Illinois Soldier Jackie Lee Thurman Is Coming Home After 75 Years

After 75 Years, An Illinois Soldier Is Finally Coming Home

This is one of those stories that stops you in your tracks and reminds you of what truly matters.

U.S. Army Corporal Jackie Lee Thurman from Norris City, Illinois, went missing in action in 1950 during the Korean War. He was just 19 years old. And after 75 years, his family just got the call that he has finally been found.

He Lied About His Age to Serve His Country

What makes Jackie's story even more remarkable is that when he first joined the Army, he was only 15 years old and still attending Norris City High School. He lied about his age because he wanted to serve. He was declared missing in action on September 3rd, 1950 after North Korean forces launched an attack against U.N. defensive lines in South Korea.

The Phone Call Nobody Expected

Jackie's brother Ronnie got the call Sunday from officials with the Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab. He initially thought it was a scam.

"Still it didn't dawn on me that it was true because I was figuring like these scam calls will talk to so and so," Ronnie said. But when the caller never asked for money, something shifted. "I began to believe then that he was really coming home."

And then it really hit him.

"You know I didn't think until I hung up, but he kept saying he's gonna come home, he's coming home. And so after I hung up I thought about it for a little while and I thought, 'My god, my brother is coming home.'"

The Memories That Never Faded

Jackie's childhood friend Maurice Capen says the news brought back memories he has held onto for decades. "Jackie and I roller skated on clamp on roller skates to Carmi on route one," Capen recalled. "We was going to the fair. 13 miles up there and 13 miles back."

Those are the kinds of memories that never leave you and now Jackie's memory can finally be honored the way he always deserved.

A Mother Who Never Stopped Waiting

Perhaps the most emotional part of this entire story is what Ronnie shared about their mother. She lived to be 100 years old and never stopped waiting for Jackie to come home.

"I think basically what kept her going was the idea that he was going to come home. So she was always awaiting for him," Ronnie said.

She waited her entire life. And while she didn't get to see this day, there is something deeply beautiful about what happens next.

He's Coming Home

Jackie Lee Thurman will be buried right next to his mother at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Norris City, Illinois. After 75 years, this family will finally be reunited.

We are so grateful for Jackie's service and sacrifice. Welcome home, Corporal Thurman.