MSgt Luther Grace, 34

U.S. Army Master Sergeant Luther Grace, 34, of Lumber City, was killed in action Nov. 30, 1950, in North Korea at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Born Dec. 10, 1915, in Telfair County, he enlisted in the Army June 11, 1940, and served over 10 years, including in World War II. He was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. MSgt Grace was reported missing in action Nov. 30, 1950, in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. There was no evidence he was a prisoner of war, and the Army issued a presumptive finding of death Dec. 31, 1953.
In 1954, the United Nations Command and the Chinese Communist Forces exchanged the remains of fallen personnel in an effort named Operation GLORY. MSgt Grace’s remains could not be identified at the time and were designated Unknown X-15760. In 1956, all unidentified Korean War remains were transferred to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
In July 2018, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency researchers proposed a plan to disinter and identify the 652 Korean War unknown burials. Unknown X-15760 was disinterred March 29, 2021. After several years of DNA, dental, and anthropological analysis and based on circumstantial evidence, the DPAA announced that MSgt. Luther Grace was accounted for Dec. 18, 2024. MSgt Grace’s name is recorded on the American Battle Monument Commission’s Courts of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
In his short time on earth, MSgt Grace demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving others, displaying courage and selflessness as he answered the call to defend the values and freedoms we hold dear. His sacrifice for our country will forever be remembered.
During MSgt Grace’s absence, members of his family who have passed away include his father and mother George Grace Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Brewer Grace; brothers and sisters Eva Clark (Charlie), Viola Grace, Amanda Hamons (Dan), Leola Powell (Bruce), George Grace Jr. (Elizabeth), and Otis Grace; paternal grandparents Joseph A. Grace and Amanda Brantley Grace; maternal grandparents Luthur Brewer and Sara Elizabeth Walker Brewer; paternal great-grandparents William Grace and Jane Carpenter Grace; maternal great-grandparents Rev. Jeremiah G. Walker and Sara Caroline Benson Walker; aunts and uncles Nancy Grace Pope (Mack), Francis Grace Brewer (Thomas Sr.), Mary Grace Browning (G.E.), Amanda Grace Sears (Columbus), Joseph Clifford Grace, Benjamin S. Grace (Irene), William Aaron Grace (Catherine), Annie Brewer Ray (Daniel), Walter A. Brewer (Annie), Herman Brewer (Beulah), William Owen Brewer, Eva Brewer Brewton (Caughey), and Emma Brewer Geiger (Ebb); and nieces and nephews Jasper L. Powell, Mattison “Matt” Haymons, Lester Haymons, Mark Haymons, and Florence Haymons Moore.
Survivors includes his nephew George “Kelly” Grace (Brenda) of Hazlehurst; nieces Marilyn Grace Gribble of Baxley, Saralyn Grace Stapleton (David) of Lumber City, Sylvia Haymons Gellner of Maryland, Betty Jo Haymons Barber of Satellite Beach, Fla., and Tonita Haymons Leggette of Moultrie.
MSgt Grace, 75 years after his death, will be brought back to Georgia April 30 and escorted to Hazlehurst. Further details will be announced so the public can view the procession into Jeff Davis County.
A viewing of MSgt Grace’s dress uniform with metals will be held May 2 from 5-8 p.m. at Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
MSgt Grace will be honored with a military funeral at the Jeff Davis High School football stadium May 3 at 11 a.m. MSgt Grace will be laid to rest in Fishing Creek Sapfield Cemetery in Lumber City.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Jeff Davis County Veterans Association, veterans of Telfair County, and all other veterans in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jeff Davis County Veterans Association or a veterans association of your choice.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home is in charge.