On the afternoon of August 26, 1971, 10-year-old Mark Peal and his 13-year-old friend Kevin Conner disappeared while exploring World War II bunkers near their families’ campsite at the Agate-Crescent Beach Recreational Area, Port Angeles, Washington. Both boys were active in the Eastside Soccer Association; Mark was preparing to enter fifth grade at Newport Elementary and was one of five children born in Wichita, Kansas.

An extensive search was mounted by the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, at one point involving about 450 soldiers from Fort Lewis. Investigators found two sets of shoeprints that the parents said matched their sons’ shoes. A bloodhound tracked a scent from the boys’ tent to a log over the water and divers checked nearby kelp beds, but no trace of either boy was recovered. Foul play was considered but no evidence supported that theory, and the official search was later scaled down. Families held a memorial service in September 1971.

Anyone who was at Agate-Crescent Beach on August 26, 1971, or who has information about the bunkers, the west-end log area, or the two boys’ movements that afternoon is asked to come forward.