PLYMOUTH – Christian and military services were held Friday for a man nicknamed “Bud” by his mother and honored as a hero in the formation of the American Legion in Plymouth, Neb.

Before his deployment to Corregidor Island, which fell to fascist Japan in 1942, Pvt. Erwin Schopp loved to play basketball, work at his family’s creamery and lead the WPA’s construction of a recreation center.

His photograph remains on display in his hometown, where it has been a reminder for the past 80 years,   but the designation of MIA on his grave marker has finally been made obsolete.

 

American Legion member Tom Furrow: “It’s tremendously significant for family and the other members of this post. For the members of this post alone, to have our  -- based on our namesake – come home.”

The Nebraska Army National Guard Honor Guard presented the flag to Schopp’s nephew John Mueller, whose DNA provided the final piece of the puzzle for the POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

 

He and three nieces, Karen Mathews, Carol Schopp and Kay Wolfe, expressed mixed emotions -- sadness because of what happened in 1943 at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp in Nueva,  but joy because he is back.

Mathews: “Coming around the corner and I saw that flag and started to cry again.”

 

The people who helped and those standing beside the road waiving flags and with their families -- you go through the little towns and their firetrucks are there – It’s ... I just can’t describe it.”

Although growing up they didn’t hear many details about “Bud,” they were raised with patriotism and knew they had a hero in the family.

 

They had three uncles in the Navy and Schopp enlisted in the Coast Artillery. His parent unit was Harbor Defense of Manila and Subic bays.

Matthews: “This part of the country is always going to hold a special spot. (Carol Schopp) It’s home.”

 Schopp-Ewing-Nispel Post 243