It's a homecoming nearly 60 years in the making. An Ozarks soldier shipped off to the Korean War and like many didn't return. KOLR/KSFX has an exclusive report with a family who, after more than half a century, is finally getting some closure.

The military says soldiers fighting in 1950 after North Korea invaded the South usually fought without artillery, heavy mortar or air support. Army Sergeant Charles "Leo" Wilson, from the Ozarks, was one of those soldiers. While most of his family has passed away, knowing he died on the battlefield, it's family here today who get to finally lay him to rest.

"I remember this guy in a uniform that laughed a lot," explains Linda Chamberlain. Sgt. Wilson's niece. She only has a handful of memories of her Uncle. "I was always supposedly his pick," she adds jokingly.  When Chamberlain was four Wilson was shipped off to the Korean war. "I remember a car pulling up in front of our house there were two men in uniforms and they came to the door. All I remember is mom crying and we had to go to the neighbors house," adds Chamberlain.
In November 1950, five months after North Korea invaded the south, Sgt. Wilson went missing.

For nearly 60 years, Wilson's family has accepted that his final resting place was in Korea but Chamberlain had different plans. "I wanted them to find him, but its been a long time," adds Chamberlain.
She sent pictures , donated blood DNA, then the call came. "She said we have identified your uncle," explains Chamberlain.

The military says Sgt. Wilson's remains were found in 2000 by a north Korean farmer who was tilling soil.  Only with help of Chamberlain could they be identified. "It's been almost breathtaking, I have laughed I have been thrilled and I have cried and been sad," adds Chamberlain.

 Sgt.  Wilson was a decorated soldier he received more than five medals, two bronze stars, and the purple heart. "We knew him so well without knowing him and its great to have him home," adds Chamberlain.  On Saturday, Sgt. Wilson is finally getting a funeral with full military honors.  Instead of Arlington cemetery, he'll lay in a family plot in Ava, back home in the country he fought and died for.

Between 1991 and 1994, North Korea gave the US 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of nearly 400 serviceman. Linda Chamberlain hopes this story will inspire others to find their lost soldiers.