Vietnam and U.S. Continue Joint Search for War Missing Personnel

More than fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, the search for missing personnel continues, a joint effort that has become a cornerstone of bilateral relations. While the remains of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese soldiers are still unaccounted for, the ongoing cooperation has facilitated the identification and repatriation of nearly 740 U.S. service members missing in action.

The humanitarian mission, managed by Vietnam's Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) under the guidance of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Public Security, began shortly after the 1973 Paris Peace Accords. This sustained collaboration has not only provided closure for American families but also built crucial trust, paving the way for joint initiatives in demining, dioxin remediation, and support for disabled individuals.

Beyond coordinated efforts with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Vietnam has undertaken independent search operations. In December 2025, Vietnam held its 171st ceremony to return the remains of U.S. servicemen, recovered during a solo search in Lào Cai province. Forensic experts from both nations conducted preliminary identification before the remains were sent to Hawaii for further analysis.

Remarkably, during the COVID-19 pandemic when joint missions were suspended, Vietnam remained the sole nation actively searching for missing U.S. personnel. Twelve independent search teams were deployed to challenging terrains, resulting in the handover of four additional sets of remains to the U.S. These difficult and often dangerous operations underscore Vietnam's commitment to the process.

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The search for missing U.S. personnel remains one of the priorities.