CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Defense says the remains of a Korean War soldier have been identified as a Wyoming man.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports 19-year-old Army Cpl. DeMaret M. Kirtley was reported missing in December 1950 after his unit withdrew from an area east of the Chosin Reservoir in present-day North Korea.

The Kaycee-born man was never reported as being a prisoner of war, and he was declared dead in late 1953.

Kirtley was positively identified in May after remains in burial grounds near the Chosin Reservoir were exhumed for testing last year.

Officials used dental, DNA and other analysis methods and evidence to identify the remains.

It's unclear what will happen with Kirtley's remains.

A Department of Defense spokeswoman did not immediately return the newspaper's email Tuesday.

PhotoQuest,,, Getty Images
View of U.S. troops as they march south from Koto-ri during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Korea, Dec. 9, 1950.        PhotoQuest,,, Getty Images
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