Escort of Fallen WWII Hero

Next date: Wednesday, July 01, 2026 | 11:30 AM

The Sitka community is invited to line the streets and stand in honor of an unknown World War II soldier – long laid to rest in the Sitka National Cemetery as "X-3", as he begins his journey home to finally be identified.

Following a historic disinterment by the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), a solemn procession will escort the remains of the fallen service member from the Sitka Police Department to the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport.

Procession Details

Date: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026

Time: 11:30 AM

Route: Departing from the Sitka Police Department and proceeding to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport.

About the Veteran

For over 80 years, this service member has been known only as "X-3." Historians believe he may be “2nd Lt. Eugene Christensen”, a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot whose C-53 aircraft tragically crashed in the Aleutian Islands in 1942. This represents the first-ever exhumation of an unknown soldier at the Sitka National Cemetery by the DPAA. Modern DNA, anthropology, and dental testing will be used to bring closure to a family that has waited more than eight decades. "World War II may seem like a long time ago, but there are many, many living people who remember their brothers or their fathers or uncles who were lost. This is part of the military’s promise to its service members and families of soldiers to leave no one behind." - Dr. Ian Spurgeon, DPAA Military Historian

Please join us along the route on Wednesday, July 1st at 11:30 AM to show Sitka’s deep gratitude, respect, and to give this American hero a proper send-off.

When

Wednesday, July 01, 2026 | 11:30 AM

Location

Departing from the Sitka Police Department and proceeding to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport.

Event Snapshot

Cost

Free

Contact

Sitka Police Department

907-747-3245