Charles Blaine Crofts

U.S. Army Cpl. Charles Blaine Crofts, 19, of Shelley was declared MIA December 2, 1950 during the Korean War.

Cpl. Crofts remains were found in 2004 and recently were identified from DNA matching his brother and sister.

Blaine was unaccounted for following an overwhelming battle against Chinese forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.

He was a member of the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

The Americans were severely outnumbered by the Chinese forces they faced in the Battle of Chanjgin (Chosin) Reservoir while fighting in extreme cold and over rugged terrain.

The Army Historical Foundation chief historian wrote, “The experiences of the American soldiers who fought and died in the frigid cold of the Chosin area proved to be some of the most harrowing and tragic in the history of the U.S. Army.”

Blaine played basketball and ran track for Shelley High School.

He is survived by his brother, Kim (Mary Anne) Crofts of Shelley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elma, siblings, Darrell, Terry, and Elma.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by the United States Army.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.