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Illinois Korean War Hero Returns Home After 75 Years, Burial Oct. 29
Belleville, IL – After more than 75 years, a young Illinois soldier who disappeared during the Korean War is finally coming home, with state police preparing to escort his remains ahead of a military
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-26T20:23:28.931Z
Belleville, IL – After more than 75 years, a young Illinois soldier who disappeared during the Korean War is finally coming home, with state police preparing to escort his remains ahead of a military funeral Thursday, Oct. 29, in Belleville.
According to the Illinois State Police, U.S. Army Private First Class John Robert Stovall, who went missing while serving in Korea in July 1950 at just 19 years old, will return to the Metro East region Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Stovall left his hometown of East St. Louis in St. Clair County to serve his country during the Korean War.
For decades, his remains were unidentified, and his name remained on the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's list of missing service members.
In June 2025, the agency positively identified his remains, bringing long awaited answers to his family.
Stovall was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for extraordinary bravery.
On Tuesday, his remains are scheduled to arrive at St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri.
Illinois State Police will escort Stovall to Kassly Mortuary in Fairview Heights, where an Illinois State Police Honor Guard will conduct a ceremonial transfer from the hearse into the funeral home.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, Stovall will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mount Hope Cemetery in Belleville.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois National Guard and state veterans officials are joining the Metro East community in recognizing his service and sacrifice.
“As we welcome Private First Class John Robert Stovall home to Illinois, let us join together to honor his service and ultimate sacrifice,” Pritzker said.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly described the escort as a sacred responsibility.
The homecoming marks the end of a decadeslong wait for a soldier who left Illinois as a teenager and never returned during his lifetime.