Wisconsin Korean War soldier comes home

The Brillion News

After 70 years, Francis Rochon is being laid to rest where he belongs: at home in Wisconsin.

Governor Tony Evers announced Friday, July 24, that the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin would be flown at half-staff on Saturday, July 25, in honor a recently identified Korean War Soldier whose remains have been returned to Wisconsin for burial. Army Cpl. Francis J. Rochon of Superior is to be buried with full military honors on Saturday, July 25, in Foxboro, Wisconsin, after the U.S. Department of Defense positively identified his remains 70 years after his death.

Rochon was a member of the 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 1, 1950, after fierce fighting near Changnyeong, South Korea. The Army officially declared Rochon deceased on Dec. 31, 1953, and declared his remains non-recoverable Jan. 16, 1956.

Rochon’s unidentified remains were buried at a cemetery in South Korea in January 1951 and reinterred in 1956 to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

He was disinterred in 2018 for possible identification by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

To identify Rochon’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence.

Scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System also used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

Rochon will be buried at Summit Cemetery in Foxboro. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.

~ Source: Governor's Office