Breckinridge County KyArchives Obituaries.....SIPES, Robert J., Jr. November 30, 1950
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Peggy Russell meemawpeg7@gmail.com December 20, 2018, 1:51 pm

Breckinridge County Herald-News, Hardinsburg, Ky., Wednesday, November 21, 2018
OBITUARY, Page 5, Columns 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5
IRVINGTON SOLDIERS REMAINS IDENTIFIED 68 YEARS LATER

Frankfort, Kentucky: Gov. Matt Bevin recently recognized the sacrifice of a 
Kentucky soldier who died in the Korean War, but whose remains have just 
been positively identified, and are in the process of being returned to his 
family in Irvington.
     Army Private Robert J. SIPES, Jr., age 19, died November 30, 1950, was 
accounted for October 13, 2018, and will be buried in his hometown on 
Wednesday, December 5, 2018.
     In November 1950, SIPES was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 7th 
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.  He was killed in action November 
30, 1950, during heavy fighting between the Chinese People's Volunteer 
Forces (CPVF), and the 7th Cavalry Regiment near the village of Unsan, North 
Korea.  His remains were processed through a 7th Cavalry Regiment Collection 
Station on December 1, 1950, and interred at the United Nations Military 
Cemetery (UNMC), Pyongyang December 2, 1950.
     On August 17, 1954, the United Nations Command (UNC) and North Korea, 
along with CPVF (Chinese People's Volunteer Forces) reached an agreement 
regarding the recovery and return of war dead.  The agreement, known as 
Operation Glory, resulted in the turnover of 4,200 sets of remains to the 
UNC (United Nations Command), including more than 400 sets reportedly 
disinterred from Pyongyang.  One set of remains, designated N-16678, could 
not be identified, and was subsequently interred at the National Memorial 
Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu (known as the Punchbowl), as an unknown.
     In June 2017, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) disinterred 
Unknown X-16678 for identification.  To identify SIPES' remains, scientists 
from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used Mitochondrial 
DNA (mtDNA) analysis, dental, anthropological, and chest Radiograph 
comparison analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. 
Service arrangements for PVT. SIPES are not yet complete.


Breckinridge County Herald-News, Hardinsburg, Ky., Wednesday, December 12, 
2018, Page 5, Columns 1 & 2.
SOLDIER'S REMAINS LAID TO REST AFTER 68 YEARS

     American flags were presented along the roadway as a procession 
traveled from Alexander Funeral Home in Irvington to Bethel Cemetery in 
Bewleyville.  After waiting more than 60 years, the remains of Robert J. 
SIPES, Jr. finally returned home.
     SIPES was only 19 years old when he was killed in action in the Korean 
War in 1950. He and two hundred other soldiers were buried in North Korea 
for two years before being removed and reburied in unmarked graves in the 
National Cemetery of the Pacific (informally known as Punchbowl Cemetery).
     In November of this year, using DNA samples from SIPES' family, his 
remains were finally identified.  His funeral with full Military Honors, was 
held Wednesday, December 5, 2018, and the Irvington Police and Fire 
Department escorted the progression to the cemetery.  A 21 gun salute and 
taps were played for the fallen hero as he was laid to rest next to his 
parents.


Breckinridge County Herald-News, Hardinsburg, Ky., Wednesday, December 19, 
2018, Page 5
                           "THANK YOU"
To the many people who took part in bringing our brother home from the 
Korean War after 68 years, we thank you.
We can't name all of you, but you know who you are.
The memorial service was wonderful and the food was great.
We wish for each of you a Happy, Healthy New Year.
SISTERS: Anna PRIEST, Mildred SMITH, and Charlotte WRIGHT


Additional Comments:
I believe his full name is Robert Jefferson SIPES, Jr.  He has a Memorial 
tombstone at the #0012 Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 
located 3 miles east of Bewleyville, Ky. in Breckinridge County on Highway 
333.  I've been to this cemetery twice, and I have a picture of Robert, Jr 
and Sr's tombstones.  I am a SIPES researcher, but I do not belong to this 
line of the family.
God Bless this young man.  He is finally home.
Peggy Russell

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