[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN U.S. ARMY SOLDIER JULIUS E. McKINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Army 
Sergeant Julius E. McKinney who paid the ultimate sacrifice while 
defending our nation during the Korean War. SGT McKinney was a member 
of the Heavy Mortar Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry 
Division. While engaged in heavy battle at the Chosin Reservoir in 
North Korea on December 2, 1950, SGT McKinney became unaccounted for 
and was later declared Missing in Action.
  Many years after the Korean War, permission to excavate burial sites 
in the areas where fighting occurred around the Chosin Reservoir led to 
the recovery of human remains. More years would pass before the use of 
DNA technology would help unite families with their loved ones. Eight 
years ago, retired Mississippi State Guard Colonel Bill Huff, SGT 
McKinney's nephew, submitted DNA samples along with two relatives to 
the U.S. Army. In March 2018, SGT McKinney's remains were identified. 
``For 67 years, we waited for answers,'' Mr. Huff said. ``It has been 
so hard for all of us in the family. It was hardest on our uncle's 
youngest sister, Effie. For years, she would not eat much for fear her 
brother was starving. She would remove the bed cover at night because 
she worried that her brother was shivering somewhere.''
  On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, members of the Patriot Guard Riders 
escorted members of the family to the Memphis International Airport to 
bring SGT McKinney's remains to Corinth, Mississippi. Friends and loved 
ones attended the funeral. Internment was held at the Corinth National 
Cemetery. SGT McKinney was buried with full military honors. Mr. Huff 
recently said the family finally has closure. ``We are so grateful that 
DNA technology helped us find Uncle Julius,'' Mr. Huff said. ``We will 
share our story with the public every chance we get in hopes that 
others will not give up on the search for their loved ones.''
  Joyce Tanner, SGT McKinney's niece, expressed her gratitude in a 
written tribute to her uncle. ``We are thankful the U.S. Army did not 
abandon their search for you until they were able to find and identify 
portions of your body after 67 years,'' Mrs. Tanner wrote. ``They have 
pieced together records and information that has brought a sense of 
rest and peace to our hearts, minds, and souls. And to them, we are 
forever grateful for their diligent efforts.''
  SGT McKinney's awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense 
Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal and the 
Combat Infantryman's Badge.
  SGT McKinney's service will always be remembered. It is through the 
blood of our patriots that we are free.

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