By Stephan Saunders
An American flag, tightly folded, was placed in the hands of the son and daughter of a Korean War soldier as his remains were finally laid to rest, ending a 60-year mystery.
On April 27, Army Sgt. 1st Class James Caldwell’s remains were buried in American soil. Caldwell was killed in 1950 during the Korean War, but was listed for decades as missing in action. Caldwell’s wife, Helen, died in 1978, holding hope until her last days her husband would return home according to her son.
Caldwell’s two children, Johnston Caldwell and Kimm Dybowski, who were toddlers when their father left for Korea, expressed relief and gratitude in the identification of their father’s remains. “He’s in a better place. He’s home,” Dybowski said.
Caldwell’s remains were among hundreds found in 208 boxes turned over to the United States by North Korea in the early 90s. Through records of where the remains were found, military ID tags, dental records and DNA testing, Caldwell’s remains were eventually identified after many years.
Nearly 100 men and women from various veteran service organizations attended the funeral, held at Greenwood Cemetery, which is located behind the north side of the Daytona State College main campus. These veterans came to show their respect, lining the road of the cemetery with American flags and serving as an honor guard to carry the casket.
Senior Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Ron Cleary organized a six-motorcycle group adorned with American flags to escort the motorcade from the funeral home to Greenwood. “I didn’t know him, but I don’t need to. It’s an honor to be here and pay my respects,” Cleary said.
The funeral closed with the local commander of the Korean War Veterans Association, Bob McGuire, reading a letter addressed to Caldwell. Speaking of Caldwell’s “valor” and “sacrifice.” McGuire gave Caldwell’s children the Ambassador of Peace award in honor of their father. Ending the letter, McGuire’s voice broke, “You will always be our hero.”