OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An Oklahoma family finally has closure more than 70 years after a solider vanished in the Korean War.
Army Corporal Jesse “Leroy” Mitchell of Shawnee was a prisoner of war when he died in North Korea in 1951. He disappeared during an attack in December 1950.
His remains were finally identified and brought back to Oklahoma Tuesday.
McIntyre Law Chopper 4 was over Will Rogers International Airport when the plane carrying Mitchell’s remains landed, receiving a two-cannon salute on the runway.
His family tearfully watched as a casket, draped with an American flag, was lowered.
"I'm happy and I'm sad,” said Daniel “Leroy” Mitchell, named after his uncle. “I'm sad that my grandparents can't be here, but I'm happy that he is home."
Daniel spent more than a decade trying to track down his uncle’s remains.
"One of my goals in life was I was going to help bring him home," said Daniel.
He found a group called Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency or DPAA, which works to identify remains of missing military members. Daniel and his father, who was Mitchell’s brother, provided DNA samples.
"That was in 2015. Nothing there,” said Daniel. “In 2016, my father died and he was one of the reasons why I wanted to try to bring Leroy home."
Finally, after years of testing, there was a positive match.
"When that plane actually touched down, I felt I kind of got emotional," said Sgt. First Class Michael Masters, Oklahoma Army National Guard, who presented the family with the Purple Heart and Korean Prisoner of War medals.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders of Oklahoma honored Mitchell’s return. Several members rode in the procession on their flag-covered motorcycles.
"It's important to show the respect and to honor these folks, men and women, that not only gave their lives for this country, but stepped up to help defend this country," said Jimmy Gaines, assistant state captain for Patriot Guard Riders of Oklahoma. The body was escorted to Walker Funeral Home in Shawnee where Mitchell will be memorialized Monday, October 14 and laid to rest. The family of this decorated hero said it was never too late for closure.
To learn more about DPAA, click here.
