Remains of Korean War hero identified 73 years later

The 73-year-old remains of an American Korean War veteran have been identified, the United States and South Korea revealed Wednesday.

The joint announcement by President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol identified the remains as belonging to Cpl. Luther H. Story, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1951 for his “conspicuous gallantry during heavy combat” near the Pusan ​​Perimeter in South Korea in September 1950, according to the White House.

“The supreme sacrifice and heroism of Corporal Luther Story exemplify the freedom, security and prosperity enjoyed by the people of South Korea today,” the White House said.

The story was among 652 soldiers whose remains were exhumed in 2021 for DNA, dental and anthropological analysis, the statement said.

On Tuesday evening, Yoon, Biden and their spouses visited the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC. There they met Story's niece, Judy Wade, and her husband, Joseph Wade.

Biden will host Yoon at a state dinner on Wednesday evening and the South Korean president is expected to address Congress on Thursday.

South Korea, a key strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region, recently decided to step up joint security efforts with the United States as neighboring countries try to counter China's increased aggression in the region. . The country has also strengthened its relationship with Japan by restoring its trade status, strengthening its vital partnerships as China apparently prepares to invade Taiwan.

Remains of Korean War hero identified 73 years later originally appeared on abcnews.go.com