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Korean War Veteran’s Remains Make Long-Awaited Homecoming, 75 Years Later
Guest Contributor
After 75 years, the remains of U.S. Army Corporal Edwin C. Martin have returned home, bringing closure to a family that never lost hope. Martin, who died in the early days of the Korean War, was finally laid to rest in West Chester, Ohio, thanks to a recent DNA match that confirmed his identity. The story of his homecoming is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, a powerful reminder of sacrifice, perseverance, and the enduring bonds of family.
Martin was just 17 when he joined the Navy, later enlisting in the Army with his father’s permission. As reported by WLWT, his sister Wanda Sams recalled how limited opportunities in their hometown led him to military service. “Being from a big family, he didn’t have much of an opportunity where we lived,” she said. His selflessness was evident even then—he had planned to save money to buy their father a car so he wouldn’t have to walk to work.
In August 1950, Martin found himself on the front lines of the Korean War. He had just turned 18 when his unit came under enemy fire on August 31. His body was never recovered, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a deep, lingering grief. “He was a bit of a war hero. He saved a lot of guys,” Sams shared. For decades, the only connection she had to her brother was a photograph she kept in her wallet. “Eddie, we never give up hope,” she said. “He’s still the best looking in our family.”
The emotional weight of the story is unmistakable. The mood is solemn but not without moments of joy and gratitude. I found this detail striking: after so many years, the family still referred to Martin with warmth and pride, never letting his memory fade. The discovery of his remains near a village in South Korea, and the positive DNA identification by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, marked the beginning of a long-awaited homecoming.
In April, Sams and her daughter, Cincy Ruby, received the call they had waited a lifetime to hear. “You need to have family members willing to submit DNA,” Ruby explained. That willingness proved crucial in finally identifying Martin’s remains. The news came as a profound moment for the family, especially for Sams and her sister Wilma Rider, the only surviving siblings of Martin’s 13 brothers and sisters.
On Wednesday, Martin’s remains arrived at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, where he was met with a hero’s welcome. The escort to the funeral home in West Chester was a powerful tribute, led by dozens of motorcycles from groups including the Ohio American Legion Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Amvets, and law enforcement agencies. Army veteran James Connelly described the experience as deeply meaningful: “I felt privileged and honored to be able to escort him home. It’s a fantastic feeling. Unless you’ve been in combat, it’s a feeling that you can’t really describe. It’s an honor.”
The procession stood as a collective act of remembrance and respect. Nick Bridge of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association called it “incredible” and “maybe a once-in-a-lifetime thing I’ve been involved with.” For those who participated, it was not just a ceremonial duty but a heartfelt acknowledgment of a fellow soldier’s sacrifice.
Martin’s return serves as a poignant reminder of the many service members who remain unaccounted for. His story highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to recover and identify those lost in past conflicts. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues its mission with the help of families willing to provide DNA samples, ensuring that more veterans can receive the recognition and honor they deserve.
On Saturday, Martin was taken to his final resting place at West Chester Cemetery. As the rain fell, Bridge offered a touching reflection: “We said it would be tears from heaven if it rains today, and we got the tears from heaven.” The sentiment captured the emotional gravity of the moment, underscoring the long journey that brought a soldier home and the enduring love of a family that never gave up.
The return of Corporal Edwin C. Martin is more than a historical footnote; it is a deeply human story of loss, hope, and reunion. His legacy lives on not only through his family but also through the broader community that came together to honor him. For those reflecting on the Korean War, missing veterans, and military homecomings, this story offers a powerful example of what it means to bring one of our own back home.
