Understanding Soldiers' Disappearance during World War II

The myth of American deserters during World War II may have led many to believe that these soldiers represented the majority of those who disappeared. However, the truth is far more complex. This article aims to shed light on the various factors leading to the disappearance of soldiers during the war, including the experiences of American deserters and those counted as Missing in Action (MIA).

Deserters: A Small but Significant Minority

While stories about deserters were widespread, they did not account for the majority of American soldiers who went missing in action. According to historical records, approximately 50,000 American soldiers deserted during the war years. Of these, around 20,000 were apprehended and faced court-martial proceedings. Others returned to their units, often with lesser punishments, while some were deemed to be absent without leave (AWOL) for an indefinite period.

The story of a WWII US Army deserter who remained in hiding at a radio site in Germany until the compound closed provides a rare glimpse into the lives of these men. After the site closed, it was discovered that one of the displaced persons (DPs), who had remained on the compound, was in fact a deserter. This case highlights the existence of deserters and the challenges faced in documenting their true numbers.

Variety of Fates for Those Counted as Missing in Action (MIA)

Facing the fact that American soldiers were often lost in a variety of situations, not all of which can be attributed to desertion, is crucial for understanding the full scope of the war's impact. Soldiers could be obliterated by bombs and artillery, burned to ashes in fires wrought by enemy soldiers, or their bodies buried in unrecorded graves. Airmen downed in remote areas, sailors lost at sea, and men caught in underground cellars during explosions—all count as MIA.

Approximately 75% of all American MIAs were lost in the Pacific Theater, where desertions were virtually non-existent. Other theatres saw a mix of circumstances where soldiers were indeed MIA due to severe combat conditions, equipment failures, and enemy actions. Many soldiers who were MIA faced various fates, including being blown to bits in shelling or bombing, perishing in prisoner of war camps, or even being captured in various distressing situations.

Beyond the Deserter and MIA Labels: The Human Cost

The reasoning behind a soldier going MIA varies widely. Fantasies and speculations abound, but the reality is that some soldiers met their demise with records never reaching their families or loved ones. Some were buried in trenched graves, burned beyond recognition, or had their dog tags blown off in explosions. Many soldiers were dispatched on patrols never to return, adding to the list of MIA cases.

While deserters and soldiers counted as MIA both had their own individual fates, they are not interchangeable. As Jon-Bourgetti pointed out, it is important to acknowledge the bravery and honor of both those who were MIA and those who deserted. The mix-up between the two terms is regrettable but understandable.

Unresolved Cases and Continued Disputes

Despite the numerous efforts to resolve cases, there are still unresolved issues. In the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, many soldiers and airmen remain missing and are still being held captive in Pakistani jails. Similar cases exist where soldiers from one country are still held captive by the other. The families of these missing individuals continue to search for answers and seek the release of their loved ones.

This article serves as a reminder of the complex and tragic nature of the soldiers' disappearance during World War II. Whether a soldier was MIA or a deserter, the human cost of war is immense, and every individual's story is worthy of being told.

Keywords: World War II, Missing in Action (MIA), Deserters