On March 4, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) addressed members of the Illinois Senate to recognize Corporal William Lee Brown, a Benton-native killed in action during the Korean War.
Having been recorded as missing in action for over 70 years, Corporal Brown’s remains were just recently recovered and returned to his family.
Corporal Brown’s sister, Clarice Burchell, was accompanied by her son and his wife, Mike and Lori Burchell, as they joined Sen. Fowler on the floor to honor his legacy and service.
“Corporal Brown is a true American hero, making the ultimate sacrifice in service and defense of his nation,” said Sen. Fowler. “I hope that after having gone so long with the uncertainty of what happened, the identification, recovery and recognition of Corporal Brown and his legacy brings comfort and peace to his family.”