The American Battle Monuments Commission placed three rosettes for service members whose identifications were announced by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in February 2026. When a service member has been identified, DPAA releases full details on their recovery after their families have been briefed.

When a missing service member is recovered and identified, ABMC places a rosette beside their name on the Walls of the Missing at the cemetery where they are memorialized. This rosette, a symbol of eternity, is crafted as a bronze rosemary wreath-a timeless emblem of honor and victory. Encircled by the eight-points of a compass, it signifies America's commitment, reaching out in all directions to recover their remains from the farthest corners of the earth.

U.S. Army Cpl. Byron F. Beard, Jr., 23, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for Jan. 13. In 1941, Beard was a member of 409th Signal Company, Aviation, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December.

[Link]A rosette next to the name of Cpl. Byron F. Beard Jr. on the Walls of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery signifies he has been identified. (ABMC photo)

U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Loyst M. Towner, 24, missing in action during World War II, was accounted for Aug. 26, 2025. In March 1944, Towner was assigned to the 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group in Italy.

[Link]A rosette next to the name of 2nd Lt. Loyst M. Towner on the Walls of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery signifies he has been identified. (ABMC photo)

U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Merlin H. Reed, 27, killed during World War II was accounted for Dec. 5, 2025. In early 1944, Reed served with the 546th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force.

[Link]A rosette next to the name of 1st Lt. Merlin H. Reed on the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery signifies he has been identified. (ABMC photo)