SDCL § 21-44-16: Statement or affidavit establishing death of person in military service.

If the life tenant was in the military service at the time of his death, the written statement of his commanding officer giving the facts of his death, signed by such commanding officer with his rank and organization, or the affidavit of one or more soldiers who knew the fact of his death, may be accepted in lieu of any of the proof required by § 21-44-15.