continuing civil court litigation can be expected and the services must use the Vietnam experience to update their procedures for future contingencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA120493
Entities
People
- Ralph P. Holt
Organizations
- Naval War College