Little Rock to Welcome Fallen Veteran Home
The remains of Corporal Delmor W. Erwin will return to Little Rock on October 9, 2026, for a final memorial service.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Military
Corporal Delmor W. Erwin, who died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines in 1942, will return to Little Rock on October 9, 2026. Forensic identification efforts have finally allowed the 20-year-old veteran to be brought home for a proper burial after 84 years.
Why it matters
The return of Corporal Erwin provides long-awaited closure for a soldier who survived the Bataan Death March before losing his life at age 20. His journey highlights the enduring commitment to identifying and honoring service members lost in historical conflicts.
Corporal Erwin was 20 years old at the time of his death in 1942 and received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. The memorial service is set for October 15, 2026, featuring a 21-gun salute at 2:30 p.m.
The players
Delmor W. Erwin
He was a corporal in the United States military who survived the Bataan Death March and died while a prisoner of war in 1942.
Patriot Guard Riders
This is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts who provide escorts for fallen military heroes and first responders.
Geyer Springs First Baptist Church
This is a community religious institution in Little Rock that will host the memorial service for Corporal Erwin.
The details
Advances in forensic science made it possible to identify the remains of the corporal, who died while held as a prisoner of war following his survival of the Bataan Death March. Local authorities, including the State Police and the Patriot Guard Riders, will escort his remains from the airport to the funeral home to ensure a dignified process.
Timeline
Corporal Delmor W. Erwin died on November 26, 1942.
The remains are scheduled to arrive at the airport on October 9, 2026.
A visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. on October 15, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 15, 2026.
A 21-gun salute will take place at 2:30 p.m. on October 15, 2026.
Political Context
The return of Corporal Erwin follows the established protocols of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's identification programs. This effort highlights the ongoing national commitment to identifying and repatriating service members lost during the Second World War.
The return of these remains will involve an escort by state police, which may cause minor traffic adjustments near the airport and along the route to the funeral home. Residents in the area of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church should be aware of a planned 21-gun salute occurring at 2:30 p.m. on October 15.
The takeaway
The return of Corporal Erwin serves as a reminder of the historical sacrifices made by young soldiers in the Pacific Theater. It emphasizes the importance of modern science in providing closure to families decades after a loss occurred.
Further reading
For more information on local service members, visit the Little Rock Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KLRT - FOX16.com.
