Marine's Remains Identified After 82 Years, Laid to Rest at Arlington

Lewis McIntosh, who died in Saipan during WWII, finally receives a proper burial at the national cemetery.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:08pm

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A serene, painterly image of an American flag draped over a simple wooden casket, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The solemn procession and burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery provide long-awaited closure for the family of a Marine killed in action over 80 years ago.Arlington Today

After decades of uncertainty, the remains of Marine Private Lewis McIntosh, who was killed in action during the Battle of Saipan in 1944, have been identified through DNA testing and he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. McIntosh's family in Ohio, including his sister Juanita Mangosh, had long awaited closure on his fate.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the U.S. military to identify and repatriate the remains of service members who were killed in action during past conflicts, fulfilling the promise that no one is left behind. For the McIntosh family, it provides long-awaited closure after over 80 years of not knowing their loved one's final resting place.

The details

Private Lewis McIntosh was just 18 years old when he was killed during the Battle of Saipan on July 4, 1944. He had jumped out of a foxhole to retrieve ammunition and never returned, with his fellow Marines never seeing him again. His remains were eventually recovered from a makeshift grave on the island and identified through mitochondrial DNA testing that matched samples provided by his sister Juanita Mangosh before her death in 2021.

  • Lewis McIntosh was killed in action on July 4, 1944 during the Battle of Saipan.
  • His remains were identified through DNA testing in 2024.
  • McIntosh was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on April 17, 2026.

The players

Lewis McIntosh

An 18-year-old Marine private who was killed in action during the Battle of Saipan in World War II.

Juanita Mangosh

The sister of Lewis McIntosh, who submitted her DNA to help identify her brother's remains before her death in 2021.

Donovan Mansfield

The leader of the U.S. Marine Corps repatriation effort who contacted the McIntosh family with the news that Lewis' remains had been found.

Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz

The Marine Corps' top enlisted leader who presented the folded flag to Lewis McIntosh's sister at the burial ceremony.

Brian Dugger

The WTOL 11 lead investigator and great-nephew of Lewis McIntosh.

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What they’re saying

“We have found Lewis.”

— Donovan Mansfield, Leader of the U.S. Marine Corps repatriation effort

What’s next

The McIntosh family plans to visit Lewis' gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery in the coming weeks to pay their respects and find closure after decades of uncertainty.

The takeaway

This case underscores the military's commitment to identifying and honoring fallen service members, no matter how long it takes. For the McIntosh family, it provides a sense of peace and closure after an 82-year wait to finally lay their loved one to rest.