Community, family honor Korean War soldier
Waterford — A community and a family gathered Friday morning to lay to rest U.S. Army Sgt. James L. Campbell, honoring his service after six decades.
More than 100 people solemnly stood amid American flags at West Neck Cemetery as a chaplain with the Connecticut Army National Guard declared that: "His sacrifice is not in vain."
Campbell, who grew up in Waterford, was brought Tuesday to the Byles Memorial Home in New London, more than 60 years after he was declared dead during the Korean War.
Campbell initially had been declared missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, following a battle in North Korea.
The Army had notified Campbell's family last month that Campbell, who was posthumously promoted to sergeant, was identified using military records and DNA.
On Friday, he was buried in his hometown with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders held American flags during the ceremony.
U.S. Army Sgt. Jason McInerney presented the flag to his great-grandmother, Doris C. Smith, James Campbell's sister.
Campbell posthumously received the Purple Heart, which was presented earlier Friday to Smith.
After the burial, McInerney, who has served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army, noted that soldiers say to never leave a fallen comrade. Bringing Campbell home to his family after 60 years is "really an amazing honor," he said.
Campbell, who was born in New London in 1932, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949, according to his obituary.
He grew up in Waterford, where he graduated from Great Neck School, attended Chapman Technical School, worked on the family farm and worshiped at the First Baptist Church, according to the obituary.
McInerney said he has seen photos of Campbell and heard stories over the years about his outgoing personality, selflessness, caring for others and sense of humor.
"He had that charming smile," he said. "You see that smile, and he just looks like a movie star."
On Friday morning, firetrucks held up an American flag across Great Neck Road and well-wishers stood outside during the procession.
John Campbell, a nephew of Sgt. Campbell's, said he was happy to see him receive the recognition that he deserved and to know he is finally back home with his family.
John's daughter, Brittany Campbell, said the family would like to thank everyone who supported them this week.
"I think the ceremony was absolutely beautiful. He deserved everything that he got," said Steve Smith, another nephew. He thanked everyone involved, including Byles Memorial Home and the West Neck Cemetery Association.
"It was bittersweet," Smith said about being at the burial with his family. "It's been a long time coming, but we can finally say goodbye, and we can have closure."
Campbell was laid to rest alongside his mother and father in the cemetery, which is near where he grew up.
Day Staff Writer Julia Bergman contributed to this report.
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