Southern Illinois soldier honored

An area legislator has paid tribute to a Southern Illinois soldier who died while in service to the nation.

On March 4, State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, addressed members of the Illinois Senate in Springfield to recognize Cpl. William Lee Brown, a Benton native who was killed in action during the Korean War.

Having been recorded as missing in action for over 70 years, Cpl. Brown’s remains were just recently recovered and returned to his family.

Cpl. Brown’s sister, Clarice Burchell, was accompanied by her son and his wife, Mike and Lori Burchell, as they joined 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,” Fowler said. 

“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.”