a day ago
MIA Korean War vet now buried in Elgin to receive honorary street name
U.S. Army Cpl. Eriverto Ortiz, the Korean War veteran whose remains were reunited with his family in Elgin more than 70 years after his combat death, will receive an honorary street name bestowed by the city.
Oritz's niece, Gloria Valle, applied to have the street on which she lives, Alice Court, designated in his honor. Alice Court is a cul-de-sac in the Valley Creek subdivision, east of Randall Road and north of Highland Avenue.
'I can see his name every day I leave the house,' said Valle, who has lived on the street for 35 years.
Valle said she was overwhelmed by and grateful for the council's action and the way the city has embraced her uncle's memory and military service.
'It was very emotional,' she said of the honor.
Ortiz, a Texas native, died when Valle was young. He went missing on Sept. 20, 1950, while serving in the Korean War. His remains were recovered in 1951 but weren't positively identified until 2024.
Last year, the remains were returned to his family, who had moved to Elgin in 1959. He was laid to rest at Bluff City Cemetery with full military honors in October 2024. Valle wanted her uncle buried close to his family.
'I remember my mom and my (aunts) waiting for an answer (as to what happened to him),' she said. 'They left this world and never heard anything. Then it fell into my hands. All I wanted was someone to welcome him home.'
A street designation application requires the backing of a city council member, support from neighboring property owners and approval by a review group. Families pay for the sign.
Usually the honor is given to people who lived or worked in Elgin and made significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic or military achievements, according to the city's resolution.
Ortiz never lived in Elgin, but he did receive numerous military achievements. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart, Bronze Service Star, Army Gold Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
'The city of Elgin is extremely proud that the family of Cpl. Ortiz has chosen Elgin to be his final home,' according to a resolution the council passed Wednesday.
Elgin has 13 street honorary designations, including those that recognize former City Councilwoman Marie Yearman, Bethesda Church of God in Christ Pastor James L. Marks and federal Judge Manuel Barbosa.
'Congratulations to the family,' Mayor Dave Kaptain said following the unanimous vote for the designation.
Valle said a ribbon-cutting is tentatively set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. It's two days before the 75th anniversary of Ortiz's death.
'I have people coming from out of town,' she said. 'I have family coming from Georgia, other family coming from Texas and Chicago. We are all spread out, but whoever can be there will be there.'
