Korean War soldier returns home

JACKSON TWP. — A soldier returned to their Putnam County home Tuesday after being reported missing during the Korean War over 70 years ago. Corporal Clark E. Worline was only 20 years old when he served in the U.S. Army during an occupation in Korea and his battalion reported him missing after a battle against the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces in 1950. The Honorable Transfer of Remains started from Dayton International Airport and a procession traveled along I-75 to U.S. 224 through Ottawa and Kalida, en route to Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Jackson Township. The military declared Worline dead in 1953. No witness accounts or other records have been identified, but it's possible Worline was captured and marched to a prisoner of war camp near the Yalu River in Pyoktong, North Korea. The Chinese People's Volunteer Forces returned remains recovered from the prisoner camp in Pyoktong during an exchange of dead between combatant countries of the Korean War known as Operation Glory. In August 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the presence of two other soldiers from Worline's unit, which established the possibility Worline could've died there without his presence or death being noted. In September 2022, it was determined the remains belonged to Worline. Worline returned home just three days before what would've been his 93rd birthday. A visitation service will be hosted at the funeral home, 16085 Ohio 634, Fort Jennings, from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday. A memorial service at the funeral home, followed by military honors at the Fairview Cemetery in Dupont, will take place Friday.