Cleveland Native Sgt. John Paul Ryhter Identified After Korean War Disappearance
Cleveland native Sgt. John Paul Ryhter was reported missing in action in Korea on December 1, 1950. For decades, his fate remained uncertain, but a long-awaited resolution has finally come.
Remains Recovered and Identified
In 1954, remains believed to be Sgt. Ryhter’s were recovered but could not be identified at that time. They were exhumed again in 2019, and through DNA analysis and other identification methods, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed their identity in April of this year. After almost 74 years, Sgt. Ryhter has been accounted for and is coming home.
Military Honors and Awards
Sgt. Ryhter has been posthumously awarded several commendations for his service, including:
- The Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
- The Korean Service Medal
- The United Nations Service Medal
- The National Defense Service Medal
- The Korean Presidential Unit Citation
- The Republic of Korea War Service Medal
His name is now permanently inscribed on the “Courts of the Missing” at the Honolulu Memorial. A rosette will be placed next to his name on the Court of the Missing, signifying that he has been accounted for and will rest in a known gravesite.
Final Resting Place
Sgt. Ryhter, who passed away at the age of 22, will be buried with full military honors in Bedford on September 20. He is survived by five nephews and a niece.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Johnson-Romito Funeral Home on Broadway Avenue. Following the visitation, Sgt. Ryhter will be laid to rest at Bedford Cemetery.
Veterans and veteran groups are welcome to attend and pay their respects to this honored service member.
