Sgt. Kermit J. LeJeune to return home

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard for Sergeant Kermit J. LeJeune.
Sergeant Kermit J. LeJeune was one of the many unaccounted for soldiers after the Korean War. He was in the US Army, Light Weapons Infantryman, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. His awards include: Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.
He was taken as a prisoner of war while fighting the enemy in the battle zone of Chongchon Ricer, North Korea on November 28, 1950, and died while a prisoner on March 31, 1951. His death occurred at Camp #5 of malnutrition, and he was buried there. His family received official notification that he was missing in action in January, 1951.
Sgt. LeJeune was a resident of the Richard community, the son of Lorenza and Aurore LeJeune, and was a graduate of Morse High School. He was buried and listed on the Courts of Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii.
MAJ Adrian Massey, Chief, Transitions Section Casualty & Mortuary Affairs Branch, from Fort Knox, KY. and SFC Jason Adams, Casualty Assistant Office, from Fort Polk, LA met with family members gathered at the VFW Post 9903 Hall on October 31 to begin making plans for the transportation of Sergeant Kermit J. LeJeune back home, where he will be honored with a proper burial with his family in St. Edward Catholic Church Cemetery in Richard.
Duhon Funeral Home of Church Point will be in charge of arrangements.