The Veterans

Andy F. Aldridge enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946. He was discharged in 1948 and recalled to active duty in September 1950. Aldridge served for nine months in the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal. Assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment, he was wounded in action at the Battle of Bunker Hill (Hill 749) on September 15, 1951. As a result of the wounds he received, Aldridge was medically discharged the following year. Aldridge passed away on March 4, 2017.

Robert L. Atkins enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947, and trained for eighteen months in Guam with the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade. Atkins served in the Korean War for approximately eleven months with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division beginning in September 1950. His duties included working as a truck driver. Atkins participated in the Inchon Landing and a landing at Wonson, as well as in action at the Chosin Reservoir. Atkins passed away on July 26, 2019.

John H. “Jack” Baird Jr. served abroad in World War II for three years and remained in the Army Inactive Reserves after returning to the United States. He was recalled to active duty and served in the Korean War as a corporal in the 19th Regiment, 21st Infantry Division for one year and two months beginning in September 1950. Baird first served on the front lines firing a 60mm mortar and was later transferred behind the lines, where he worked in Army Special Services. After the war, Baird settled in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed away on June 17, 2009.

Ralph E. Balch enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1953 at the age of eighteen. He served as a Navy hospital corpsman stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps in Mount Fuji, Japan. His duties included providing basic medical care and participating in field drills. Balch served for four years and later became active in the reserves in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Balch passed away July 5, 2022

Ivey G. Barnett enlisted in the U. S. Army on May 17, 1950, at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War with E Company of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division beginning in October 1950. Barnett was taken prisoner on November 2, 1950, in action near Unsan, North Korea. He died of starvation in the Sambakkol POW camp near Pyoktong, North Korea, in February or March 1951, but his condition remained unknown until returning prisoners provided information during Operation Little Switch in 1953. Barnett’s official date of death is listed as March 31, 1951. His remains have not been recovered.

Carl E. Baskin was an ROTC cadet while in college. In June 1951, he received his diploma, a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, and orders for active duty. Baskin served in the Korean War for one year beginning in August 1952 with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 3rd Army Infantry Division. Baskin was platoon leader of approximately fifty troops, half South Korean and Puerto Rican and half American. He participated in action north of the 38th parallel. Baskin passed away on November 8, 2022.

James Denzal Beall was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, on September 5, 1919. He served in the Korean War for five months as a captain with the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, United States Air Force. Beall flew forty-three missions into North Korea. Beall passed away on December 23, 2014.

Donald E. Bethune enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for two months beginning in July of 1950 as an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Bethune participated in the Inchon Landing and subsequent recapture of Seoul where he was wounded on September 23, 1950. He returned to the United States after his injury. Bethune passed away on March 28, 2008.

James R. Blaylock enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in January 1948 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for four months as a corporal with Baker Company of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment beginning in September 1950. Blaylock served as a gunner in a machine gun platoon. He participated in the Inchon Landing and the subsequent recapturing of Seoul as well as in action at the Chosin Reservoir. Blaylock was granted a dependency discharge in April 1951 while in Japan recovering from an injury he received in the field. Blaylock passed away on August 21, 2021.

Raymond L. Bly enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950 at the age of twenty-two. He served in the Korea War as an Aviation Storekeeper First Class aboard USS Antietam and USS Essex. His Division was responsible for stocking and issuing all aircraft parts and other flight equipment. After the Korean War, Bly served the remainder of a three year, eleven month term in the Navy, including a total of forty-three months aboard aircraft carriers.

William Maxwell “Bill” Boone enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1949 at the age of nineteen. He served approximately eighteen months during the Korean War as an aviation boatswain’s mate airman aboard USS Valley Forge. Boone passed away on February 9, 2023.

Homer A. Brady served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1946 until 1949. He was recalled to active duty in August 1950. Shortly after his activation, he applied to and was accepted into Officer Candidate School. Brady was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in September 1951. He served in the Korean War for three months, beginning in April 1953. Brady continued to serve in-country for an additional twelve months after the armistice was signed. He was assigned to the 69th Ordnance Ammunition Company and worked as a depot commander. Brady passed away on December 17, 2013.

Roy A. Brinkley Jr. served in the Army National Guard while attending Mississippi State University until his unit was mobilized in 1950. He served in the Korean War for six months with the 45th Infantry Division working at a battalion aid station and later as assistant preventive medicine officer at division headquarters. He returned to the United States in October 1952 on emergency leave after the death of his parents in a car accident. Brinkley passed away on February 11, 2015.

Roy O. Bullock enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War as a sergeant in Company A of the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division for nine months beginning in March 1951. His duties included serving as a squad leader and assistant platoon sergeant. After returning to the United States, Bullock had mountain and cold weather training at Fort Carson, Colorado. Bullock passed away on May 20, 2012.

Joseph R. Burch enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 at the age of nineteen. He had previously served three years in the Air Force. Burch served in the Korean War for ten months as a truck driver for the 11th Marine Regiment. He participated in the landing at Inchon, the liberation of Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He passed away on January 27, 2011.

Anderson W. Busbea was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1943, serving in the 4th Marine Division. Following World War II he returned to Arkansas and joined the Marine Corps Reserve. Busbea served in the Korean War for seven months as a corporal in the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division beginning in September 1950. Busbea worked as a truck driver, delivering ammunition for the regiment’s artillery pieces. He participated in the Inchon Landing, the liberation of Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He passed away on August 5, 2013.

Charles B. Cady enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1948. He arrived in Korea in December 1950 and served there for almost fourteen months as a member of the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Cady’s duties included working as an assistant tank driver, then as a driver before becoming acting tank commander. He was wounded in action on January 12, 1952, while directing fire on an enemy emplacement. Cady returned home shortly thereafter. Cady passed away on June 30, 2022.

Robert Allen Carpenter, Sr. served three months in the Korean War with the Headquarters & Service Company of the 185th Engineer Combat Battalion, U.S. Army, beginning in May 1953. His duties included first serving as company armorer before becoming supply sergeant. Carpenter was in Korea when the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. He passed away on March 7, 1999.

Richard L. Carter enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 at the age of twenty-one and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, when North Korea invaded South Korea. Carter served in the Korean War for ten months with the 17th Field Artillery Battalion beginning in July 1950. His duties included serving as the elevation person on an 8-inch Howitzer. Carter participated in the Pusan Perimeter Defense, as well as the subsequent breakout and push to the north. Carter passed away on May 25, 2023.

Lawrence Clyde Chaney enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard in 1947 at the age of seventeen. He was called for active duty in October of 1950 and sent to the Korean War in 1951 as a technical sergeant with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron for a total of twenty-one months of service. During this Korean War service, Chaney continued his supply duties while stationed at Itazuke Air Base in Japan and the K-2 Air Base in Taegu, Korea. Chaney passed away on April 4, 2023.

Marion Lewis Clark enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1950, at the age of nineteen. He served in the Korean War for eighth months beginning in September 1951 with 1st Marine Division. Clark’s duties included reconnaissance patrols, guard duty, and serving as squad leader. He participated in an amphibious landing in North Korea near the 38th Parallel as part of the UN Summer-Fall Offensive of 1951 and continued action in North Korea during the Second Korean Winter.

Bobby L. Coker enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1949 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for almost nineteen months beginning in August 1950 with the 936th Field Artillery Battalion. He served as a supply sergeant and observation point sergeant until breaking his leg and traveling to Japan for medical attention. When he returned to Korea, he served as an infantry squad leader in the 35th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Coker passed away on January 23, 2015.

Clyde H. Cossey enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for approximately eleven months as a sergeant in A Company, 31st Regimental Combat Team. His duties during the war included that of ammunition bearer, light machine gunner, and squad leader. Cossey was wounded in action during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign.

Jack Currie enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1942 at the age of twenty-five and served three and a half years in World War II with the 6th Armored Division. He was recalled for service in November of 1950 and served in the Korean War for nineteen months. Currie was the Assistant Supply Officer at the UN POW Camp on Koje Island where he was responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and distributing food and clothing to the 150,000 prisoners. Currie passed away on March 5, 2015.

James N. Curry enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1950 at the age of twenty. He was trained at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, and served in the Korean War beginning in March 1951 with Easy Company, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Curry’s operated a 57mm recoilless rifle and later served as squad leader and platoon sergeant. After the war, he served in Japan and Germany before being discharged. Curry passed away on November 10, 2022.

Theodore R. Dale enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1941 and transferred to the Army Air Corp in 1943. He served abroad in World War II and remained in Germany for six years after the war in various assignments. Dale served in the Korean War for one year beginning in July 1953 as a major in the U.S. Air Force. He was first assigned to Kunsan Air Base flying B-26 bombers before being assigned to the Armistice Commission for eight months. Dale was responsible for transcribing the proceedings and transmitting them to the president daily. He remained in the Air Force after leaving Korea and later served as Base Commander of the Little Rock Air Force Base. He passed away on September 9, 2011.

Gilbert M. Depner enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 1949 at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War for fourteen months as a private with the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division beginning in August of 1950. He served as a gunner with an anti-tank platoon. Depner participated in the Inchon Landing and the subsequent recapturing of Seoul as well as in action at the Chosin Reservoir and on the East Central Front. He passed away on June 25, 2013.

Ralph H. Desmarais enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War beginning in February 1953, as private with the Air Weather Service. His duties included recording the depth and velocity of the Han River for flood control purposes and making weather observations for aircraft. After the war, he remained in the Air Force until 1956.

John F. Donelson enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1949 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for eleven months beginning in January 1951 as a corporal with the Headquarters Battery, 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Donelson served for a time as a jeep driver in the intelligence section. Later, he was put in charge of a machine gun outpost while serving as part of the unit’s fire direction center. He passed away on January 28, 2011.

William M. “Bill” Dorough enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1950 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War for one year beginning in January 1951 as a sergeant with the Headquarters Battery, 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Dorough served in fire direction and in the personnel department, but his main duty was transporting troops and ammunition as a driver of a 6×6 truck. The unit saw a great deal of service in the “Iron Triangle” area, often in support of other United Nations forces. He passed away on March 24, 2017.

Allen L. “Sonny” Dunn enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1949 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for fourteen months beginning in December 1950 with the Headquarters Battery, 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Dunn served first as a personnel clerk and a machine gun sergeant, later becoming battalion sergeant major. The unit saw a great deal of service in the “Iron Triangle” area, often in support of other United Nations forces. He passed away on October 2, 2012.

Quenton E. Eades enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 at the age of twenty-three. He served in the Korean War in a heavy weapons platoon with the 7th Infantry Regiment. Eades was discharged from the army in 1952. He passed away on May 11, 2007.

Dell G. Evans was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945 and completed airborne training before being discharged in 1946. He received a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in 1949 after graduating from the ROTC program at Henderson State Teachers College (now Henderson State University) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Evans served in the Korean War for fourteen months with the “Wolfhounds” of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division as platoon and company leader. During his time in Korea he was awarded three Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. He remained in the Army until retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1970. Evans passed away on November 5, 2004.

Robert “Bob” Fitzjerrell enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1950, at the age of eighteen. Fitzjerrell served in the Korean War for fifteen months as a corporal with C Company, 189th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. His Korean War service started in April 1951 with Ranger and Advanced Combat training on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan before he arrived in Korea in December 1951. Fitzjerrell was a BAR man and spent much of his time on the front lines. After returning to the United States, Fitzjerrell entered the Army National Guard in 1953, transferred to the Air National Guard in 1963, and eventually retired after twenty-eight years of military service. He passed away on January 28, 2009.

Frank A. Fowlkes served one year in the National Guard before being discharged and enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1950 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for eleven and a half months beginning in January 1951 as a corporal with B Company, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He participated in the spring offensive of 1951 and numerous battles in the Punchbowl area, serving mainly with a rifle platoon. Fowlkes passed away on February 1, 2021.

Glean Eugene Fullington enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in February 1949 at the age of eighteen. He served five months in the Korean War as an ammunition carrier. He participated in action at Wonsan, Hungnam, and the Chosin Reservoir. Fullington returned to the United States in March of 1951. He passed away on January 6, 2011.

John Edward Garrich Jr. was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War as a battalion motor sergeant in the 38th Field Artillery Battalion and participated in the battles of Heartbreak Ridge and Old Baldy. Garrich passed away on April 20, 2009.

Kenneth R. Gathright enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1948, at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for eleven months beginning in August 1950 as a corporal with C Battery of the 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. His duties included serving as a wireman and forward observer. Gathright participated in the Pusan Perimeter Defense, as well as the subsequent breakout and push to the north. Gathright passed away on March 19, 2016.

George W. Gatliff enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1947 at the age of seventeen while still in high school. His battalion was mobilized on August 21, 1950, and sent to Fort Hood, Texas, for training. Gatliff served in the Korean War for seven months arriving in February 1951 as a corporal with Battery A of the 937th Field Artillery Battalion. While in Korea, he served as an artillery survey specialist, recorder, and assistant gunner/gun driver.

Jack L. Gilbert was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 at the age twenty. He served in the Korean War for approximately ten months as a corporal in the 213th Field Artillery Battalion. For a brief period of time near the end of his service he was also attached to an engineer company. While in the 213th Field Artillery Gilbert served as a cannoneer and ammunition corporal. Following his discharge from the service, Gilbert returned to Arkansas.

J.C. Griffin was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1951 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War for eight months as a corporal with the Headquarters Company, 21st Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Griffin served as a field wireman and worked to keep communication open for the company commanders and platoon leaders. He participated in action during the Chinese Spring Offensive, UN Summer-Fall Offensive, and the Second Korean Winter. Griffin passed away on May 13, 2023.

Robert M. Hamilton enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1945 and served eighteen months of active duty before returning to Arkansas. He later re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War with B Company, 1st Armored Amphibious Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division as platoon leader and battalion assistant. Hamilton participated in action at the Kimpo Peninsula and Hill 97. He passed away on April 6, 2000.

Charles H. Harmon enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1948 at the age of eighteen and was assigned to USS Orleck in January 1949. Harmon’s Korean War service began in February 1951 when Orleck joined United Nations forces off the east coast of Korea. He served as an engineer yeoman and kept records and correspondence for the engineering staff. During his time aboard Orleck, Harmon participated in numerous patrols, shore bombardment missions, and transportation missions. He returned to Arkansas after the war. Harmon passed away on December 6, 2015.

Arthur C. Hestir Jr. enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948, at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War for thirteen months beginning in December 1950 with the 3rd Battalion, 11th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Hestir served as a wireman on a forward observation team providing perimeter defense after establishing communications. Hestir passed away on July 21, 2019.

Charles Owen Hilburn was drafted into the U.S. Army in February of 1951. He served ten months and seven days in the Korean War as a corporal with the service battery of the 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He participated in action at Heartbreak Ridge and Bloody Ridge before returning to the United States in 1952. He passed away on September 3, 2013.

Carl E. Hines enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 at the age of twenty. He served in the Korean War for approximately one year as a corporal in the 24th Infantry Regiment, a segregated African-American unit. Hines served as a truck driver for his unit and spent most of his time hauling supplies and casualties. He later drove a jeep for the colonel of the regiment.

Richard B. Homard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1945 at the age of seventeen and served until August 1946. In August 1950, he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard. Homard served one year in the Korean War beginning in January 1951 as a sergeant with the Headquarters Battery, 936th Field Artillery Battalion. His duties as radio repair section chief included maintaining good radio communication and training other soldiers in radio repair. Homard passed away on April 4, 2022.

Charles W. Hughes enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for nine months as a hospital corpsman attached to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In addition to providing preventive medical care, Hughes was also responsible for providing emergency battlefield treatment to injured Marines. Hughes passed away on October 12, 2022.

Ernest E. Jacks enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1944 at the age of eighteen. He served as part of a naval aircrew during World War II and was recalled for Korean War service. Jacks did not participate in action on the Korean peninsula; his patrol squadron was assigned to the Aleutian Islands where it performed anti-submarine missions. Jacks worked as the combat intelligence officer for his unit. Jacks passed away on February 14, 2020.

Arnold Keith Jernigan enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1948 at the age of nineteen, hiding his colorblindness by memorizing the color chart. He served in the Korean War for eight months beginning in September of 1950 as a sergeant in the Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Service Group, 1st Marine Division. His main duties included reconnoitering, maintaining/distributing maps, and interrogation of civilians. He participated in the Inchon Landing, the withdrawal of troops from North Korea, and the U.N. Counter Offensive of 1951. He passed away on December 7, 2015.

Leonard Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 at the age of twenty-three. He served in the Korean War for approximately one year beginning in March 1951 as a corporal in the 24th Infantry Regiment, a segregated African American unit. Following the disbandment of the 24th Infantry in September 1951, Johnson was transferred to the 35th Infantry Regiment. He was wounded in action twice and received a Bronze Star for action near Kumhwa in October 1951. Johnson passed away August 6, 2015.

Jerry Lacony Killingsworth enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1950 at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War for thirteen months beginning in the spring of 1951 with an 81mm mortar platoon. His duties included serving as a forward observer to call in fire support. He participated in many actions, including Hill 673 during the Battle of the Punchbowl in the fall of 1951.

Burton Ray Knotts enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1949 at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War for approximately eighteen months as a sergeant in the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile. Knotts was a radio intercept operator who copied Russian, Chinese, and Korean radio messages. He also acted as a courier carrying Top Secret intercepted messages between his location and the 5th Air Force Headquarters in Seoul. Knotts was discharged from the service in 1952.

Louie J. Konings enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1950 at the age of nineteen. He served in the Korean War for two months and twenty-two days beginning in December 1950. As the radio operator for the company commander, his duties included calling in air strikes and communicating with UN and ROK troops. In March 1951, Konings was wounded near Kori-gol, Korea.

Maurice E. Lewis enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1950 at the age of seventeen and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. He served in the Korean War beginning in April 1951 with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. His duties included serving as a runner and radio operator. Lewis was wounded in action on October 22, 1951, in the area of the Punchbowl. Lewis passed away on February 9, 2021.

Richard Lewis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 at the age of seventeen. He served thirteen months in the Korean War beginning in February of 1951 as a corporal with the 1st Amphibious Truck Company. His duties included operating an amphibious vehicle commonly known as a DUWK. Lewis participated in Operation Ripper, Mouse Trap, and Killer.

Delmer L. Lott enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1949 at the age of seventeen. His unit, located in Mena, was mobilized shortly after North Korea invaded South Korea. Lott served in the Korean War for thirteen months as a sergeant in Battery A, 937th Field Artillery Battalion. As the communications chief, Lott’s main responsibility was the handling of communications between the forward observers and the battery’s fire direction center. He passed away on August 12, 2013.

Donald J. Louks enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1950 at the age of seventeen. Louks served in the Korean War for thirteen months as an infantryman and later military policeman. While serving as a squad leader, he was wounded twice during several days of fighting to capture Hill 749. Following his discharge in 1952, Louks returned to Arkansas. He passed away on September 18, 2011.

Andrew J. Lucas, Jr. enlisted in the Arkansas State Guard in 1944, followed by the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1946, and the regular Army in 1948. He served one year in the Korean War as a sergeant with the Headquarters Battery of the 90th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. He served as a member on a forward observer team, as a switchboard operator, and as a wire team chief. Lucas participated in the Pusan Perimeter Defense, as well as the subsequent breakout and push to the north. Lucas passed away on March 15, 2021.

James C. Lynn was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. He arrived in Korea in April 1952. Lynn served for eleven months in the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal. He served as a gunner on a 57mm recoilless rifle and later a squad leader in the 9th Infantry Regiment. Lynn participated in action at Arrowhead Ridge (Hill 281) and T-Bone Hill.

Kerry L. McAlister enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1948 at the age of eighteen. He attended machinist tech school after basic training and was eventually stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Alaska in December 1948. McAlister served in the Korean War as a sergeant at Kimpo Air Base from September 1952 until July 1953. His duties included maintaining aircraft refueling equipment for the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. McAlister was discharged in August 1953. McAlister passed away on October 8, 2018.

George Donald McConnaughey enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard in early 1947 at the age of seventeen while a student at Arkansas State Teacher’s College. He served in the Korean War for one year beginning in January 1951 as a master sergeant with Battery C, 936th Field Artillery Battalion. McConnaughey served as chief of section and participated in many actions along the 38th Parallel, including Kumwa Valley. McConnaughey passed away on February 8, 2021.

Donald G. McMillan was drafted into the Army during World War II and served for thirteen months. In 1951, he enrolled in the Army ROTC while at the University of Arkansas. McMillan served in the Korean War for eighteen months as a 2nd lieutenant in the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division beginning in August 1952. He served as both machine gun platoon leader and company commander while in Korea. In addition to action on the front lines, McMillan guarded North Korean POWs at Koje Island off the coast of South Korea. He passed away on February 7, 2013.

Eugene C. Morehart was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1950 and served as a medic with the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. His duties included administering preventative shots, providing first aid on the front lines, and evacuating the wounded for additional treatment. After leaving Korean, Morehart spent three months at the Army and Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, assisting where needed. He was treated for malaria during his time in Hot Springs. Morehart passed away on April 20, 2023.

Jim R. Mullings enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1949 at the age of sixteen while still in high school. He attended two summer camps in 1949 and 1950 before being pressed into federal service on August 21, 1950. Mullings served in the Korean War for eleven months beginning in January 1951 as a corporal with Battery “B” of the 937th Field Artillery Battalion. Primarily, Mullings served as a cannoneer on the 155mm self-propelled “Long Tom” artillery gun.

The 936th Field Artillery Battalion was the first Arkansas National Guard unit to enter combat in Korea. It mobilized on August 2, 1950, and trained stateside for five months before arriving at Pusan, South Korea, on February 10, 1951. The 936th provided artillery support to the 3rd Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, and 1st Cavalry Division, as well as, a division from the Army of the Republic of Korea

Thomas R. O’Hanlon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 1950 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War for approximately fourteen months beginning in November 1952 as an airman first class with the 50th Troop Carrier Squadron. The squadron, which was based in Japan, flew troops and cargo into Korea, as well as participated in air drops and other related activities. O’Hanlon passed away on November 10, 2010.

Dan Frank Onstott joined the Arkansas Air National Guard while in high school and was activated in October 1950 at the age of twenty. He served in the Korean War for one year with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron. After training at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, the 154th began flying missions in Korea from Itazuke Air Base, Japan in May 1951. The squadron later moved to Taegu, South Korea. Onstott was a jet engine specialist; his duties included aircraft inspection and maintenance. Onstott passed away on December 22, 2020.

Roy D. Oxenrider enlisted in the Army in 1949 at the age of seventeen. He served in the Korean War for approximately four months as a member of a 57mm Recoilless Rifle squad in the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Oxenrider participated in the Inchon Landing, the liberation of Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He was wounded in action on December 1, 1950. After returning home for treatment, Oxenrider was discharged in 1952. Roy Oxenrider died on December 15, 2013.

John M. Pemberton served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He continued his service after the war and was stationed at various bases stateside as well as a tour on occupation duty in Japan. His unit, the 605th Tactical Control Squadron, was sent to Korea in September 1950. Pemberton served in Korea for seventeen months. He retired from the Air Force in 1962.

Lavern Penn was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 at the age of twenty-three. He served in the Korean War for ten months as a sergeant in division headquarters of the 24th Infantry Division. Initially a clerk typist, Penn was later put in charge of the personnel section of the 11th Field Artillery Battalion. Penn returned to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, where he continued his service until he was discharged in 1952.

Edward T. Person enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 at the age of fifteen and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He served in the Korean War for four months beginning in August 1950 as platoon sergeant. Person participated in action at the Pusan Perimeter, the landing at Inchon, the liberation of Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir. He was wounded in action in December 1950. After his time in the Korean War, he remained in the Marine Corps until retirement. He passed away on October 30, 2012.

Harry K. Peterson enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1948 at the age of sixteen. He served in the Korean War for ten months beginning in July 1950 as a sergeant with the 1st Ordnance Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Peterson served as ammunition technician and infantryman. He participated in action at the Pusan Perimeter, the Inchon Landing and subsequent liberation of Seoul, the Chosin Reservoir, and the Spring Offensive of 1951. Peterson remained in the Marine Corps after the Korean War and later retired to Arkansas. Peterson passed away on February 10, 2019.

James E. “Jim” Purvis enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in January 1949 at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War for nine months as a corporal with the 1st Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Marine Division beginning in July 1950. Purvis served as an equipment operator. His participated in the Pusan Perimeter Defense, the Inchon Landing and the subsequent recapturing of Seoul before landing at Wonsan and pushing into North Korea. Purvis passed away on August 23, 2021.

James Lee Rakes enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in Bentonville, Ark., 1947 at the age of fifteen. He graduated from high school in May 1950, and served in the Korean War for twelve months beginning in August 1950 with the 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Rakes served as field communication chief and chief of detail section among other duties. Rakes passed away on January 10, 2020.

William Rambo was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 at the age of nineteen. He served in the Korean War for approximately eighteen months, six in Korea and twelve in Japan. While in the 5th Cavalry Regiment Rambo served variously as an infantryman and mortarman. During his time in the 77th Field Artillery Rambo served as a chief of section on a 105mm Howitzer crew. Following his discharge from the service, Rambo returned to Arkansas.

Paul Francis Reagan enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1940 and served with the Coast Artillery Corps during World War II. He was on duty with the occupation army in Beppu, Japan, when North Korea invaded South Korea. Reagan served in Korea as a company commander of Company H, 19th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division beginning in 1950. He received the Silver Star for action near Anju, Korea, on November 5, 1950. He passed away on March 20, 1979.

Henry M. Rector enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948 at the age of seventeen and remained in the Reserves until his unit was called up for active duty. Rector served in the Korean War for one year and one day as a corporal in an anti-tank company of the 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division beginning in November 1950. He served as a gunner on the 75mm recoilless rifle, an anti-tank weapon used on enemy bunkers, and fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Henry Rector passed away on October 27, 2018.

William C. “Bill” Reed enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1950, at the age of eighteen. After the federalization of his unit with the outbreak of war, Reed traveled to Fort Hood for advanced training. He served in the Korean War for one year beginning in February 1951, with the Service Battery, 937th Field Artillery Battalion. Bill Reed passed away on April 22, 2012.

Walter R. Rhodes enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 at the age of nineteen. He served in the Korean War for fourteen months as a corporal with B Company, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division beginning in August 1950. His duties included serving in a fire direction center calculating firing data for the weapons, as driver for the battery commander, and as a forward observer, among other positions. Rhodes was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the battle of Heartbreak Ridge.

Bill R. Roussel joined the U.S. Army in 1945 and served on occupation duty in Europe following Germany’s surrender in World War II. In 1948 he re-enlisted in the Army at the age of nineteen. Roussel served in the Korean War for sixteen months as a cook and mess sergeant in the 54th Engineer Maintenance Company. He participated in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter as well as the subsequent breakout and push north.

Albert C. Sebourn enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1929 and served for six years before being discharged. He re-enlisted in the Army in 1941. Sebourn was appointed a second lieutenant in 1943 and served as a liaison pilot during World War II. During the Korean War, Sebourn, now a captain, was placed in command of the 2nd Helicopter Detachment, which was an air evacuation unit and the Army’s first helicopter command to ever deploy to a war-zone. Shortly after his arrival in Korea, Sebourn designed a helicopter evacuation pod that was used to transport injured soldiers. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions at Chang-to in 1951. Sebourn retired from the Army as a major in 1955. He passed away on November 7, 1982, and is buried in the Fort Smith National Cemetery.

John V. Smith enlisted in the Army in 1948 at the age of eighteen. He served in the Korean War for nearly three years, most of which was as a prisoner of war. Smith served as a radio operator in D Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He participated in the Inchon Landing, the liberation of Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He was captured on December 2, 1950, and spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war. Smith was released on August 14, 1953. He passed away in 1997.

William C. Spigner enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War for ten months as a member of the 5th Regimental Combat Team. Spigner’s duties included serving as a BAR man, squad leader, and truck driver. He was wounded in action on October 27, 1952, while defending a position on the front lines. Spigner passed away on June 18, 2023.

Steve Stephens enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1951. Stephens left for Korea in December of 1952 and served one year in the Korean War beginning in January of 1953 as a sergeant with the headquarters battalion of the 1st Marine Division. In addition to his regular duties with the disbursing office, Stephens occasionally flew via helicopter to the Dutch hospital ship Jutlandia to give the wounded Marines their paychecks. He was in Korea when the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. Stephens passed away on January 29, 2021.

Gus “Zack” Taylor Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948, at the age of eighteen and served for fourteen months in Okinawa, Japan. Taylor served in the Korean War beginning in July 1950 as a corporal with E Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was discharged in April 1955. Taylor passed away on April 11, 1979, and is buried at the Bayou Meto Cemetery in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

Boyd Tucker enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1949 at the age of twenty-four and served one year. He re-enlisted on February 17, 1950 and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, Camp Stoneman, California, and Japan before being sent to Korea in July. On July 14, 1950, U.S. forces were overrun by the enemy near Samgyo-Ri. Tucker was killed in this action. He was buried by local villagers and later moved to the UN military cemetery at Tanggok. His remains were returned to Arkansas in 1954 and buried in Oma Cemetery in Hot Spring County.

James F. Tucker served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later enrolled in Army ROTC while a student at the Henderson State Teachers College. He served in the Korean War for approximately twelve months as a 2nd lieutenant in the 32nd Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Tucker served as platoon leader and spent much of his time on the front lines. He passed away on December 29, 2010.

Tyler enlisted in the U.S. Army in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1951 at the age of nineteen. He received three bronze stars and three battle stars for his service in the Korean War. Tyler passed away on April 12, 2020.

Ronald H. Van Buren enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 at the age of eighteen. He was stationed with the 5th Armored Division at Camp Chaffee near Fort Smith, Arkansas, before being transferred to Japan with the 19th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Van Buren served in the Korean War for eleven months beginning in September 1950 as a private in the 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Van Buren served as an outpost gunner and a medic and took part in the devastating retreat from North Korea. He passed away on August 20, 2009.

Curtis E. Watson enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard in 1947 at the age of eighteen. He was called to active duty in October 1950 and sent to Korea in 1951 as a staff sergeant with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron. Watson served as a crew chief and performed maintenance on the unit’s F-84E jet aircraft. He remained in the Air National Guard after the war and eventually retired after forty-one years of service. Passed away on December 30, 2010

Perry V. Whitmore enlisted in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and later enrolled in the Army ROTC while at the University of Arkansas. He served in the Korean War for eighteen months as a 1st lieutenant in the 32nd Regiment, 7th Infantry Division beginning in June 1952. Whitmore served as platoon leader and company commander of I Company and later as company commander of M Company as his regiment spent the majority of its time on the front lines. He passed away on February 7, 2017.

Vernie Calvin Whittaker was drafted in to the U.S. Army in July 1952 at the age of twenty-one. He served in the Korean War beginning in February 1953 with the Headquarters Battery of the 75th Field Artillery Battalion and was in-country when the armistice was signed in July. Whittaker passed away on September 30, 2017.

Sedric Wirt enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 at the age of seventeen. He served four months in the Korean War beginning in September 1950 as a corporal with the 7th Infantry Division. During the Chosin Reservoir Campaign he was wounded and taken prisoner while a member of Task Force Drysdale. Wirt was held for ten days with no food or medical attention before he was rescued by U.S. forces. While in captivity, Wirt developed frostbite causing the eventual amputation of his feet. He passed away on December 8, 2010.

Robert L. Zoeller enlisted in the Air Force in 1951, at the age of twenty. He served in the Korean War for five months as a pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron. After being shot down during an airstrike, Zoeller served with the U. S. Army for six weeks and fought at Pork Chop Hill. He was given a hardship discharge after the death of his stepfather and returned to Missouri. He later relocated to Arkansas. He passed away on December 27, 2011.