After more than 75 years, a Southern Illinois soldier who went missing during the Korean War is finally coming home.
The Illinois State Police will provide an escort for the remains of U.S. Army Private First Class John Robert Stovall, an East St. Louis native who was declared missing in action in July 1950 at just 19 years old.
Stovall left his hometown to serve his country during the Korean War. For decades, his remains went unidentified, and his name remained on the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s list of missing American service members.
In June 2025, the agency positively identified his remains, bringing answers to a family that had waited more than seven decades.
Stovall was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his extraordinary bravery during military service.
The Illinois National Guard, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois State Police are joining the Metro East community in honoring the fallen soldier.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said escorting Stovall home is an honor and part of the state’s responsibility to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Major General Rodney Boyd, commander of the Illinois National Guard, noted that nearly 500 previously missing service members have been identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency within the past two years.
Stovall’s remains are scheduled to arrive at St. Louis Lambert International Airport today (Tuesday). Illinois State Police will escort his remains to Kassly Mortuary in Fairview Heights, where the ISP Honor Guard will conduct a ceremonial transfer.
Stovall will be laid to rest with full military honors on Thursday, October 29, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Belleville.
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Terry Prince said Stovall’s return serves as a reminder that the passage of time does not diminish the nation’s obligation to its fallen service members or their families.