FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Dozens of veterans, community members and family gathered on Thursday to honor the legacy of Joshua Corruth, a soldier from South Florida who was killed in the Korean War and remained missing for more than seven decades.
Corruth, born Feb. 14, 1930, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1947 and deployed to Korea in 1950. That same year, he was declared missing in action.
He was 20 years old when he died in service to the country.
His remains were recovered three years later near a South Korean village but remained unidentified for more than 70 years.
Recent DNA testing ultimately confirmed his identity through his nephews, bringing long-awaited answers to his family.
“Thank God for science and DNA that they was able to determine through his nephews that (those were) Joshua’s remains,” a family member said during the service.
A funeral service was held this week for Corruth, whose body was recently returned to South Florida.
“Corporal Corruth laid down his life for his country. A lot of you are sleeping tonight safe because of the sacrifice he made all those years ago. Amen,” a speaker said during the ceremony.
Officials also designated the day in his honor.
“I do declare this day Corporal Joshua Corruth Day in the state of Florida,” an official said.
Corruth was originally buried as unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. His remains are now being transferred to the South Florida National Cemetery for final burial.
The Korean War is often referred to as the “Forgotten War,” but family members said Corruth was never forgotten.
“He definitely deserves the honor and everybody is honoring him in a big way,” said Myron Johnson, Corruth’s nephew. “This is above and beyond what I was expecting. Appreciate all the love and support that everyone has shown.”
Corruth will now be laid to rest in South Florida, closing a decades-long search for answers and bringing closure to his family.
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