SAN ANTONIO — 18-year-old army PVT Herschel M. Riggs of Rio Grande City was declared missing in action back in July 1950. He was presumed dead three years later.
“They were doing peacekeeping in Japan, over to do what’s called a delayed action. That was to slow the North Korean assault. Slow it down to allow for an international response. So, that was my uncle’s mission,” said Tony Jasso, family member.
Jasso said before his grandmother passed away, she asked the family to continue searching for Riggs. After Jasso returned from serving in Iraq, the family began looking for Riggs.
“This led my mother and I, as well as other family members, to begin to formulate and gather all that we had. His personal effects, his photos. It was a promise not only to my grandmother but to Herschel,” he said.
They traveled across the nation to Korea and Japan. Jasso’s family spoke with other family members whose loved ones went missing in action. He said they met with researchers, contacted the Department of Defense and even submitted a DNA sample.
“I really felt that God placed people in my path for me to encounter. I was supposed to meet these individuals. While the Army was saying we don’t know, these people were saying we have an idea,” he recalled.
Finally, after 15 years of searching, the family’s research led them to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
“We were a loud family. We asked a lot of questions. We also, partnered with other families who lost their loved ones in the beginning of the Korean War and our voices together, has led to disinterment and future disinterment of all unknown graves,” said Jasso.
He said the DNA sample they submitted helped identify Riggs in one of the graves. Jasso received a phone call from the DOD confirming that they matched Riggs.
“I imagine in that moment my grandma’s reaction and how she would have been elated. Our family enjoyed the moment for everyone. It instills so much honor, so much pride, to be part of the effort that brought Herschel home,” said Jasso with tears in his eyes.
He hopes their success story will serve as an inspiration to others who are still searching for their loved ones.
“As family, we have to be the ones asking the questions and engaging the military,” said Jasso. “Never give up hope and understand that there are answers out there.”
Riggs will be buried in Pearsall on May 25th with full military honors. He will be laid to rest next to Jasso’s grandmother.