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POW Witness: He Was Forced to Watch an Execution of U.S. Soldiers. 80 Years After WWII, His Story Sparks a Search for Their Remains

By Ken McLaughlin· The War Horse ·Friday, September 12, 2025 ·1 min read

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POW Witness: He Was Forced to Watch an Execution of U.S. Soldiers. 80 Years After WWII, His Story Sparks a Search for Their Remains

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Illustration by Hrisanthi Pickett. Photo of Ben Hagans, left, by Kelly Hagans. Photos at right courtesy of Brig.

Gen. Guy Fort’s family, Ancestry. com, and Newspapers.

Our analysis

The emergence of Ben Hagans as an eyewitness to the executions of three U.S. soldiers and Army Brig. Gen. Guy Fort during World War II has significant implications for the families of these servicemen and the broader veteran community. The search for the remains of these individuals, sparked by Hagans' account, highlights the ongoing efforts to account for American servicemen missing in action. This case also underscores the importance of preserving the stories of veterans and civilians who lived through wartime, as their testimonies can provide crucial clues in the pursuit of closure for families and the recovery of remains. As the US continues to work towards accounting for its missing servicemen, stories like Hagans' serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and the need for continued support for families of the fallen. The Veterans Crisis Line, reachable by calling 988 then Press 1, or texting 838255, is available for those affected by such stories.

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