U.S. Army Pfc. William T. Farrell

U.S. Army Pfc. William T. Farrell, 19, native of Spangler, died August, 1951, as a Prisoner of War at Camp 5, Pyoktong, North Korea. His remains have been identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on September 2, 2025.  He will be buried with full honors at St. Benedict Cemetery, Carrolltown, PA on March 28, 2026.   Pfc. William T. Farrell was born February 18, 1932, in Spangler, the son of William and Florence (Bearer) Farrell.  “Billy” enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 28, 1949, and was serving in Korea with Battery C, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.  He was reported missing in action by his unit on November 30, 1950, during the battle of Ch’ongch’ on River near the town of Somin-dong, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  A few weeks later, the family was notified he was officially classified as “missing in action”.  In December, 1951, the family received notification that he was in the hands of opposing forces.  Over the next several years, they prayed and waited for more information about their son’s whereabouts and condition.  In August, 1953, they were notified that their son’s name appeared on a list of Americans submitted by the communists who died while in their custody.  In September, 1953, information was provided that he had been buried in Pyoktong, North Korea.  In 1954, remains of deceased were turned over by the Communist forces and buried at the punchbowl in Hawaii.  A list of names was also provided and Billy’s name was on this list.  In 1955, the family worked with the US Military officials providing information, dental and medical records, to try and positively identify his remains.  No identification was able to be made.  On 7/27/1999, two brothers, Donald and Edward, provided their DNA in hopes of one day making a positive identification.  Twenty six years later, their DNA helped to identify Billy and bring him home.

It has been 75 years and now the family can lay their brother to rest alongside his parents.  In addition to his parents, the following siblings are deceased; brothers, Edward, Kenneth, and Charles Farrell, and sister, Mary Jo Weir.  Surviving are brothers, Donald Farrell and Clarence Farrell; and sisters, Florence “Tossie” Bradley, Bernadine Hayes, and Imogene McMullen.  Also surviving are several generations of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews who carry on his memory.  Those who wish to pay their respects and honor his service will be received from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at Moriconi Funeral Home, Inc., Northern Cambria.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Carrolltown, Fr. Michael Gabler, OSB, celebrant.  Committal and military honors will be in St. Benedict Cemetery. 

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