A local soldier missing in action from the Korean War for more than 60 years will finally return home.
On Monday the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced that the remains of Army Pfc. George A. Porter, 21, of Philadelphia, have been identified.
On February 11, 1951, Porter took part in the “Battle of Hoengsong,” a battle in which Chinese forces attacked South Korean and American forces. More than 100 men, including Porter, were taken prisoner. After the war his remains were unaccounted for.
From 1991 to 1994, North Korea gave the United State 208 boxes containing the remains of 200 to 400 U.S. servicemen. Documents indicated that some of the human remains were discovered in Suan County, where Porter was believed to be held captive. Among the returned remains was a metal tag with Porter’s name.
Scientists identified Porter by matching his DNA with that of his sister and nephew. Porter’s remains will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. The burial is set to take place on January 27 in Somerton, Pa.
