ABSTRACT
The involvement of forensic anthropology in mass-fatality response encompasses traditional roles and newly established contributions. Forensic anthropologists trained in forensic archaeological methods easily adapt those methods to disaster scenes. Using standard interview forms, specialists in funeral service and forensic identification interview the family members, obtaining contact information for dentists and doctors, data on the unique biological aspects of the deceased, DNA samples, and information related to personal effects with the deceased. The forensic specialist from the appropriate discipline documents the details of the identification in a report, and the identification is presented to the medical examiner or coroner for agreement and authorization. Efforts required to locate and analyze antemortem data have received little attention from forensic scientists, despite the nature of this essential requirement for victim identification. Forensic anthropologys exposure to mass-fatality work is rooted largely in its support of the US military war dead identification efforts during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
