Korean War Vet's Remains Returned to US After 75 Years, But Brother Still Missing

The Patton family sent three sons to Korea, but only one has been accounted for so far.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:40pm

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After 75 years, the family of Korean War veteran Marvin Silvester Patton was finally able to lay him to rest in a proper burial ceremony after the US Army identified and returned his remains to Virginia. However, Patton's older brother, Pfc. Johnny Lee Patton, who also died in the war, has still not been found.

Why it matters

The return of Cpl. Patton's remains after decades provides some closure for his family, but the continued absence of his brother's remains highlights the ongoing efforts to account for all those who went missing during the Korean War. This story reflects the long-lasting impact of war on families and the importance of the US government's commitment to never leaving a service member behind.

The details

Cpl. Marvin Silvester Patton went missing in action in 1950 while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was declared presumptively dead in 1956. After 75 years, his remains were officially accounted for in 2025 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) through forensic science, historical records, and family DNA. Patton's older brother, Pfc. Johnny Lee Patton, died as a prisoner of war the same year, but his remains have never been recovered.

  • Marvin Patton enlisted in the Army on January 4, 1949.
  • Marvin Patton went missing in action on July 5, 1950.
  • Marvin Patton was declared presumptively dead in 1956.
  • Marvin Patton's remains were officially accounted for on August 1, 2025.
  • Marvin Patton was buried with full military honors on March 9, 2026.

The players

Marvin Silvester Patton

A Korean War veteran from Virginia who went missing in action in 1950 and whose remains were finally returned to his family 75 years later.

Johnny Lee Patton

Marvin Patton's older brother, who also served in the Korean War and died as a prisoner of war in 1950, but whose remains have never been recovered.

Carl Roger Patton

The third brother in the Patton family who was ordered home by the Army after the family had already lost so much.

Edna Mae Patton

The mother of the three Patton brothers who waited decades to have her son Marvin's remains returned home.

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)

The US government agency that uses forensic science, historical records, and family DNA to identify and return the remains of missing service members.

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What they’re saying

“We had happy tears and we got sad tears. But mostly happy because we finally get to bring him home. It's an honor to bring Uncle Marvin home.”

— Susan Bartlett, Niece of Marvin Patton

“Dear Mama and all, just a few lines to let you hear from me. I'm just fine and hope you are all the same. Fine I hope.”

— Marvin Silvester Patton

“Knowing that she is able to fulfill something for her mom and dad — to bring him home.”

— Judy Remines, Niece of Marvin Patton

“We are so honored to be welcoming home this Korean War Hero, and so grateful for the extraordinary sacrifice of the Patton family. Bringing Corporal Patton back to Virginia 75 years after his death demonstrates our nation's commitment to never leaving a service person behind.”

— John Maxwell, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

What’s next

The family is now counting on the DPAA to continue their efforts to locate and return the remains of Marvin Patton's brother, Pfc. Johnny Lee Patton, who also died in the Korean War.

The takeaway

This story highlights the long-lasting impact of war on families and the importance of the US government's commitment to accounting for all missing service members, even decades later. While the return of Cpl. Patton's remains provides some closure, the continued absence of his brother's remains underscores the ongoing work required to fulfill this solemn promise.