Korean War Veteran’s Remains Returned Home To Oklahoma After 70 Years MIA

After more than 70 years, an Oklahoma soldier who was killed in action in the Korean War is back home.

It was a heavy, bittersweet moment on the tarmac Tuesday afternoon when Private First-Class Bill Hobbs' remains landed in Oklahoma. It was particularly touching for his brother, Charles Hobbes.

"I never thought that this would ever happen," Charles said.

Bill's niece Jeannie Harrington said he was lost in Korea in 1950. He was reported MIA in November of that year after his unit was attacked by enemy forces at the battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

Decades later, his remains would be found and brought to Pearl Harbor. He was identified in part thanks to Charles’ matching DNA sample.

Now back in Green Country, Bill can finally be laid to rest in Coffeyville, Kansas near his hometown of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma.

"I'm glad to have him back in the states," Charles said.

This reunion is long overdue, but for Charles it's never too late to honor his lost brother and all the other veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"They fought for our country, and we should honor them, because they honored us," Charles said.

Nearly 40 Patriot Guard riders came to pay their respects and escorted the family as they drove from the airport.

Bill will be laid to rest beside his mother at the Restlawn Cemetery in Coffeyville on Saturday.