The MND Agency for KIA Recovery & Identification (MAKRI) said on the 15th that it had recovered and identified the remains of Private Cho Cha-sang, who was killed in action during the 1950-53 Korean War, and handed them over to his surviving family.
Born in 1930 as the eldest of nine siblings — seven boys and two girls — Cho enlisted in July 1950 after the war broke out and was assigned to the Army's 6th Division. He was killed in action in August that year during the Battle of Gunwi-Uiheung.
In that battle, the 7th Regiment of the Army's 6th Division defended against attacks by the North Korean 1st and 8th divisions in the Misa-ri area of Hyoryeong-myeon, Gunwi County, Daegu, from Aug. 13 to Aug. 28, 1950.
Cho's remains were recovered in June 2010 from Hill 490 on Maebongsan in Jungguri, Gunwi County. His identity was confirmed recently following DNA analysis.
A "Return of the Heroes" ceremony was held the same day at the home of Cho's younger sister, Cho Ok-ran, 80, in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, where the remains of the war veteran were handed over to the family.
"When I heard they had found my brother's remains, my heart trembled so much I couldn't sleep," the sister said. "When our mother passed away, she left a dying wish that I, of all people, must find my brother's remains and have him buried at a national cemetery. I am grateful that we have been able to find him like this."