A War Hero Returned to Family After 69 Years

the late Private First Class Myeong Han-hyeop

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The remains of two Republic of Korea Army soldiers who died in the Gangwon Province area during the Korean War are returning to their families after 69 years.

The Ministry of National Defense's Remains Recovery and Identification Team announced that the 'Return Ceremony of the National Defense Hero' for the 153rd identified soldier, the late Private Myeong Han-hyeop, will be held at 2 p.m. on the 11th at the family home in Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

At 10:30 a.m. on the 12th, the 'Return Ceremony of the National Defense Hero' for the most recently identified late Private Moon Jang-chun will take place at the Veterans Hall in Gimhae, Gyeongnam.

Private Myeong, who enlisted in February 1951 at the age of 26, leaving behind his three-year-old son, is presumed to have belonged to the 6th Division of the Republic of Korea Army and is believed to have died in action during the advance battles in Gapyeong and Hwacheon (May 22?30, 1951) in the Korean War.

The remains of the late soldier were excavated in May 2017 in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, 66 years later. Several remains from the thigh and upper arm were found, but no personal effects that could confirm identity were discovered. The identity was finally confirmed last month through DNA registered by his son, Myeong Gap-won, in 2010.

Gap-won said, "I had given up hope of finding my father, so I am truly happy to have found him," adding, "I want to meet him soon."

Private Moon, whose identity was confirmed earlier this month, is presumed to have been assigned as a KATUSA soldier in the U.S. 2nd Division during the Korean War and died in the Battle of Bloody Ridge near Yanggu, Gangwon Province (August 18?September 5, 1951).

Private Moon’s remains, including parts of the arm, leg, and ribs, were excavated in September 2013 in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, along with battlefield artifacts such as an M1 bullet head and cartridge cases.

His identity was finally confirmed through DNA registered in 2011 by his daughter, Moon Kyung-sook, who was in her mother’s womb at the time of his deployment. This was the 154th identification since remains recovery began in April 2000.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, the ceremony will be a simplified event led by the head of the Remains Recovery and Identification Team instead of the Director of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The team leader will explain the soldier’s service and the recovery process to the family, and present the 'Spirit of National Defense Box' containing the identity confirmation certificate, the National Defense Hero return plaque, and personal effects. After consultation with the families, the Ministry of National Defense will hold separate burial ceremonies and inter the remains at the National Cemetery.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.