Corporal Clark E. Worline was given a special final farewell last week in Putnam County. He had been missing in action for over 70 years.
While serving with Charlie Company in 1950, Corporal Worline was reported missing in action (MIA) after a battle against the Chinese People’s Volunteer Force. He was declared dead on December 31, 1953, by the U.S. Army after he was not recorded. After an exchange between the combatant countries the Army received remains of an unknown soldier that had been buried at Prisoner of War Camp 5. Other remains at the camp were identified as from his unit. Based on these historical records and circumstantial evidence it was determined the remains were Corporal Worline.
A motorcycle escort brought Corporal Worline’s remains into Putnam County from Interstate 75 to US 224 in Findlay. Traveling down US 224 the processional went through Gilboa, Ottawa and Kalida, where area residents looked on and waved flags.
In Ottawa the Fire Department used their Ladder truck to hang a flag over the Street.
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The processional ended at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, west of Kalida.
On Thursday a special service was held for Corporal Worline at the funeral home.
Friday a burial was held at Fairview Cemetery, Dupont, with full military honors.
Corporal Worline had been flown into Dayton International Airport before he was transported to the funeral home