My brother, Michael Eugene Smith, KIA, August 9th, 1968. We are from Martin County, Indiana, USA. I noticed a "+" after his name and the others don't have it. I wonder if you can tell me what it means please? Thank you. v/r, Lynnette Smith

Yes,Mia

THE SYMBOLS BESIDE EACH NAME Beside each name is a symbol that denotes a service member’s status: either missing or confirmed dead. On the west wall, the symbol precedes the name; on the east wall, the symbol follows the name. A diamond symbol signifies that the service member’s death was confirmed. Those designated by a “plus” sign were considered to be missing in action when the war ended. In the event a service member’s remains are returned or accounted for, then a diamond symbol is engraved over the plus sign. Several hundred such designation changes have been made since the Wall was built in 1982. If a service member were to return alive, a circle—the symbol of life—would be inscribed around the plus sign. However, there have been no such cases.

MIA, sadly.

Missing in action

A plus sign after the name means your brother was missing in action

Dear teacher, is this process correct? Please check it

Plus = cross. (Meaning of deseaced in Catholic religion)