Pete Hegseth Honors POWs and MIAs, Announces Return of WWII Medal of Honor Hero

Nation Marks POW/MIA Recognition Day at Pentagon Ceremony

Sept. 19, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | By Matthew Olay –
The United States honored its prisoners of war (POWs) and service members missing in action (MIAs) today during a powerful ceremony at the Pentagon’s River Parade Field.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, joined by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, led the event marking National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Hegseth praised former POWs, including retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert Shumaker, who coined the term “Hanoi Hilton” for the notorious North Vietnamese prison.

“Thank you, admiral. The courage and fortitude it took can hardly be imagined,” Hegseth said.

Families and Ongoing Mission

Hegseth then addressed Gold Star families, vowing to bring home nearly 31,000 Americans still missing worldwide.

“It’s our mission to return them to American soil and give them the final honor they deserve. We will never stop,” he promised.

The secretary highlighted the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), which combines historical research, field digs, and modern DNA science. The DPAA has already identified 220 service members this year.

WWII Hero Capt. Willibald C. Bianchi Identified

For the first time, Hegseth revealed that the DPAA identified the remains of Army Capt. Willibald C. Bianchi, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

Bianchi fought bravely in the Battle of Bataan, endured the Bataan Death March, and saved fellow prisoners before being killed in 1945 when a Japanese ship carrying POWs was mistakenly sunk.

“After 80 years, Capt. Bianchi will finally return home to New Ulm, Minnesota for the burial he deserves,” Hegseth said, as Bianchi’s family looked on.

Lasting Promise

Hegseth closed with a clear message: the mission never ends.

“We pray that 50 years from now, a future secretary of war will stand here making the same promise — that no American warrior will ever be forgotten.”

Background

National POW/MIA Recognition Day began in 1979, when President Jimmy Carter signed the first proclamation. Every president since has reaffirmed the national vow: “You are not forgotten.”
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