Phoenix-based pilot flies remains of great uncle home, 70 years after great uncle died in Korean War

PHOENIX — A Phoenix-based pilot flew his great-uncle’s remains back home on Wednesday, more than 70 years after the army hero was killed in the Korean War.

Casey Brouhard, the nephew of U.S. Army Pfc Harold Dulyea, piloted the final leg of the journey which spanned from Hawaii to Dallas Fort Worth to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dulyea was reported as missing in action in July 1950 after the Battle of Yongdong in South Korea. His remains were identified in May 2025 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. It was determined Dulyea died in captivity in 1954.

The American Airlines Honor Team, made up of those who served in the military, conducted a dignified transfer of Dulyea’s remains to the airplane before departure.

Before taking off for Michigan, Brouhard informed the passengers via the plane’s intercom that the remains of his great uncle were being transported home.

“We are carrying Harold Dulyea, private first class,” Brouhard told passengers over the intercom. “Seventy-five years ago, he was MIA and a POW in the Korean War. This last May, we were able to identify Pfc Harold Dulyea.

“I would like every one of you this morning, if you could please, to think about family, our military, we still have many missing in the past wars, and about honor.”

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