Remains of Camp Pendleton Marine killed in Korean War identified

The remains of a Marine from the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Division who was killed more than 60 years ago during one of the most brutal battles of the Korean War have been identified, the Department of Defense announced.

Pfc. Jonathan Reed Posey Jr., 20, of Dallas, was killed Dec. 2, 1950, during the Marines “fighting withdrawal” from the Chosin Reservoir. Burial is set for Monday at Arlington National Cemetery.

In sub-zero weather, the outnumbered Marines fought for 17 days to withdraw to Hagaru-ri. The Marines, along with U.S. Army and British troops, suffered thousands of killed and wounded while inflicting massive casualties on the enemy.

Army historian Brig. Gen. S.L.A. Marshall has called the battle of Chosin Reservoir “the most violent small-unit fighting in the history of American warfare.”

Sixty years after an armistice was signed to end hostilities, more than 7,900 U.S. personnel remain unaccounted for despite continuing efforts by the U.S. government with sporadic cooperation from the government of North Korea.

Of those still missing, more than 1,000 were lost in the region of the Chosin Reservoir, according to the Department of Defense.

Posey was assigned to Battery L, 4th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division. He was detached during the battle to the 7th Marine Regiment at Yudami-ni.

Posey’s remains were identified using dental and radiograph technology, according to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. Burial at Arlington will be with full military honors.

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tony.perry@latimes.com