Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued an order for flags across Arkansas to be flown at half-staff on November 19, 2024, to honor the life and service of Sergeant Charles Edwin Beaty. This solemn tribute marks the final resting of a heroic U.S. Army soldier whose remains were identified after decades and who will now be buried in his home state of Arkansas.
Remembering a Heroic Legacy
Sergeant Charles Edwin Beaty was born on April 14, 1924, in Craighead County, Arkansas, and enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 19, 1942. During his distinguished military career, he served valiantly in the Korean War as part of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His unit was stationed at the notorious Chosin Reservoir, a site of fierce and historic battles.
On November 27, 1950, Chinese Communist Forces launched an aggressive attack on U.S. and United Nations troops stationed in the area. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Sgt. Beaty’s regiment courageously defended their position on the east side of the reservoir but was forced to retreat to a new defensive line. On December 3, 1950, during the continued assaults near the village of Hagaru-ri, Sgt. Beaty was reported missing in action under unknown circumstances.
Long-Awaited Identification and Recognition
After nearly seven decades of uncertainty, a breakthrough came in 2018 following the historic summit between then-President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un. As part of this diplomatic milestone, North Korea returned 55 sets of remains belonging to U.S. service members. Among these, Sgt. Beaty’s remains were identified, bringing long-awaited closure to his family and the nation.
For his courage and dedication, Sgt. Beaty earned numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. His sacrifices exemplify the highest ideals of military service.
