T’Naus Nieto
The Chronicle-News
On June 20, Sgt. Orace Joseph Mestas’s had his funeral in his hometown of Trinidad after he was initially reported missing during the Korean War 74 ago, before officials determined he was killed in action.
“It was an honor to serve Sgt. Mestas and his family,” Tom Murphy of Mullare Murphy Funeral Home told The Chronicle-News. “Our country and the military continue to do everything they can to return our fallen veterans home. We should all be proud of that effort to bring closure for the families.”
Muphy’s funeral home held memorial services for the fallen Army veteran at 335 E. Main Street in downtown Trinidad before Mestas’s funeral took place with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and a Military fly-by.
Trinidad Mayor Karen Griego told The Chronicle-News, “Sgt. Mestas’ funeral was a very emotional service for his family. The family and the community attended the services for this hero in large numbers to show appreciation for his sacrifice. I reflect on how many times I’ve thanked a veteran for their service without really understanding the depth of sacrifice that is given. After attending Sgt. Mestas’ service, I am more grateful.”
As previously reported, on Apr. 22, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, DPAA, announced in a press release that Mestas, who was killed during the Korean War, was officially accounted for and would be brought back to his hometown to be buried.
According to the DPAA, Mestas was reported missing in action near Chip’o-ri, North Korea, after his unit was attacked in April 1951, with the US Army determining him to be “nonrecoverable” on Jan. 16, 1956, with not being able to determine recovered remains, and was buried as an “unknown” in the National Memorial Cemetery.
However, in July 2018, DPAA proposed a plan to disinter 652 Korean War Unknowns, and in the following year sent remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis and were able to identify Mestas’s remains.
Congressman Ty Winter, of House District 47, told The Chronicle-News, “Sgt. Mesta’s funeral was a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown by those who wear the uniform. The outpouring of support from the community was moving, and it speaks to the impact Sgt. Mesta had on so many lives. My heart is with his family, friends, and fellow service members as they grieve this profound loss. We will never forget his service or the price he paid in defense of others.”






