Cpl. Waymon Slaten, identified 74 years after Korean War sacrifice, to be laid to rest in Alabama

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December 5, 2024

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced the identification of U.S. Army Corporal Waymon Slaten, more than seven decades after he died in the Korean War. Slaten, who was just 18 years old when he went missing in action on September 1, 1950, was accounted for on August 14, 2024. His remains will be laid to rest in his hometown of Arab, Alabama, on January 13, 2025.

Cpl. Slaten served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was declared Missing in Action while fighting enemy forces in South Korea and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953.

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) honored Slaten’s legacy in a statement released today, highlighting the young soldier’s bravery and devotion.

“Corporal Waymon Slaten is a true American hero whose courage and sacrifice serve as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom,” Aderholt said. “At just 18 years old, he answered the call to serve his country, enduring unimaginable conditions in a brutal war. The recovery and identification of his remains, after 74 years, brings long-awaited closure and honor to his memory and to his family who have waited decades for this moment.”

Aderholt also commended Slaten’s resilience and faith, referencing a letter the young soldier had written from the battlefield. “His words, penned under dire circumstances, are a powerful testament to his faith and strength in the face of great adversity,” Aderholt noted.

The congressman praised the DPAA and all those who worked to identify Slaten’s remains, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to honoring those who have served and sacrificed.

“As Cpl. Slaten is laid to rest in Arab on January 13; we honor not only his bravery but also the enduring strength of his family, who have carried his memory with them all these years. His life and sacrifice will forever remain a part of the rich military legacy of Alabama and this nation,” Aderholt concluded.

Cpl. Slaten’s homecoming marks the end of a decades-long journey for his family and community, ensuring that his sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.