By: Bill Curtis 8:30 PM Tuesday, May 1st, 2007

Military authorities have identified the remains of a Korean War veteran from San Francisco who was missing for more than 56 years, the Department of Defense said Monday.

Cpl. Pastor Balanon, Jr., was assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment, when he was declared missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, after fighting in a battle south of Unsan, North Korea.

"We always hoped that he would come back alive," said his younger brother, Esteban Balanon. "We never gave up hope."

A joint U.S.-North Korean team led by the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command found Balanon's remains after excavating a burial site near the battleground in 2001. Scientists used forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, as well as mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons, to confirm his identity.
Army officials said Monday they met with Balanon's family members to explain the recovery and ID process, and to coordinate interment with military honors.

Balanon will be buried May 3 in Arlington National Cemetery, officials said.

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