Missing in action (MIA) is a casualty classification assigned to combatants, military chaplains, combat medics, and prisoners of war who are reported missing during wartime or ceasefire. They may have been killed, wounded, captured, executed, or deserted. If deceased, neither their remains nor grave have been positively identified. Becoming MIA has been an occupational risk for as long as there has been warfare.
Grave of an unknown British combatant, killed in 1943 during the Battle of Leros. Because his identity is unknown, he is missing in action.
Grave of 12 unknown British and/or Commonwealth soldiers. Buried in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.
The Garden of the Missing in Action in the National Military and Police Cemetery in Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
Grave of an unknown American combatant in Oise-Aisne Cemetery. Killed in 1917
The Battle of Alcácer Quibir was fought in northern Morocco, near the town of Ksar-el-Kebir and Larache, on 4 August 1578.
Battle at Ksar el Kebir, depicting the encirclement of the Portuguese army on the right
King Sebastian of Portugal.