A young Arkansas soldier who survived the Bataan Death March, died in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, and remained missing for more than 80 years will receive another statewide tribute.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered United States and Arkansas flags lowered to half-staff on Monday, October 19, 2026, in remembrance of Corporal Delmor W. Erwin, who died at just 20 years old while serving his country during World War II.
The governor’s proclamation, issued October 16, calls on Arkansans to remember Erwin’s sacrifice and reflect on the price of freedom.
ARKANSAS FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF-STAFF OCTOBER 19
Under the governor’s proclamation, United States and Arkansas flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on October 19, 2026.
The day has also been designated as a day of remembrance for Corporal Erwin, recognizing his service, courage, and sacrifice during World War II.
The tribute comes just 4 days after the fallen soldier was laid to rest with full military honors on October 15, 2026, following the identification and return of his remains after 84 years.
ARKANSAS SOLDIER SURVIVED THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH
Corporal Delmor W. Erwin, of Newport, Arkansas, served with the United States Army in the Philippines during World War II.
On April 9, 1942, following the surrender of American and Filipino forces on the Bataan Peninsula, Erwin was captured by Japanese forces.
He was among the prisoners forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March, during which thousands of exhausted and starving prisoners were marched approximately 65 miles under brutal conditions.
Erwin survived the march but was later imprisoned at the Cabanatuan prisoner-of-war camp in the Philippines.
On November 26, 1942, Erwin died from malaria while in captivity. He was only 20 years old.
For decades, his remains could not be individually identified, leaving his Arkansas family without the opportunity to bring him home.
MISSING FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS BEFORE IDENTIFICATION
Advances in forensic science and military identification efforts eventually provided the breakthrough his family had awaited for generations.
On March 25, 2026, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency officially accounted for Erwin’s remains.
The identification represented the end of an 84-year effort to bring the fallen Arkansas serviceman home.
Erwin’s flag-draped remains arrived in Little Rock on October 9, 2026, where military personnel and family members participated in a dignified return.
ARKANSAS FAMILY FINALLY HONORS FALLEN SOLDIER
On October 15, 2026, family members and supporters gathered at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock for a memorial service honoring Corporal Erwin.
The service included full military honors, recognizing the young soldier’s service and the sacrifice he made during World War II.
Erwin was laid to rest at Settlement Cemetery in Shirley, Arkansas.
His surviving family includes nephew Jim Erwin and great-niece Reva Bushatz, both recognized in the governor’s proclamation for continuing to honor his memory.
For Erwin’s family, the homecoming provided an opportunity that generations before them never experienced: the chance to honor their loved one and finally bring him home.
GOVERNOR SANDERS CALLS ON ARKANSAS TO REMEMBER
Governor Sanders’ October 16 proclamation recognizes Erwin’s courage, military service, and ultimate sacrifice.
The proclamation establishes October 19, 2026, as a day of remembrance for Corporal Delmor W. Erwin.
Arkansans are encouraged to reflect on his service and the sacrifices made by American military personnel during World War II.
The statewide lowering of flags will serve as a visible tribute to a soldier whose journey home took 84 years.
Corporal Delmor W. Erwin’s story is one of sacrifice, perseverance, family remembrance, and a nation fulfilling its commitment to those who never returned from war.
After more than 8 decades, Arkansas is remembering one of its own.
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