09/19/2026
9.18.2026. Stewart Co. Prisoners of War (POW) Missing in Action (MIA) Ceremony was conducted by Dover Squadron 72, Sons of The American Legion at First Christian Church, Dover TN. A short narrative of the ceremony is below. May be a longer read but please do read it. SAL 72 Commander Don Bailey was the master of ceremonies and SAL 72 Chaplain Brian Gelande performed the opening and closing prayers. Squadron 72 members Jody Batton, Hoyt Morrow, and Heiko Edelhauser assisted with the display set up and ceremony. Thank those who attended today's ceremony.
Yet, it is in remembering our fallen comrades that we are reminded of those whose fate is still unknown, those still listed as Prisoners of War or Missing In Action. 4,422 Americans are still unaccounted for from World War I; more than 71,000 from World War II; 7353 from Korea; and 1565 from Vietnam. These courageous Americans, who dedicated their lives to preserving and protecting our freedom, will never be forgotten.
History reflects WWI ending in 1918, WWII Ending in 1945, Korea Ending in 1953, and Vietnam ending in 1975. 108 years later more than 84,000 American families are missing loved ones from these wars. The missing loved ones are not forgotten on Birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, the missing loved ones are classified in military terms as Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA).
Tennessee has a total 1,478 POW/MIAs, 92 WWI, 1196 WWII, 165 Korea, and 25 Vietnam. Through Dover TN Legions 72 Families research into the names listed on the Stewart County’s War Memorial, nine names have been identified as POW/MIAs. Three from WWI, three from WWII, Two from Korea, and one from Vietnam. In the past years we honored the families of the two Korean War POW/MIAs, Donald Earl Wallace and William Cornett Mann, and a Vietnam POW/MIA John B. Causey. Today we would like to honor all of them who have not returned home to their loved ones and community.
Roll call was performed and the information and photos (some photos were not available) were displayed to honor and remember each of the nine POW/MIA service men; Judson W. Dennis, SGT, U.S. Army, WWI, Tharp, TN; William E. Largent, PVT, U.S. Army, WWI, Ft. Henry, TN; Austin R. Whaley, PFC, U.S. Army, WWI, Model, TN; Geoffrey D. Outland, PVT, U.S. Army, WWII, Model, TN; Chester E. Stafford, CPL, U.S. Army, WWII, Dover, TN; Harley W. Coulter, PVT, U.S. Army, WWII, Dover, TN; William C. Mann, CPL, U.S. Army, Korea, Indian Mound, TN; Donald E. Wallace, CPL, U.S. Army, Korea, Dover, TN; and John B. Causey, CPT, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Dover, TN. We closed the ceremony in prayer and remembrance. Nine POW/MIA flags are being flown in front of the Stewart Co. Visitors Center. Each flag has a tag attached to it with the information of one of those still missing. (The photos will be on display at the Stewart Co. Visitors Center after 3pm on Saturday September 19 for a week along with the flags).
The families of those listed as POW/MIA remember them each day. It is our hope that one day each and every POW/MIA shall be returned home and those families could finally have closure. Until then let us remember those still missing and unaccounted for and their families, who have continued to keep the faith that their loved one’s homecoming will finally be a reality. (Photos courtesy Jamie Morrow-Unit 72 Auxiliary).
Don Bailey, Commander, Dover Squadron 72, Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Tennessee.
