Illinois State Police Escorts ‘Missing in Action’ Korean War Veteran Home to Be Laid to Rest in Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2026

BELLEVILLE – After 75 years, the Illinois State Police (ISP) will be escorting U.S. Army Private First-Class (PFC) John Robert Stovall home after being declared Missing in Action during the Korean War. ISP joins Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Metro East community in honoring PFC Stovall as his remains return home after being identified.

PFC Stovall left his hometown of East St. Louis to serve in the Army during the Korean War. In July 1950, at the age of 19, he went missing while serving. For decades his remains lay unidentified and his name remained on the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s (DPAA) list of those who were still missing. In June 2025, the DPAA positively identified his remains. PFC Stovell was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his extraordinary bravery. ​

“As we welcome Private First-Class John Robert Stovall home to Illinois, let us join together to honor his service and ultimate sacrifice,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our U.S. service members embody true bravery in their selfless defense of our nation. We are deeply grateful to all those responsible for bringing PFC Stovall back to his family.”

“We are honored to escort PFC Stovall home,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This young man bravely left his family and friends in East Saint Louis to fight for something bigger than himself. It is our sacred duty to honor his service and ultimate sacrifice and lay him to rest in Illinois.”

“On behalf of the military community in Illinois, we extend our deep gratitude to all those responsible for bringing Private First Class John Robert Stovall back to his family. Our thoughts are with his family, including those who did not live to see this day,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Director of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs. “Within the last two years, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified close to 500 service members previously missing in action. Each of these heroes represent a long waiting military family. We are thankful for these ongoing efforts to fulfill the pledge to leave no U.S. service member behind.”

“After 75 years, Illinois welcomes home one of its own, PFC John Robert Stovall,” said IDVA, Director Terry Prince. “His return reminds us that time does not diminish our obligation to those who served or to the families who have waited for answers. We honor his service and sacrifice, and the dedication of all who worked to bring him home. May his family find comfort in knowing he will finally be at rest, among his fellow veterans, and the gratitude of a nation that has never forgotten him."

On October 27, 2026, PFC. Stovall will arrive at St. Louis Lambert Airport and ISP will escort his body to Kassly Mortuary in Fairview Heights, where the ISP Honor Guard will transfer PFC Stovall from the hearse to the building. On October 29, 2026, PFC. Stovall will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mount Hope Cemetery in Belleville.

ISP welcomes Private Stovall home and honors him for his service.

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