Honoring My Dad and other Korean War Vets

My Dad. July, 2014

On Saturday, my dad participated in the dedication of a Korean War Memorial in Cowley, WY.

I thought this citation would tell me more about my dad’s service than I ever could:

My dad in Korea. 1950 (He is on left.)

“Distinguished Unit Citation… As authorized by Executive Order 9396, the following units are cited… in the name of the President of the United States as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction. The citation reads as follows:

“The Second Infantry Division and the following attached units ******* 300th ARMORED FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION (less Battery “B”) ******* are cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the armed enemy in the vicinity of Hongchon, Korea, during the period of 16 to 22 May 1951. Defending the critical sector of the Eighth Army battle front, the Second Division and attached units faced a hostile force of 12 Chinese Communist divisions with an estimated strength of 120,000 troops. The Third Chinese Army Group drove the full force of its savage assault against the Second Division with the specific mission of annihilation of the units. The right flank of the Unit was completely exposed when enemy pressure broke through adjacent United Nations elements. Pressure increased and each night enemy forces bypassed staunch defenders and occupied positions to their rear.

My dad in Korea. 1950. (He is on right.)

Tactical units of the Second Division launched fierce counterattacks which destroyed enemy penetrations, successfully extricating themselves, and through readjustment of positions, stopped the onslaught of the Chinese Communist forces. Executing planned withdrawals and extending their flank eastward over extremely rugged, mountainous terrain, the Second Division and attached units provided critically required time for other Eighth Army units to regroup and block the attempted enemy envelopment. Without thought of defeat, this heroic Unit demonstrated superb battlefield courage, knowledge, and discipline and esprit de corps in accomplishing this extremely difficult and hazardous mission as to set it apart and above other units participating in similar operations. Its sustained brilliance in battle, resolution, and extraordinary heroism reflect unsurpassed credit on those courageous soldiers who participated and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army, the United Nations Forces, and their own homelands.”

I read this and I can’t imagine my dad going through something like that. And I’m so tremendously proud of him, proud to be his daughter.

Thanks, Dad. My grateful thanks to all those who stand in harms way for all of us.

Perilously yours,

Pauline