Flags at half-staff for fallen Missouri Soliders

Flags at all state government building across Missouri will be at half-staff Saturday for two fallen Missouri soldiers.

Corporal Donald Matney was listed as Missing In Action for more than 65 years before his remains were identified. He was killed during the Korean War. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 in Seymour.

Cpl. Matney, at age 18, was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.

He was killed in action during the early days of the war on July 20, 1950 during an attempt to delay the enemy from capturing a town near Taejon, South Korea. Cpl. Matney was listed as Missing in Action until 2016, when his remains were positively identified and returned to Missouri for internment.

“After 65 years, this young Missouri soldier who gave his life for his country is being brought back home,” Gov. Nixon said. “The passage of years does not diminish the honor we pay to Cpl. Matney for his sacrifice.

Today’s half-staff flags will also honor fallen First Class Matthew C. Lewellen. He was a member of the U.S. Special Forces serving in Jafr, Jordan. He was killed in action on Nov. 4. His funeral is also being held today in Kirksville.

“We mourn the loss of this brave American soldier in defending our country and our freedoms,” Gov. Nixon said. “I ask that Missourians remember and honor the sacrifice of Sergeant First Class Lewellen when they see the lowered flags.”

In addition, under Gov. Nixon’s order, U.S. and Missouri flags in Webster and Adair Counties will fly at half-staff from Nov. 20 through Nov. 25.