Much to their surprise, work crews uncovered a nearly complete set of skeletal remains (no skull was ever found), accompanied by several bullets and buttons, clearly indicating that this had been a Cavalry soldier. Because 14 of Reno and Benteen's men were never accounted for following the Battle, accurate identification of the remains was impossible. However, with planning for the celebration's events in full swing, The Custer Memorial Association decided a memorial service, with full military honors, was due this long-lost Unknown Soldier.
Despite the lack of a skull, the discovery of skeletal remains with bullets and buttons confirmed that these belonged to a Cavalry soldier.  The Custer Memorial Association decided to hold a memorial service honoring this Unknown Soldier despite the difficulty in identifying him due to the Battle's casualties.