Gov. Jim Justice has ordered all United States and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and state-owned facilities in Taylor County to be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Friday, November 15, 2024, in commemoration of the distinguished life and service of United States Army Corporal Howard Godwin, Jr.

Corporal Godwin Jr. of Grafton enlisted in the United States Army on February 5, 1948, and proudly served during the Korean War.

On July 20, 1950, Corporal Godwin Jr. was reported missing while fighting in the Taejon area near South Korea. Corporal Godwin was declared non-recoverable in January 1956.

For his service and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously promoted to Corporal in 1953 and honored with several awards and medals, including the Purple Heart.

In July 2024, Corporal Godwin Jr.'s remains were accounted for at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Corporal Godwin will now be laid to rest at the West Virginia National Cemetery in his hometown.