PFC Joe Elmore, of Bowling Green, was killed in action in December 1950

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 1, 2018) - Gov. Matt Bevin today recognized the sacrifice of a Kentucky soldier who died in the Korean War, but whose remains have just been positively identified and are in the process of being returned to his family in Bowling Green.

Private First Class Joe Stanton Elmore, 20, died on December 2, 1950 in Changjim County, Hamgyeong Province, North Korea. A member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, PFC Elmore was one of approximately 2,500 U.S. and 700 Republic of Korea soldiers assigned to the 31st Regimental Combat Team, also known as Task Force MacLean and later as Task Force Faith. PFC Elmore was reported missing on December 2, 1950, following an engagement that occurred in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir.

The return home of PFC Elmore's remains is the culmination of a 23-year-long effort to identify remains first repatriated by the People's Republic of Korea in 1995. The identification of repatriated remains often requires years, if not decades, of detailed examination and meticulous forensic analysis.

Service arrangements for the soldier are not yet complete. Gov. Bevin will order flags lowered to half-staff in honor of PFC Elmore on the date of his interment, and encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.