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Phan Văn Giang & Pete Hegseth at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines.
Episode 3400 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how the US and Vietnam are cooperating in the search for MIA’s. The featured story is titled: Hegseth gifts Vietnamese counterpart declassified reports that could lead to discovery of hundreds of remains. It appeared on the Washington Examiner website and was submitted by Mike Brest.
Brest reported that the mission to honor our Vietnam Veterans and bring missing American service members home continues as War Secretary Pete Hegseth strengthens cooperation with Vietnam to account for those who never returned from war. In a significant step toward reconciliation, Hegseth presented Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Văn Giang with a declassified, four-part after-action report concerning the Battle of Dak To. The historical documents may help Vietnam locate the remains of approximately 440 missing Vietnamese soldiers.
During their meeting at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines, the two defense leaders also exchanged information concerning missing service members. Vietnam provided evidence relating to the remains of missing-in-action American soldiers, reinforcing the shared commitment to honoring the fallen, supporting military families, and resolving Vietnam War POW/MIA cases.
Since 1973, more than 1,000 Americans killed during the Vietnam War have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. However, more than 1,500 American service members remain unaccounted for from the conflict. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its worldwide mission to locate, identify, and bring home the remains of America’s fallen heroes.
The department recently reported identifying 250 previously unaccounted-for service members from earlier conflicts during fiscal year 2026, surpassing the previous record of 231 identifications in fiscal year 2025.
These efforts represent far more than historical investigations. They reflect America’s enduring promise that no fallen service member will be forgotten and that families deserve answers, recognition, and closure.
Our Vietnam Veteran generation demonstrated extraordinary courage, sacrifice, dedication, and patriotism during one of America’s most challenging wars. Their service deserves lasting respect, and the continued search for missing personnel honors the sacrifices of all who served in Vietnam.
As the United States and Vietnam deepen their defense cooperation, the mission remains clear: Remember our Vietnam Veterans, honor our fallen heroes, account for our missing-in-action soldiers, and preserve their legacy for future generations. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Listen to episode 3400 and discover more about how the US and Vietnam are cooperating in the search for MIA’s.
