MILBRIDGE, Maine — A Maine veteran who died more than 70 years ago has finally been laid to rest in his hometown of Milbridge.
Army Cpl. Oscar Linwood Sprague’s remains were only officially identified in April and were transported back to Maine last week.
“It’s nice to have him back home,” said Sprague’s sister, Bernice Thompson.
According to his obituary, Sprague was killed in action in Korea on Sept. 3, 1950. He had been declared “missing in action” during the Korean War in September 1950. His remains were recovered in 1951, but could not be identified at the time.
According to his obituary, Sprague is survived by four sisters: Bernice Thompson, Betty Vance, Charlene Seavey and Shirley Thompson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
“We’ve been waiting for a long, long time to find him and bring him back home,” Thompson said. “If only mom and dad could be here to see it, they would love it.”
Sprague was buried with his parents Wednesday at the Evergreen Cemetery in Milbridge.
“I know mom used to sit in the recliner in the living room — in front of the kitchen window,” Thomspon told reporters following the ceremony. “And she would just hope that she could see him come across the bridges and walking up the road,” she added.
In July 2018, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency proposed a plan to disinter 652 “Korean War Unknowns,” according to a release from the agency.
Sprague’s remains were sent to the DPAA laboratory for scientific analysis in 2019, years after being transported for internment in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to his obituary.
“Funerals are typically a sad and solemn occasion,” said Cynthia Weiland. funeral director for Bragdon Kelley Funeral Homes. “And this story is a sad story, this funeral, however, has an overwhelming component of joy due to the fact that Corporal Oscar Linwood Sprague has come home to rest with his family after 75 years.”
Sprague has been given several recognitions for his service, including the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star attachment and the Good Conduct Medal, among others.
“It gives everybody hope,” Maine National Guard Sgt. First Class Alan Dill said. “This is from 75 years ago, and we still are making the effort to bring soldiers home. That’s what’s important to us.”
Family, veterans and members of the public paid their respects at Sprague’s ceremony Wednesday.
“As the saying goes, all gave some, but some gave all,” the Rev. Gregory Hewitt said. “Oscar gave all.”
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