Remains of Vietnam War veteran identified as those of Norwalk man

NORWALK — Military officials have positively identified the remains of a Vietnam War veteran as those of Norwalk native Raul Antonio Guerra.

Guerra was a U.S. Navy journalist who died in a plane crash over Vietnam in 1967. He had been listed as a POW/MIA.

U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez announced the news of Guerra’s positive identification as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

“America will never forget those who fought and died for our country,” Sanchez said in a statement. “Every generation is committed to the mission of recovering missing service members who are killed in battle and returning them home to their loved ones. I am honored to say we have fulfilled one part of that mission.”

Since 2017, Sanchez has worked with U.S. Marine Ruben Valencia to identify and return Guerra’s remains for a proper burial. Valencia was a friend of Guerra’s.

“Through many starts and stops, Mr. Valencia never lost hope and he never gave up,” Sanchez said. “He showed unwavering commitment to his childhood friend.

“I look forward to joining Mr. Valencia and others who have worked so hard on this effort to welcome Raul Guerra home and lay him to rest.”