Fallen Korean War POW Returns Home to Massachusetts

ARLINGTON, MA — Sixty-five years after he went missing in action in Korea, a fallen POW returned home to Massachusetts Tuesday.

Cpl. Ronald Sparks' remains landed at Boston's Logan Airport at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, and the procession later stopped in Cambridge on its way to Arlington's DeVito Funeral Home. Residents of both Cambridge and Arlington lined the streets to honor the fallen hero.

"I'm tremendously proud to see all the residents lining the streets, the American flags and the support from the police and fire departments," Jeff Chunglo, Arlington's Director of Veterans Services told reporters outside of the DeVito Funeral Home. "We should honor everyone that serves. It's also extremely important to pay honor and respect to our fallen."

A returning prisoner of war reported that Sparks died while in captivity at POW Camp 1, Changsong, North Korea, on May 26, 1951. Sparks went missing in action in the area of Hoengsong, Republic of Korea, while his unit was clearing a road block held by the opposing forces.

The military was able to match Sparks' DNA with that of an unknown soldier buried in Hawaii. The U.S. Army was able to positively identify his remains through a 100 percent DNA match.

"Thank God for DNA," Chunglo said."Without that technology, we wouldn't be here today and Cpl. Sparks would be in an unmarked grave in Hawaii instead of back home with his family today."

Upon hearing about Sparks' return home, Disabled Vietnam War Veteran and Arlington resident Robert Powers knew he had to do something to show his support.

"I just have to let people know, especially the surviving family members, that people do care," Powers told Patch."They appreciate the sacrifice that this young man made."

Sparks, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, is reported to have died at the age of 20. Powers felt a special connection as someone who was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served in Vietnam in 1969.

"When I went in 1969 I told my brother 'If I come home in a box, make sure its me. I don't want to be stuck in a jungle camp with people thinking I'm dead,'" Powers said. "With me it really struck an emotional chord. That's why I'm here today."

A wake for Sparks will be held on Aug. 18 at the DeVito Funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Graveside services will be conducted on Aug. 19 at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Chunglo said it was a private time for Sparks' family, but added they were tremendously grateful that he is now home.

"I always thought I was the only Vietnam War veteran in the family," Powers said, talking about the burden family members of vets share. "But it's the siblings and the family who are stressed out too. I know how my mother and father felt when I was over there, and it took me years to figure out that I'm not the only Vietnam veteran in the family."

Photo Credits: Joe Lipovich (Patch Staff), and the Arlington Police Department