Corporal Oscar Linwood Sprague

MILBRIDGE – Oscar Linwood Sprague, a local hero from Downeast, Maine, was killed in action, in Korea, Sept. 3, 1950.

Oscar was born in Milbridge, Oct. 5, 1927, the second of 11 children, to Clifford and Phyllis (Coombs) Sprague. In his childhood years, Oscar is remembered as being quite a jokester, someone who loved to play pranks, and being liked by everyone who knew him.

Oct. 19, 1942, Oscar enlisted in the United States Army, during World War II – at the age of 15. His youth was eventually discovered, and he was honorably discharged March 15, 1943.

During his discharge he also received instructions to re-enlist when he came of age. Determined to serve his country, on Feb. 13, 1948, Oscar re-enlisted in the United States Army.

Later, during the Korean War, Oscar was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, of the 2nd Infantry Division. He arrived in Pusan, South Korea July 23, 1950, becoming the first unit to reach Korea directly from the United States. The 2nd Infantry Division was committed as a unit on Aug. 24, 1950, to relieve the 24th Infantry Division at the Naktong Bulge in the vicinity of Yongsan.

Aug. 31, 1950, Oscar was part of a small group of men from a heavy weapons company who were cut off and surrounded by the enemy. Forming a perimeter defense, the men came under heavy attack by the Korean People’s Army (KPA) who attempted to overwhelm the perimeter.

Facing ever dwindling supplies and ammunition, rations were reduced to a fourth of a can of “C” ration, per man, per day. The only moisture available was the early morning dew that was licked off grass, rifle stocks, and equipment. The men held out for nearly four days.

Through it all, Oscar was constantly amid every fire fight and aided in beating off the determined enemy attacks. His unfailing determination and fortitude were an inspiration to his comrades and contributed greatly to the sturdy defense of the perimeter.

Oscar was declared Missing In Action (MIA) Sept. 3, 1950. His remains were recovered from a shallow grave, from the Naktong region Sept. 11, 1951. Because no identification or identifying marks were found, Oscar’s remains were deemed unknown and later transported for internment in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Oct. 7, 2019, Oscar’s remains were sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) laboratory for scientific analysis. He was finally identified April 23, 2025, and able to come home to his family. After 75 years from the day of his disappearance, Oscar will be buried with his parents.

Oscar’s awards include: The Bronze Star with V device; Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star attachment; Combat Infantry Badge; United Nations Service Medal; and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

He is survived by four sisters, Bernice Thompson, Betty Vance, both of Old Orchard Beach, Charlene Seavey of Milbridge, and Shirley Thompson of Jonesport; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Oscar was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Phyllis Sprague of Milbridge; and siblings, Albert Sprague, Joyce Faulkingham, Alice Sprague, Charles Sprague, Judy Seavey, and Richard Sprague.

Friends and family may visit together from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Milbridge, where medals will be presented to Oscar’s family.

All are welcome at a graveside service to begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3, Evergreen Cemetery, Route 1, in Milbridge, where Reverend Gregory Hewitt will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes, where online condolences may be shared: http://www.bragdonkelley.com.