Taro Leaf Solider Returns Home After 66 years

From the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
24th Infantry Division Army Sgt. Philip J. Iyotte, killed and captured during the Korean War, has now been accounted for.

In February 1951, Iyotte was a member of Company E, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, assigned under 8th Army. Iyotte was declared missing in action on Feb. 9, 1951, when he was captured by Chinese forces during Operation Thunderbolt, which took place from January 25 to February 1. Operation Thunderbolt’s objective was to conduct a reconnaissance in forces across the 8th Army front, to advance 30 miles to the south bank of the Han River. Sometime during the engagement, Iyotte was captured and moved to Camp 1 and Changsong.

Iyotte's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

This story in the South Dakota Rapid City Journal details Iyotte’s long journey home.
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/lost-lakota-warrior-s-remains-returning-home/article_35ef7932-84c1-56d8-95b9-aae75be0f2bb.html

Dera, left, and Eva Iyotte, of White River, will soon be welcoming home 24th ID Army Sgt. Philip Iyotte, Eva's brother and Dera's uncle, after he went missing during the Korean War 66 years ago. Photo by Hannah Hunsinger, Rapid City Journal staff.