JM FOR	SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
	DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
THROUGH:	UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY
FROM:	Assistant Secretary of Defense, Internatinal Security Affairs
	Prepared by LTC Martin Wisda, DPMO/PP
Subject:	Readshead for 28 Jan 98 Phone Call with Senator Ashcroft
	INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

EVENT: Senator Ashcroft called last night wanting to discuss with your the current controversy over the possible identity of the Vietnam War Unknowns. The following paper outlines points to make in your telephone response.

BACKGROUND: The family of USAF lst LT. Michael Blassie believes the remains of their son, lost over An Loc in 1972 and listed as MIA, are the remains interred in the Tomb of the Unknowns for the Vietnam War. They have asked for disinterment and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing. A growing number of families, veterans groups, and member of Congress have publicly and privately expressed support for the Blassie family's request for disinterment and testing if there is reason to believe those remains could be Lt. Blassie. The Executive Director of the National League of Families, however, adamantly opposes such action.

MAIN ISSUE: In your response to Senator Ashcroft, you should outline the facts of the case and circumstances leading to the controversy. You should make it clear that our own efforts to resolve the Blassie case have in large part led to question about what took place over a decade ago. You should also make it clear that if we disinter the remains in the Tomb, we most likely will not be able to put them back. Also, given today's technology, we might have to accept we may never have a Vietnam War Unknown, which is consistent with our efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting. You should also indicate that you will consult with Congress on this decision, and that we are in almost daily contact with the Blassie family. We are gathering all information; a decision will be made in the best interest of the family and the Nation.

Attachments:

• Remains initially associated with Lt. Blassie (based on location of remains and identification cards, which were lost in transit between An Loc and Saigon) were recovered six months after his loss over An Loc in 1972. Eight others are unaccounted for from this area.

  
  

• In 1980, the Armed Services Graves Registration Office officially dropped the association of the remains based on anthropological analysis of the bones and blood grouping analysis of hair samples; these remains were then declared unidentified and labeled X26.

  
  

• In 1984, X26 was selected from a pool of four possible candidates for interment in the Tomb of the Unknowns. In accordance with procedures established under WWII and Korean War interments records relating to the remains selected were destroyed.

  
  

• In 1995, DoD conducted a comprehensive analytical review of all outstanding Vietnam War cases to determine the next best steps to resolve each case. Unaware of the relationship between the Unknown and the Blassie case, the analysts called for reassessing the remains (at one time believed to have been associated with Blassie( using mtDNA technology.

  
  

• Despite media allegations the the contrary, we do not know that the remains interred in the Tomb are those of Lt. Blassie. The remains could be one of the eight other individuals unaccounted for from the same area.

  
  

• The results of testing, even if insufficient to make a positive identification, could complicate, perhaps even preclude, reintering the remains in the Tomb.

  
  

• Given the detailed knowledge about each unaccounted for serviceman from the Vietnam War and the rapid advances in forensic science, it is becoming increasingly difficult to declare remains "unidentifiable." The possibility exists that we may not be able to select a Vietnam War candidate for the Tomb of the Unknowns.

  
  

• There exists no specific statutes or regulations governing disinterment of the remains interred in the Tomb.

  
  

• No decision has been made regarding this case. We are still in the process of gathering as much information as we can.

  
  

• I intend to consult with Congress once I have reviewed the matter thoroughly.

  
  

• We are in constant contact with the Blassie family in this matter, and they understand mtDNA testing may prove inconclusive or rule out their son altogether.

  
  

• We are committed to the fullest possible accounting of U.S. servicemembers.