A Waltham veteran is finally getting a proper burial 65 years after he went missing in North Korea
On December 12, 1950, Army Sgt. Robert C. Dakin, 22, of Waltham, Mass., was declared missing in action, after his unit was attacked near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Exactly 65 years later, Sgt. Dakin will be coming home to rest.
Thanks to DNA tests conducted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Dakin’s remains were identified among boxes that were previously turned over by North Korean officials — or recovered by American teams — over the course of several years.
On Thursday, Dakin’s remains will arrive at Logan Airport on Delta Flight 883, and will be escorted by Massachusetts State Police, Waltham Police, and several other local police and fire departments to Joyce Funeral Home in Waltham.
According to a 1953 obituary in the Waltham News Tribune, even after Bob was eventually reclassified as killed in action, his mother still held out hope.
“I don’t think I can ever give up hoping for him,’’ Louise Dakin said. “I just feel it. I’ve written to the boys who’ve come back from prison camps. I saw a picture once and thought for sure it was Bob. But you can’t be sure.’’
Sgt. Dakin’s nephew, David Cline, 63, of Winchendon, Massachusetts, said the ceremony would be bittersweet.
“My only regret is that my grandmother didn’t live long enough to see this day, because she lived for this day,’’ Dakin said. “She would be proud that we’re welcoming Bob home.’’
A wake will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday, Dec. 11. On Saturday, Dec. 12, a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at First Parish Church, with a horse drawn procession with local police, fire, veterans, drummers, and bagpipers following Sgt. Darkin to his final resting place at Mount Feake Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, 20 Exchange Street, Waltham, MA 02451.
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