Remains Of Oklahoma Soldier Killed In Korean War Returned Home

An Oklahoma solider killed in the Korean War will be laid to rest 70 years later. Jim Gardner in Bob Mills Sky News 9 was above Will Rogers World Airport Tuesday afternoon as the soldier’s remains were un-boarded. News 9's Sylvia Corkill has the story.

Tuesday, October 20th 2020, 10:38 pm



An Oklahoma solider killed in the Korean War will be laid to rest 70 years later.

Jim Gardner in Bob Mills Sky News 9 was above Will Rogers World Airport Tuesday afternoon as the soldier’s remains were un-boarded.

Army Sergeant. Kenneth E. Walker was just 19 years old when he was killed.

With an American flag draped over his casket Walker was finally welcomed home.

“It's really a celebration for the family. it's such an honor that they went through so much trouble,” said Deborah Myatt, Kenneth Walker’s niece.               

Walker was greeted by emotional family members and even strangers who volunteered to escort the soldier home to Madill, near the Oklahoma-Texas line.

“To me, it kind of brings a joy like yes, another soldier gets to come home,” said Ken Morse.                   

Walker was just 17 when he enlisted in 1948. He was 19 when his unit was attacked by enemy forces in North Korea.

He was reported missing in action.

“It would be horribly sad to know someone died, but to not know where they are,” said Myatt.

Walker's nieces and nephews never met their uncle, but recall the fond memories shared by loved ones.

“He was the only blue eyed of six children so, that's what the grandmother talked about,” said Myatt.

“He hit him twice one time and before he could even put his hands back down, he come up and busted his lip. My dad still had a scar from where he hit him twice!!” said nephew Doug Walker.                

Walker's remains were turned over by North Korea July 27, 2018 and Tuesday he made his long-awaited journey home.

“To me, it's like the book on his life, and his family has always been missing a couple pages at the end and this gives them a chance to finish those final pages,” said Morse,   

More than 7,600 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Korean War.

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