Oscar Linwood Sprague was killed in action, in Korea, Sept. 3, 1950.

Oct. 19, 1942, Oscar enlisted in the United States Army, during World War II – at the age of 15. His youth was eventually discovered, and he was honorably discharged March 15, 1943. During his discharge he also received instructions to re-enlist when he came of age. Determined to serve his country, on Feb. 13, 1948, Oscar re-enlisted in the United States Army.

Oscar was declared Missing In Action (MIA) Sept. 3, 1950. His remains were recovered from a shallow grave, from the Naktong region Sept. 11, 1951. Because no identification or identifying marks were found, Oscar’s remains were deemed unknown and later transported for internment in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Oct. 7, 2019, Oscar’s remains were sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) laboratory for scientific analysis. He was finally identified April 23, 2025, and able to come home to his family. After 75 years from the day of his disappearance, Oscar will be buried with his parents.

Oscar’s awards include: The Bronze Star with V device; Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star attachment; Combat Infantry Badge; United Nations Service Medal; and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

All are welcome at a graveside service to begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3, Evergreen Cemetery, Route 1, Milbridge, Maine.

Ride Captain:

Mike “Swaybar” Edgecomb
[email protected]

Instructions: