[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]A Republic of Korea soldier who participated in the Korean War and died in action less than six months later will set foot on his hometown soil after 70 years.
The Ministry of National Defense's Remains Recovery and Identification Team announced on the morning of the 5th that it will hold a 'Return Ceremony for the National Defense Hero' for the late Corporal Jo Chang-sik at the large conference room of the Goesan County Office in Chungbuk.
Born in 1928 in Mungwang-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, as the third of four sons, Corporal Jo joined the Republic of Korea Army's 8th Division at the age of 23 and was killed in action during the Nojeonpyeong Battle (August 9 to September 18, 1951) around Seohwa-ri, Inje, Gangwon Province.
In 2017, some remains and personal effects such as combat boots were discovered in the Seohwa-ri area of Inje, Gangwon Province, and last year, the identity was confirmed through the genetic information of his nephew who participated in sample collection.
This is the third identification this year and the 160th identification since the remains excavation began in April 2000.
The late soldier’s nephew, Jo Cheol-ju (73), said, "I am grateful to have finally found the remains of my third uncle, whom I had only heard about in stories."
The ceremony will be conducted in compliance with social distancing guidelines considering the COVID-19 situation, explaining the deceased’s participation in the war and the progress of the remains excavation to the bereaved family, and will proceed with the presentation of the identification notification, a 'Return Plaque for the National Defense Hero,' and a 'Spirit of National Defense Box' containing personal effects.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to hold a burial ceremony after consultation with the family.
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