Korean War veteran’s remains returned to US after 70 years

The remains of a Korean War veteran from New Jersey have been returned to the United States after 70 years.

News 12 Staff

Mar 23, 2019, 2:16 AM

Updated 1,863 days ago

Share:

Korean War veteran’s remains returned to US after 70 years
The remains of a Korean War veteran from New Jersey have been returned to the United States after 70 years.
Army Sgt. Frank Suliman of Middlesex County died as a prisoner of war in North Korea in 1951. He was just 20 years old. His remains were among a handful of soldier’s remains which were recently identified and returned to the U.S. by the North Korean government as part of an agreement reached by the two countries last year.
George Bruzgis, also a Korean War veteran, says that he was surprised how quickly the remains were returned. He says it was long overdue.
“You don’t leave a man behind, that’s the way I look at it. If he’s dead, you try to get him,” Bruzgis says.
Suliman, of New Brunswick, was captured by soldiers in December 1950 and reportedly died in March of 1951. His remains, along with the remains of 54 other soldiers were returned to the U.S. last August, following an agreement between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Bruzgis served in the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. The 85-year-old says that if given a choice between being a prisoner of war or dying in action, he would choose the latter due to the abusive conditions of war camps.
Bruzgis says that he will not have any closure until all U.S. soldiers are returned home.
“We have one body back so far identified. Every one you get is a victory, he says.
Military officials say that 7,663 American Korean War veterans remain unaccounted for.


More from News 12
0:26
Authorities: Fire breaks out at Lagrangeville car wash

Authorities: Fire breaks out at Lagrangeville car wash

1:52
Morning showers lead to warm, sunnier afternoon in the Hudson Valley

Morning showers lead to warm, sunnier afternoon in the Hudson Valley

1:57
Authorities: Fire destroys home in Spring Valley

Authorities: Fire destroys home in Spring Valley

0:43
Musica Y Mole Festival: White Plains High School celebrates Mexican culture

Musica Y Mole Festival: White Plains High School celebrates Mexican culture

1:02
Drug Takeback Day encourages Rockland residents to properly dispose of unused, expired medications

Drug Takeback Day encourages Rockland residents to properly dispose of unused, expired medications

2:02
'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

0:31
Police seek public’s help locating missing 89-year-old man

Police seek public’s help locating missing 89-year-old man

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

0:33
Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:23
Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

0:20
City of White Plains to impose new speed limit of 25 mph, effective in May

City of White Plains to impose new speed limit of 25 mph, effective in May

0:41
Farm-to-table distillery brings boozy beverages to Goshen

Farm-to-table distillery brings boozy beverages to Goshen

0:22
Westchester County Center to host free prom attire giveaway this weekend

Westchester County Center to host free prom attire giveaway this weekend

0:35
Westchester Craft Beverage Trail takes residents on tour of 2 dozen distilleries

Westchester Craft Beverage Trail takes residents on tour of 2 dozen distilleries

Special teams carry Rangers to a Game 3 win and a 3-0 series lead on the Capitals

Special teams carry Rangers to a Game 3 win and a 3-0 series lead on the Capitals

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:52
Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

0:32
Carmel police: Yorktown shoplifting suspects arrested

Carmel police: Yorktown shoplifting suspects arrested

0:52
'Kindness in a cup.' Sleepy Coffee, Too celebrates grand opening in Sleepy Hollow

'Kindness in a cup.' Sleepy Coffee, Too celebrates grand opening in Sleepy Hollow