Korean War veteran John Stovall returns to Illinois after 75 years

U.S. Army Private First Class John Stovall is returning to his home state of Illinois after being identified 75 years after going missing in action during the Korean War. Stovall, originally from East St. Louis, went missing in July 1950 at the age of 19.

His remains were positively identified in June 2025 by the Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA). Stovall was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his bravery during his service.

The Illinois State Police will escort his remains home, with participation from Governor J.B. Pritzker, the Illinois National Guard, and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Local officials have expressed deep gratitude to those responsible for the identification and repatriation of the veteran.