8/19/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued a proclamation ordering all U.S. and State flags displayed at State facilities be lowered to half-staff from dawn to dusk on Saturday, August 20, 2011, the day of services for Corporal James Samuel Murray, a Shinnston, W.Va. native.
Murray enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen in 1946. He served in both World War II and the Korean War as a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division. While serving in the Korean War, Corporal Murray was captured and marched with other prisoners to the unmarked Suan Bean Korean prison camp in North Korea. He was mortally wounded, while being held prisoner of war, during an Allied air raid on a North Korean supply depot adjacent to the Suan Bean prison camp on April 22, 1951.
Unidentified remains of United States servicemen were turned over to the United States by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the 1990's. Final identification of Corporal Murray's remains was made in December 2010, through investigation and DNA testing.
"Today we remember Corporal James Samuel Murray and the sacrifice he made for his country so long ago," said Gov. Tomblin. "It is an important reminder that our service men and women work diligently to protect the freedom we enjoy each day. It is my hope that the family of Corporal Murray will take comfort knowing he is now in his proper and final resting place."
Corporal Murray was followed in death by his parents, his brothers, his sisters, a nephew, and a niece. He is survived by an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000