July 30, 2014
Remains of Korean War veteran coming home
By Emily Gallagher
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — After 63 years, the remains of a Korean War veteran are coming home.
Those remains are of Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, of Four States, who lost his life during the Korean War. Groves will be brought home to West Virginia on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Groves was born in Four States to the late Alva and Alta Groves. Groves was one of nine children in his family. Groves' younger sister Lillian Anderson said having her brother home will give her closure.
"We're just thankful that something has been returned," Anderson said with tears in her eyes.
Groves' remains were returned to the United States after being buried in a mass grave in North Korea. Groves' niece Sandra Buswink said she was doing research on the Internet and found that those who have relatives listed as prisoners of war (POWs) who have not yet been identified can give their DNA and see if it matches any remains in the system.
Buswink arranged to have Anderson and herself give a sample of blood to see if it matched anyone. They gave the sample on Jan. 5, 2006.
It wasn't until two months ago that they were told the federal government's Central Identification Laboratory found a match. After eight years of wondering, Anderson and Buswink finally knew their brother and uncle could come home.
During the 63 years that have gone by, Anderson said she never believed her brother would come home to be buried.
"It was unbelieveable when they said that they had found his remains," Anderson said. "We had just given up hope and that he was gone."
Groves enlisted in the Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Anderson said he was extremely excited to be joining the service.
"He just wanted to be in the service so much," she said. "Because he was 17 years old, my parents had to sign for him to join."
On Aug. 19, 1950, Groves landed in Korea and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On the battlefront, Groves was ordered to lead a breakout through a series of deadly roadblocks.
The first major effort was to get through Kujang-dong, move south to Kunu-ri then toward Suchon. Family members said they were told by the U.S. Army that the fighting was hellish and every time a roadblock was cleared, another one was quickly established.
It was during this chaotic fighting that Groves was lost.
It wasn't until the end of the war that it was confirmed that Groves had been captured. In August 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs.
The report stated that Groves died while in their custody on April 14, 1951. Buswink said the family was told he died of tuberculosis.
Every Memorial Day, Anderson and Buswink go to the cemetery and decorate service members' graves, but they have been unable to pay tribute to their own family member in the same way. With Groves' remains coming back to be buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown will full military honors, Anderson said she looks forward to the opportunity for a place where her family can honor a fallen brother who gave his life in defense of the country.
"We can go pay respects to him," she said.
Fellow service members and emergency responders will be paying their respects next week when Groves' remains are brought through Fairmont. His remains will be flown from Hawaii to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and then brought by hearse to Shinnston for his final resting place.
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the procession is expected to come through Fairmont. Butch Mundell is asking citizens to gather at the Gateway Connecter along with service members and emergency crews to honor Groves as his remains are brought through the city.
Groves has also been posthumously honored with several awards and medals for his service in the Army and Korean War, including the Purple Heart Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze starts, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Groves is the second veteran to have his remains identified and brought back to Marion County in the past year. The remains of Sgt. Jerome Kiger of Mannington were identified and brought home last July.
Email Emily Gallagher at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @EGallagherTWV.
August 3, 2014
Alva Groves
Times West Virginian
Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, 18, of Four States, died April 14, 1951, while being held as a prisoner of war in North Korea.
He was born in Crown, May 29, 1932, a son of the late Alva and Alta Hite Groves.
He is survived by one sister, Lillian Anderson of Fairmont; nieces and nephews, James Paul Pitts of Madison Village, Ohio, Betty Marks of Fairmont, Shelby Keener of Worthington, Pamela Walker of Wilmington, North Carolina, Garry Craig of Mannington, SMSgt. Sandra Buswink, USAF (Ret.) of Fairmont (who was instrumental in arranging his return home), Thomas Huskin of Cortland, Ohio, Byron Anderson of Fairmont, Terry Hill of Rocky Point, North Carolina, and Tamra Holt of Fairmont.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his sisters who have since passed away, Audra Luzader, Virginia Crim, Haseltine Ray, Hildred Kincaid, Mildred Parrish and Ernestene Huskin. Two nephews, David Groves and Robert L. Kincaid Jr., are now deceased. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Groves.
He had been employed at Pitrolo Pontiac of Fairmont. Cpl. Groves enlisted in the United States Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
He landed in Korea on Aug. 19, 1950, and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
In late November, while defending the town of Kujang-dong, Cpl. Groves was captured by opposing forces. It wasn't until after the war in August of 1953 that information was made available that he had died while in captivity.
In the 1990s. the North Koreans turned over numerous containers of co-mingled remains that were reportedly those of U.S. servicemen that had been missing in action and prisoners of war. After years of investigation and DNA analysis by the military, the family was notified that some of the remains were those of Cpl. Groves.
As a result of these military efforts, after more than 63 years, Cpl. Groves' remains will be returned home. Public visitation will be held at the Perine Funeral Home, 1348 S. Pike St., Shinnston, from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at Jewel City Church, Haywood, at 11 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Robert Tennant officiating.
Interment will be in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, where full military rites will be accorded by the WV National Guard.
Comments may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com.
The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Groves family.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/obituaries/x864259684/Alva-Groves#sthash.GWpbHGxu.dpuf
August 5, 2014
After 63 years, remains of Korean War veteran come home
By Emily Gallagher
For the Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — A Marion County veteran was welcomed home Tuesday after 63 years.
The remains of Korean War veteran and Four States native Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves were welcomed by other veterans, first responders and the public Tuesday as his procession drove by on the Gateway Connecter.
Groves, who went into the Army at 17 years old, was sent to battle during the Korean War. While serving, Groves was captured and died as a prisoner of war (POW).
Through DNA analysis, his sister Lillian Anderson was told her older brother's remains had been identified.
During the procession Tuesday, Anderson was presented with a flag from the Marine Corps League from Morgantown. Anderson said having her brother home will give his family closure after 63 years.
August 7, 2014
Remains of Korean War veteran buried at West Virginia National Cemetery
By Emily Gallagher-Times West Virginian
PRUNTYTOWN — A fallen soldier is in his final resting place.
Family of Korean War veteran Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves gained closure Thursday as their loved one was buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown.
Groves, a native of Four States, died as a prisoner of war (POW) during his service in the Korean War. His remains were recently matched with his sister and niece's DNA after 63 years.
In 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs. In 1993, 200 boxes containing remains of POWs during the Korean War were returned to American soil, Groves' remains were among them. In 2006, Groves' sister Lillian Anderson and niece Sandra Buswink gave samples of their DNA in hopes of finding a match. It wasn't until two months ago that a match was made.
Anderson and Buswink sat quietly with family at the cemetery as the West Virginia Army National Guard Honor Team conducted full military rites at Groves' funeral. The Patriot Guard Riders, Harrison County Honor Guard and the Grafton VFW along with others paid their respects to Groves and honored him during his funeral service.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449118608/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-buried-at-West-Virginia-National-Cemetery#sthash.VLVpIHIn.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449117283/After-63-years-remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-come-home#sthash.hryalOc5.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x197377636/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-coming-home#sthash.AehXWAB8.dpuf
WBOY-TV Posted: Aug 07, 2014 6:53 PM EDT By Lauren Talotta, Marion and Taylor County Reporter
It's been a long journey home for Corporal Alva Clifford Groves, the Korean War POW whose remains were brought back to his home in Marion County last Tuesday, but on Thursday, Groves was taken to his final resting place.
"Those guys were our heroes, the guys coming up now. They're our heroes, they're what we wanted to be like. That's why we became soldiers," said SFC Clint Bolyard of the West Virginia National Guard.
It was the final leg of Corporal Alva Clifford Groves' long journey home, 63 years in the making, as the procession with his remains arrived at the National Cemetery.
"We're bringing our brothers home. I mean, really bringing them home," said veteran Butch Mundell.
"Back here in our hills of West Virginia in a place where all of us will end up one of these days," said veteran Bob Carr.
Among those in attendance was Tom Mathews, who also served in the Korean War. Mathews was a prison of war during World War II in Germany for seven-and-a-half months.
"He has the right to the respect, as a POW, that the rest of us that we get when we are laid to rest. I think he deserves it. It's just so sad it has to be this late," said Mathews.
Groves was given full military honors, as the National Guard presented his family with a flag. It was an overwhelming show of support for a true American hero who never had the chance to come back home and live his life.
"We have a new saying now. Never again will we ever leave a comrade that we can't go get him and bring him back with us," said Carr.
Remains of Korean War veteran coming home
By Emily Gallagher
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — After 63 years, the remains of a Korean War veteran are coming home.
Those remains are of Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, of Four States, who lost his life during the Korean War. Groves will be brought home to West Virginia on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Groves was born in Four States to the late Alva and Alta Groves. Groves was one of nine children in his family. Groves' younger sister Lillian Anderson said having her brother home will give her closure.
"We're just thankful that something has been returned," Anderson said with tears in her eyes.
Groves' remains were returned to the United States after being buried in a mass grave in North Korea. Groves' niece Sandra Buswink said she was doing research on the Internet and found that those who have relatives listed as prisoners of war (POWs) who have not yet been identified can give their DNA and see if it matches any remains in the system.
Buswink arranged to have Anderson and herself give a sample of blood to see if it matched anyone. They gave the sample on Jan. 5, 2006.
It wasn't until two months ago that they were told the federal government's Central Identification Laboratory found a match. After eight years of wondering, Anderson and Buswink finally knew their brother and uncle could come home.
During the 63 years that have gone by, Anderson said she never believed her brother would come home to be buried.
"It was unbelieveable when they said that they had found his remains," Anderson said. "We had just given up hope and that he was gone."
Groves enlisted in the Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Anderson said he was extremely excited to be joining the service.
"He just wanted to be in the service so much," she said. "Because he was 17 years old, my parents had to sign for him to join."
On Aug. 19, 1950, Groves landed in Korea and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On the battlefront, Groves was ordered to lead a breakout through a series of deadly roadblocks.
The first major effort was to get through Kujang-dong, move south to Kunu-ri then toward Suchon. Family members said they were told by the U.S. Army that the fighting was hellish and every time a roadblock was cleared, another one was quickly established.
It was during this chaotic fighting that Groves was lost.
It wasn't until the end of the war that it was confirmed that Groves had been captured. In August 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs.
The report stated that Groves died while in their custody on April 14, 1951. Buswink said the family was told he died of tuberculosis.
Every Memorial Day, Anderson and Buswink go to the cemetery and decorate service members' graves, but they have been unable to pay tribute to their own family member in the same way. With Groves' remains coming back to be buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown will full military honors, Anderson said she looks forward to the opportunity for a place where her family can honor a fallen brother who gave his life in defense of the country.
"We can go pay respects to him," she said.
Fellow service members and emergency responders will be paying their respects next week when Groves' remains are brought through Fairmont. His remains will be flown from Hawaii to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and then brought by hearse to Shinnston for his final resting place.
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the procession is expected to come through Fairmont. Butch Mundell is asking citizens to gather at the Gateway Connecter along with service members and emergency crews to honor Groves as his remains are brought through the city.
Groves has also been posthumously honored with several awards and medals for his service in the Army and Korean War, including the Purple Heart Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze starts, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Groves is the second veteran to have his remains identified and brought back to Marion County in the past year. The remains of Sgt. Jerome Kiger of Mannington were identified and brought home last July.
Email Emily Gallagher at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @EGallagherTWV.
August 3, 2014
Alva Groves
Times West Virginian
Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, 18, of Four States, died April 14, 1951, while being held as a prisoner of war in North Korea.
He was born in Crown, May 29, 1932, a son of the late Alva and Alta Hite Groves.
He is survived by one sister, Lillian Anderson of Fairmont; nieces and nephews, James Paul Pitts of Madison Village, Ohio, Betty Marks of Fairmont, Shelby Keener of Worthington, Pamela Walker of Wilmington, North Carolina, Garry Craig of Mannington, SMSgt. Sandra Buswink, USAF (Ret.) of Fairmont (who was instrumental in arranging his return home), Thomas Huskin of Cortland, Ohio, Byron Anderson of Fairmont, Terry Hill of Rocky Point, North Carolina, and Tamra Holt of Fairmont.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his sisters who have since passed away, Audra Luzader, Virginia Crim, Haseltine Ray, Hildred Kincaid, Mildred Parrish and Ernestene Huskin. Two nephews, David Groves and Robert L. Kincaid Jr., are now deceased. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Groves.
He had been employed at Pitrolo Pontiac of Fairmont. Cpl. Groves enlisted in the United States Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
He landed in Korea on Aug. 19, 1950, and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
In late November, while defending the town of Kujang-dong, Cpl. Groves was captured by opposing forces. It wasn't until after the war in August of 1953 that information was made available that he had died while in captivity.
In the 1990s. the North Koreans turned over numerous containers of co-mingled remains that were reportedly those of U.S. servicemen that had been missing in action and prisoners of war. After years of investigation and DNA analysis by the military, the family was notified that some of the remains were those of Cpl. Groves.
As a result of these military efforts, after more than 63 years, Cpl. Groves' remains will be returned home. Public visitation will be held at the Perine Funeral Home, 1348 S. Pike St., Shinnston, from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at Jewel City Church, Haywood, at 11 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Robert Tennant officiating.
Interment will be in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, where full military rites will be accorded by the WV National Guard.
Comments may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com.
The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Groves family.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/obituaries/x864259684/Alva-Groves#sthash.GWpbHGxu.dpuf
August 5, 2014
After 63 years, remains of Korean War veteran come home
By Emily Gallagher
For the Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — A Marion County veteran was welcomed home Tuesday after 63 years.
The remains of Korean War veteran and Four States native Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves were welcomed by other veterans, first responders and the public Tuesday as his procession drove by on the Gateway Connecter.
Groves, who went into the Army at 17 years old, was sent to battle during the Korean War. While serving, Groves was captured and died as a prisoner of war (POW).
Through DNA analysis, his sister Lillian Anderson was told her older brother's remains had been identified.
During the procession Tuesday, Anderson was presented with a flag from the Marine Corps League from Morgantown. Anderson said having her brother home will give his family closure after 63 years.
August 7, 2014
Remains of Korean War veteran buried at West Virginia National Cemetery
By Emily Gallagher-Times West Virginian
PRUNTYTOWN — A fallen soldier is in his final resting place.
Family of Korean War veteran Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves gained closure Thursday as their loved one was buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown.
Groves, a native of Four States, died as a prisoner of war (POW) during his service in the Korean War. His remains were recently matched with his sister and niece's DNA after 63 years.
In 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs. In 1993, 200 boxes containing remains of POWs during the Korean War were returned to American soil, Groves' remains were among them. In 2006, Groves' sister Lillian Anderson and niece Sandra Buswink gave samples of their DNA in hopes of finding a match. It wasn't until two months ago that a match was made.
Anderson and Buswink sat quietly with family at the cemetery as the West Virginia Army National Guard Honor Team conducted full military rites at Groves' funeral. The Patriot Guard Riders, Harrison County Honor Guard and the Grafton VFW along with others paid their respects to Groves and honored him during his funeral service.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449118608/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-buried-at-West-Virginia-National-Cemetery#sthash.VLVpIHIn.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449117283/After-63-years-remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-come-home#sthash.hryalOc5.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x197377636/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-coming-home#sthash.AehXWAB8.dpuf
WBOY-TV Posted: Aug 07, 2014 6:53 PM EDT By Lauren Talotta, Marion and Taylor County Reporter
It's been a long journey home for Corporal Alva Clifford Groves, the Korean War POW whose remains were brought back to his home in Marion County last Tuesday, but on Thursday, Groves was taken to his final resting place.
"Those guys were our heroes, the guys coming up now. They're our heroes, they're what we wanted to be like. That's why we became soldiers," said SFC Clint Bolyard of the West Virginia National Guard.
It was the final leg of Corporal Alva Clifford Groves' long journey home, 63 years in the making, as the procession with his remains arrived at the National Cemetery.
"We're bringing our brothers home. I mean, really bringing them home," said veteran Butch Mundell.
"Back here in our hills of West Virginia in a place where all of us will end up one of these days," said veteran Bob Carr.
Among those in attendance was Tom Mathews, who also served in the Korean War. Mathews was a prison of war during World War II in Germany for seven-and-a-half months.
"He has the right to the respect, as a POW, that the rest of us that we get when we are laid to rest. I think he deserves it. It's just so sad it has to be this late," said Mathews.
Groves was given full military honors, as the National Guard presented his family with a flag. It was an overwhelming show of support for a true American hero who never had the chance to come back home and live his life.
"We have a new saying now. Never again will we ever leave a comrade that we can't go get him and bring him back with us," said Carr.
July 30, 2014
Remains of Korean War veteran coming home
By Emily Gallagher
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — After 63 years, the remains of a Korean War veteran are coming home.
Those remains are of Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, of Four States, who lost his life during the Korean War. Groves will be brought home to West Virginia on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Groves was born in Four States to the late Alva and Alta Groves. Groves was one of nine children in his family. Groves' younger sister Lillian Anderson said having her brother home will give her closure.
"We're just thankful that something has been returned," Anderson said with tears in her eyes.
Groves' remains were returned to the United States after being buried in a mass grave in North Korea. Groves' niece Sandra Buswink said she was doing research on the Internet and found that those who have relatives listed as prisoners of war (POWs) who have not yet been identified can give their DNA and see if it matches any remains in the system.
Buswink arranged to have Anderson and herself give a sample of blood to see if it matched anyone. They gave the sample on Jan. 5, 2006.
It wasn't until two months ago that they were told the federal government's Central Identification Laboratory found a match. After eight years of wondering, Anderson and Buswink finally knew their brother and uncle could come home.
During the 63 years that have gone by, Anderson said she never believed her brother would come home to be buried.
"It was unbelieveable when they said that they had found his remains," Anderson said. "We had just given up hope and that he was gone."
Groves enlisted in the Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Anderson said he was extremely excited to be joining the service.
"He just wanted to be in the service so much," she said. "Because he was 17 years old, my parents had to sign for him to join."
On Aug. 19, 1950, Groves landed in Korea and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On the battlefront, Groves was ordered to lead a breakout through a series of deadly roadblocks.
The first major effort was to get through Kujang-dong, move south to Kunu-ri then toward Suchon. Family members said they were told by the U.S. Army that the fighting was hellish and every time a roadblock was cleared, another one was quickly established.
It was during this chaotic fighting that Groves was lost.
It wasn't until the end of the war that it was confirmed that Groves had been captured. In August 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs.
The report stated that Groves died while in their custody on April 14, 1951. Buswink said the family was told he died of tuberculosis.
Every Memorial Day, Anderson and Buswink go to the cemetery and decorate service members' graves, but they have been unable to pay tribute to their own family member in the same way. With Groves' remains coming back to be buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown will full military honors, Anderson said she looks forward to the opportunity for a place where her family can honor a fallen brother who gave his life in defense of the country.
"We can go pay respects to him," she said.
Fellow service members and emergency responders will be paying their respects next week when Groves' remains are brought through Fairmont. His remains will be flown from Hawaii to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and then brought by hearse to Shinnston for his final resting place.
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the procession is expected to come through Fairmont. Butch Mundell is asking citizens to gather at the Gateway Connecter along with service members and emergency crews to honor Groves as his remains are brought through the city.
Groves has also been posthumously honored with several awards and medals for his service in the Army and Korean War, including the Purple Heart Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze starts, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Groves is the second veteran to have his remains identified and brought back to Marion County in the past year. The remains of Sgt. Jerome Kiger of Mannington were identified and brought home last July.
Email Emily Gallagher at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @EGallagherTWV.
August 3, 2014
Alva Groves
Times West Virginian
Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, 18, of Four States, died April 14, 1951, while being held as a prisoner of war in North Korea.
He was born in Crown, May 29, 1932, a son of the late Alva and Alta Hite Groves.
He is survived by one sister, Lillian Anderson of Fairmont; nieces and nephews, James Paul Pitts of Madison Village, Ohio, Betty Marks of Fairmont, Shelby Keener of Worthington, Pamela Walker of Wilmington, North Carolina, Garry Craig of Mannington, SMSgt. Sandra Buswink, USAF (Ret.) of Fairmont (who was instrumental in arranging his return home), Thomas Huskin of Cortland, Ohio, Byron Anderson of Fairmont, Terry Hill of Rocky Point, North Carolina, and Tamra Holt of Fairmont.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his sisters who have since passed away, Audra Luzader, Virginia Crim, Haseltine Ray, Hildred Kincaid, Mildred Parrish and Ernestene Huskin. Two nephews, David Groves and Robert L. Kincaid Jr., are now deceased. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Groves.
He had been employed at Pitrolo Pontiac of Fairmont. Cpl. Groves enlisted in the United States Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
He landed in Korea on Aug. 19, 1950, and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
In late November, while defending the town of Kujang-dong, Cpl. Groves was captured by opposing forces. It wasn't until after the war in August of 1953 that information was made available that he had died while in captivity.
In the 1990s. the North Koreans turned over numerous containers of co-mingled remains that were reportedly those of U.S. servicemen that had been missing in action and prisoners of war. After years of investigation and DNA analysis by the military, the family was notified that some of the remains were those of Cpl. Groves.
As a result of these military efforts, after more than 63 years, Cpl. Groves' remains will be returned home. Public visitation will be held at the Perine Funeral Home, 1348 S. Pike St., Shinnston, from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at Jewel City Church, Haywood, at 11 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Robert Tennant officiating.
Interment will be in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, where full military rites will be accorded by the WV National Guard.
Comments may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com.
The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Groves family.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/obituaries/x864259684/Alva-Groves#sthash.GWpbHGxu.dpuf
August 5, 2014
After 63 years, remains of Korean War veteran come home
By Emily Gallagher
For the Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — A Marion County veteran was welcomed home Tuesday after 63 years.
The remains of Korean War veteran and Four States native Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves were welcomed by other veterans, first responders and the public Tuesday as his procession drove by on the Gateway Connecter.
Groves, who went into the Army at 17 years old, was sent to battle during the Korean War. While serving, Groves was captured and died as a prisoner of war (POW).
Through DNA analysis, his sister Lillian Anderson was told her older brother's remains had been identified.
During the procession Tuesday, Anderson was presented with a flag from the Marine Corps League from Morgantown. Anderson said having her brother home will give his family closure after 63 years.
August 7, 2014
Remains of Korean War veteran buried at West Virginia National Cemetery
By Emily Gallagher-Times West Virginian
PRUNTYTOWN — A fallen soldier is in his final resting place.
Family of Korean War veteran Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves gained closure Thursday as their loved one was buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown.
Groves, a native of Four States, died as a prisoner of war (POW) during his service in the Korean War. His remains were recently matched with his sister and niece's DNA after 63 years.
In 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs. In 1993, 200 boxes containing remains of POWs during the Korean War were returned to American soil, Groves' remains were among them. In 2006, Groves' sister Lillian Anderson and niece Sandra Buswink gave samples of their DNA in hopes of finding a match. It wasn't until two months ago that a match was made.
Anderson and Buswink sat quietly with family at the cemetery as the West Virginia Army National Guard Honor Team conducted full military rites at Groves' funeral. The Patriot Guard Riders, Harrison County Honor Guard and the Grafton VFW along with others paid their respects to Groves and honored him during his funeral service.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449118608/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-buried-at-West-Virginia-National-Cemetery#sthash.VLVpIHIn.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449117283/After-63-years-remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-come-home#sthash.hryalOc5.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x197377636/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-coming-home#sthash.AehXWAB8.dpuf
WBOY-TV Posted: Aug 07, 2014 6:53 PM EDT By Lauren Talotta, Marion and Taylor County Reporter
It's been a long journey home for Corporal Alva Clifford Groves, the Korean War POW whose remains were brought back to his home in Marion County last Tuesday, but on Thursday, Groves was taken to his final resting place.
"Those guys were our heroes, the guys coming up now. They're our heroes, they're what we wanted to be like. That's why we became soldiers," said SFC Clint Bolyard of the West Virginia National Guard.
It was the final leg of Corporal Alva Clifford Groves' long journey home, 63 years in the making, as the procession with his remains arrived at the National Cemetery.
"We're bringing our brothers home. I mean, really bringing them home," said veteran Butch Mundell.
"Back here in our hills of West Virginia in a place where all of us will end up one of these days," said veteran Bob Carr.
Among those in attendance was Tom Mathews, who also served in the Korean War. Mathews was a prison of war during World War II in Germany for seven-and-a-half months.
"He has the right to the respect, as a POW, that the rest of us that we get when we are laid to rest. I think he deserves it. It's just so sad it has to be this late," said Mathews.
Groves was given full military honors, as the National Guard presented his family with a flag. It was an overwhelming show of support for a true American hero who never had the chance to come back home and live his life.
"We have a new saying now. Never again will we ever leave a comrade that we can't go get him and bring him back with us," said Carr.
Remains of Korean War veteran coming home
By Emily Gallagher
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — After 63 years, the remains of a Korean War veteran are coming home.
Those remains are of Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, of Four States, who lost his life during the Korean War. Groves will be brought home to West Virginia on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Groves was born in Four States to the late Alva and Alta Groves. Groves was one of nine children in his family. Groves' younger sister Lillian Anderson said having her brother home will give her closure.
"We're just thankful that something has been returned," Anderson said with tears in her eyes.
Groves' remains were returned to the United States after being buried in a mass grave in North Korea. Groves' niece Sandra Buswink said she was doing research on the Internet and found that those who have relatives listed as prisoners of war (POWs) who have not yet been identified can give their DNA and see if it matches any remains in the system.
Buswink arranged to have Anderson and herself give a sample of blood to see if it matched anyone. They gave the sample on Jan. 5, 2006.
It wasn't until two months ago that they were told the federal government's Central Identification Laboratory found a match. After eight years of wondering, Anderson and Buswink finally knew their brother and uncle could come home.
During the 63 years that have gone by, Anderson said she never believed her brother would come home to be buried.
"It was unbelieveable when they said that they had found his remains," Anderson said. "We had just given up hope and that he was gone."
Groves enlisted in the Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Anderson said he was extremely excited to be joining the service.
"He just wanted to be in the service so much," she said. "Because he was 17 years old, my parents had to sign for him to join."
On Aug. 19, 1950, Groves landed in Korea and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On the battlefront, Groves was ordered to lead a breakout through a series of deadly roadblocks.
The first major effort was to get through Kujang-dong, move south to Kunu-ri then toward Suchon. Family members said they were told by the U.S. Army that the fighting was hellish and every time a roadblock was cleared, another one was quickly established.
It was during this chaotic fighting that Groves was lost.
It wasn't until the end of the war that it was confirmed that Groves had been captured. In August 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs.
The report stated that Groves died while in their custody on April 14, 1951. Buswink said the family was told he died of tuberculosis.
Every Memorial Day, Anderson and Buswink go to the cemetery and decorate service members' graves, but they have been unable to pay tribute to their own family member in the same way. With Groves' remains coming back to be buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown will full military honors, Anderson said she looks forward to the opportunity for a place where her family can honor a fallen brother who gave his life in defense of the country.
"We can go pay respects to him," she said.
Fellow service members and emergency responders will be paying their respects next week when Groves' remains are brought through Fairmont. His remains will be flown from Hawaii to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and then brought by hearse to Shinnston for his final resting place.
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the procession is expected to come through Fairmont. Butch Mundell is asking citizens to gather at the Gateway Connecter along with service members and emergency crews to honor Groves as his remains are brought through the city.
Groves has also been posthumously honored with several awards and medals for his service in the Army and Korean War, including the Purple Heart Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze starts, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Groves is the second veteran to have his remains identified and brought back to Marion County in the past year. The remains of Sgt. Jerome Kiger of Mannington were identified and brought home last July.
Email Emily Gallagher at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @EGallagherTWV.
August 3, 2014
Alva Groves
Times West Virginian
Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves, 18, of Four States, died April 14, 1951, while being held as a prisoner of war in North Korea.
He was born in Crown, May 29, 1932, a son of the late Alva and Alta Hite Groves.
He is survived by one sister, Lillian Anderson of Fairmont; nieces and nephews, James Paul Pitts of Madison Village, Ohio, Betty Marks of Fairmont, Shelby Keener of Worthington, Pamela Walker of Wilmington, North Carolina, Garry Craig of Mannington, SMSgt. Sandra Buswink, USAF (Ret.) of Fairmont (who was instrumental in arranging his return home), Thomas Huskin of Cortland, Ohio, Byron Anderson of Fairmont, Terry Hill of Rocky Point, North Carolina, and Tamra Holt of Fairmont.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his sisters who have since passed away, Audra Luzader, Virginia Crim, Haseltine Ray, Hildred Kincaid, Mildred Parrish and Ernestene Huskin. Two nephews, David Groves and Robert L. Kincaid Jr., are now deceased. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Groves.
He had been employed at Pitrolo Pontiac of Fairmont. Cpl. Groves enlisted in the United States Army on Sept. 19, 1949, and completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
He landed in Korea on Aug. 19, 1950, and was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
In late November, while defending the town of Kujang-dong, Cpl. Groves was captured by opposing forces. It wasn't until after the war in August of 1953 that information was made available that he had died while in captivity.
In the 1990s. the North Koreans turned over numerous containers of co-mingled remains that were reportedly those of U.S. servicemen that had been missing in action and prisoners of war. After years of investigation and DNA analysis by the military, the family was notified that some of the remains were those of Cpl. Groves.
As a result of these military efforts, after more than 63 years, Cpl. Groves' remains will be returned home. Public visitation will be held at the Perine Funeral Home, 1348 S. Pike St., Shinnston, from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at Jewel City Church, Haywood, at 11 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Robert Tennant officiating.
Interment will be in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, where full military rites will be accorded by the WV National Guard.
Comments may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com.
The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Groves family.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/obituaries/x864259684/Alva-Groves#sthash.GWpbHGxu.dpuf
August 5, 2014
After 63 years, remains of Korean War veteran come home
By Emily Gallagher
For the Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — A Marion County veteran was welcomed home Tuesday after 63 years.
The remains of Korean War veteran and Four States native Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves were welcomed by other veterans, first responders and the public Tuesday as his procession drove by on the Gateway Connecter.
Groves, who went into the Army at 17 years old, was sent to battle during the Korean War. While serving, Groves was captured and died as a prisoner of war (POW).
Through DNA analysis, his sister Lillian Anderson was told her older brother's remains had been identified.
During the procession Tuesday, Anderson was presented with a flag from the Marine Corps League from Morgantown. Anderson said having her brother home will give his family closure after 63 years.
August 7, 2014
Remains of Korean War veteran buried at West Virginia National Cemetery
By Emily Gallagher-Times West Virginian
PRUNTYTOWN — A fallen soldier is in his final resting place.
Family of Korean War veteran Cpl. Alva Clifford Groves gained closure Thursday as their loved one was buried at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown.
Groves, a native of Four States, died as a prisoner of war (POW) during his service in the Korean War. His remains were recently matched with his sister and niece's DNA after 63 years.
In 1953, communist authorities, under the terms of the Armistice Agreement, released a list of POWs. In 1993, 200 boxes containing remains of POWs during the Korean War were returned to American soil, Groves' remains were among them. In 2006, Groves' sister Lillian Anderson and niece Sandra Buswink gave samples of their DNA in hopes of finding a match. It wasn't until two months ago that a match was made.
Anderson and Buswink sat quietly with family at the cemetery as the West Virginia Army National Guard Honor Team conducted full military rites at Groves' funeral. The Patriot Guard Riders, Harrison County Honor Guard and the Grafton VFW along with others paid their respects to Groves and honored him during his funeral service.
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449118608/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-buried-at-West-Virginia-National-Cemetery#sthash.VLVpIHIn.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x449117283/After-63-years-remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-come-home#sthash.hryalOc5.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/local/x197377636/Remains-of-Korean-War-veteran-coming-home#sthash.AehXWAB8.dpuf
WBOY-TV Posted: Aug 07, 2014 6:53 PM EDT By Lauren Talotta, Marion and Taylor County Reporter
It's been a long journey home for Corporal Alva Clifford Groves, the Korean War POW whose remains were brought back to his home in Marion County last Tuesday, but on Thursday, Groves was taken to his final resting place.
"Those guys were our heroes, the guys coming up now. They're our heroes, they're what we wanted to be like. That's why we became soldiers," said SFC Clint Bolyard of the West Virginia National Guard.
It was the final leg of Corporal Alva Clifford Groves' long journey home, 63 years in the making, as the procession with his remains arrived at the National Cemetery.
"We're bringing our brothers home. I mean, really bringing them home," said veteran Butch Mundell.
"Back here in our hills of West Virginia in a place where all of us will end up one of these days," said veteran Bob Carr.
Among those in attendance was Tom Mathews, who also served in the Korean War. Mathews was a prison of war during World War II in Germany for seven-and-a-half months.
"He has the right to the respect, as a POW, that the rest of us that we get when we are laid to rest. I think he deserves it. It's just so sad it has to be this late," said Mathews.
Groves was given full military honors, as the National Guard presented his family with a flag. It was an overwhelming show of support for a true American hero who never had the chance to come back home and live his life.
"We have a new saying now. Never again will we ever leave a comrade that we can't go get him and bring him back with us," said Carr.
