REMAINS OF LOCAL SOLDIER RETURNING HOME TODAY.

The remains of a local soldier killed during World War Two are returning home today. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency last week announced the identification of Army Private First Class John Walko of Commodore, who was killed in combat in Aachen, Germany in 1944 at the age of 20. That identification was made in 2025.  His remains were recovered after the battle but went unidentified for decades. A dignified transfer ceremony is scheduled tonight at Pittsburgh International Airport, followed by a motorcycle escort to Indiana. Community members are encouraged to line Philadelphia Street from Fifth to Tenth Street around 8 p.m. with flags and signs of support as PFC Walko makes his final journey home. He’ll be laid to rest Wednesday with full military honors in Oakland Cemetery.