MIA returning home to Mississippi

GREENWOOD, Miss. - A Mississippi family will hold a funeral on Dec. 13 for a soldier, Army Cpl. Joe T. Avant, who died during the Korean War, and who was identified in September by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in Hawaii. “He will have the same military honors of someone who is killed in war today,” said his younger sister, Delores Moore. Avant was 20 when he was reported missing in action in 1950. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. After the battle, his remains could not be recovered. He was declared dead in 1953. In July, the U.S. received 55 boxes from North Korea containing remains of U.S. service members lost during the war. Avant’s remains were identified. Avant’s remains will arrive at the Jackson airport a few days before the funeral. There will be a ceremony by Army personnel from Fort Polk, La. A convoy of vehicles and the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcycle riders consisting of active and retired military service members, will accompany the hearse from Jackson to Greenwood. Avant deployed in late 1950 and served in the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His unit was part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. (The AP 11/16/19)