All those who fought and served their country when they received
the call, were men and women of courage, judgment, integrity and
dedication. Where does dedication end? You can never put an end to
dedication. After all, those who remain Prisoners of War or are still
Missing in Action are still serving with never ending dedication. For
them, it can never be over. For us, we can never let their sacrifices,
or them, be forgotten.
Six South Dakotans remain unaccounted for, according to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Donald Deane Aldern, Tommy Leon Callies, Allen Duane Christensen, Stanley Jon Freng, Charles Lane, and David Pecor Soyland were lost from June 17, 1966, through May 17, 1971.
Colonel Walter Alfred Renelt was identified on June 23, 2025. Renelt was announced as missing on November 20, 1969. Several rescue missions were attempted. Each attempt through November 28, 1969, were turned away by weather and heavy enemy fire.
Col. Renelt was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, August 17, 2026
