A Forensic Archaeologist Solved the 100-Year-Old Mystery of a Missing WWI Soldier

The level of carnage in World War I led many to believe it was "the War to End All Wars." But for some people on the home front, there was no certainty—only the question of what had become of their loved ones who had gone off to fight.

For over a century, one family has lived with the mystery of what happened to their soldier who never returned, nor had his death confirmed. Finally, his descendants have received closure as his remains have been identified and brought home—and the forensic expert who played a crucial role in the discovery has told the story of how it all came together.

Forensic archaeologist Jay Silverstein appeared as a guest author for IFLScience to explain how the body of Private 1st Class Charles McAllister, who fought for the U.S. in the Franco-American counter-offensive at Aisne-Marne, was finally identified.

View in Browser  SHOP EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBE A Forensic Archaeologist Solved the 100-Year-Old Mystery of a Missing WWI Soldier A Forensic Archaeologist Solved the 100-Year-Old Mystery of a Missing WWI Soldier The level of carnage in World War I led many to believe it was "the War to End All Wars." But for some people on the home front, there was no certainty—only the question of what had become of their loved ones who had gone off to fight. For over a century, one family has lived with the mystery of what happened to their soldier who never returned, nor had his death confirmed. Finally, his descendants have received closure as his remains have been identified and brought home—and the forensic expert who played a crucial role in the discovery has told the story of how it all came together. Forensic archaeologist Jay Silverstein appeared as a guest author for IFLScience to explain how the body of Private 1st Class Charles McAllister, who fought for the U.S. in the Franco-American counter-offensive at Aisne-Marne, was finally identified. The level of carnage in World War I led many to believe it was "the War to End All Wars." But for some people on the home front, there was no certainty—only the question of what had become of their loved ones who had gone off to fight. For over a century, one family has lived with the mystery of what happened to their soldier who never returned, nor had his death confirmed. Finally, his descendants have received closure as his remains have been identified and brought home—and the forensic expert who played a crucial role in the discovery has told the story of how it all came together. Forensic archaeologist Jay Silverstein appeared as a guest author for IFLScience to explain how the body of Private 1st Class Charles McAllister, who fought for the U.S. in the Franco-American counter-offensive at Aisne-Marne, was finally identified. Read More Read More Get the Ultimate Entertainment Experience With These Expert-Recommended Smart TVs Our top picks offer an impressive balance of performance, features, and cutting-edge technology. Read More There Are 4 Pillars of Stability for Life on Earth. Scientists Say They're Close to Collapse. What do you do when your planet's essential equilibrium is teetering on the edge of disaster? Asking for a friend. Read More Archaeologists Found a Mysterious Ancient Stone That Could Lead to a Lost Maya City Hieroglyphic symbols on the slab hold secrets that may rewrite history. Read More Retain Food Freshness With One of These Editor-Recommended Vacuum Sealers An easy way to preserve flavor in your favorite meats and produce. Read More Why Russian, Chinese, and U.S. Bombers All Just Flexed Their Muscles in ... Alaska Message received. Read More Need Assistance? Contact Us. Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Popular Mechanics is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779