ORANGEBURG, S.C. - On Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, family members, Veteran groups and dignitaries gathered to give a final salute to Pfc. Louis Nelson Crosby, a Korean War Veteran and Orangeburg native who was killed in action during the North Korean conflict. Crosby's remains were accounted for on April 21, 2020.
PRESS RELEASE from Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) – 7/8/2021:
In late 1950, Crosby was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.
On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned into the DPAA laboratory for identification.
To identify Crosby’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.
Crosby’s name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
During Crosby's graveside service at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Orangeburg, the older brother of Pfc. Crosby sat with surviving family members in front of his younger brother's flag-draped casket 70 years later, on what would have been Crosby's 89th birthday.
Henry Crosby, Sr. says his family never gave up hope that his brother's remains would be found after Pfc. Crosby was presumed dead. Crosby's brother was presented with the American flag from the casket and military medals honoring Crosby's service to our Nation.
Retired Army General, and Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, William F. Grimsley, read a letter on behalf of Governor Henry McMaster honoring Pfc. Crosby.
Al Jenkins, the Regional Director for Senator Tim Scott's office also read a letter from Senator Tim Scott and presented the family of Pfc. Crosby with a commemorative plaque.
