URBANA, Ohio — With dozens of veterans, National Guard soldiers, and spectators lining the street, Cpl. Charles Hiltibran made his last journey home to Champaign County. 

After 70 years of missing in action, the Korean War veteran received a hero’s welcome, as his community prepared to lay him to rest. 

Hiltibran was 19 when he served in the Korean Conflict, one of thousands of Americans who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, but on Dec. 2, 1950, a week into fighting, he was reported missing.

Cpl. Charles Hiltibran went missing in 1950. (Submitted photo)

Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

Like thousands of soldiers unaccounted for in North Korea, there was little chance he’d ever make it home, but following a 2018 summit between former President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, Hiltibran’s was among the remains turned over to the U.S. government. 

He was later identified and the Urbana Veterans of Foreign War chapter began planning his return to Champaign County.

“It’s an honor, a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Craig Bennett, a member of the VFW color guard, said. “There’s not many times that you can get a 70-year-old war where we get remains back from one of those wars and we are honored to be here for Mr. Hiltibran.”

Bennett said he wanted Hiltibran to receive the reception and honors he should have gotten 70 years ago, so the VFW planned an escort and full military funeral, asking any local veterans or dignitaries to attend.

“Our veteran’s organization is very proud of our veterans and what we’ve all done,” he said. “He deserves this welcome home.”

On Friday, there will be a public viewing for Hiltibran at the Walter and Lewis Funeral Home in Urbana from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral will take place at the Urbana VFW on Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Dale Cemetery.

All events will be open to the public.