In God We Trust
Three units have held the designation 34th Infantry Regiment. The first 34th Infantry was constituted on January 29, 1813 and in October 1815 was consolidated with The Regiment of Light Artillery. The second 34th Infantry was constituted on May 3, 1861 as the 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment and was reorganized and re-designated the 34th Infantry on September 21, 1866. This regiment was consolidated with the 11th Infantry Regiment on April 6, 1869 and re-designated the 16th Infantry Regiment.
The present 34th Infantry Regiment was constituted on July 1, 1916 and organized on July 15, 1916 at El Paso, Texas, by transfer of personnel from the 7th, 20th and 23d Infantry Regiments. The initial assignments of the 34th Infantry included guard duty along the Mexican border and the training of National Guard units.
On December 6, 1916 the 34th was assigned to the 7th Division and in August 1918 the regiment sailed for France. In the closing days of World War I the 34th was moved into the Puvenelle sector in France where it fought with great valor. For this and subsequent actions against the Germans the regiment was cited by the French government with the Battle Honors of "Lorraine ."
Following the signing of the Armistice, the 34th remained in Germany as part of the Occupation Army until June 1919. Upon returning to the United States, the regiment was equipped and set up as the first motorized infantry regiment in the Army. Constant training and experimentation followed during the period between World War I and II, culminating in the 34th Infantry being selected as the outstanding regiment participating in the Carolina Maneuvers of 1941.
On December 7, 1941, the regiment was preparing to move to the Philippine Islands. The Japanese attack of that day changed this plan and the 34th destination was changed to Hawaii. The regiment arrived at Oahu on December 21st and was attached to the Hawaiian Department Reserve, which, at the time, was engaged in setting up the Island defenses.
On June 12, 1943, the 34th Infantry replaced the 298th Infantry as a unit of the 24th Division. The regiment moved to Australia with the 24th Division, and later staged for the Tanahmerah Bay operation that took place in April 1944. During the actual campaign, the 34th was in task force reserve but assisted in mopping-up operations after the objective, the Hollandia Airdrome, had been seized.
Shortly after this initial success of the 24th Division, the 34th Regiment was attached to the 41st Infantry Division for the thrust into Biak Island. After a two- day crushing drive, the Sorido and Boroke Airdromes were captured by the regiment, which assisted in great measure in neutralizing Japanese resistance on Biak.
A more difficult task for the Regiment was to come in October 1944, at Leyte in the battle for the liberation of the Philippines. Spearheading the 24th Division’s rapid thrust across Leyte, the 34th remained in constant contact with the enemy for a trying period of seventy-five straight days of combat. It was on Kilay Ridge that the heroic action of the regiment’s first battalion won the Presidential Unit Citation. For three weeks this group of men held the tactically important ridge against numberless major attacks by the enemy. Short of rations and ammunition, the 1st Battalion held its position against great odds, adding an illustrious chapter to the history of the regiment.
In January 1945, the 24th was attached to the 38th Division for the Luzon engagement where an unopposed landing was made north of San Miguel. However, the remainder of the struggle in the vicinity of Subic Bay was particularly hard-fought. In one battle in the fight for Bataan, Company F suffered more than 90 casualties in one day. In a two-day period following, the regiment counted 257 casualties.
At Zig Zag Pass near Olongapo, the Japanese proved a formidable foe. From excellently prepared positions in the aptly named pass, they put the 34th Infantry to a severe test. Zig Zag was a torment of twists and curves, dips and rises, deep and narrow gorges and jutting cliffs to the men of the Regiment as they battled relentlessly to destroy the enemy. It required many days of bitter fighting, in which acts of individual heroism were legion, to accomplish this mission.
The tired men of the 34th thought that surely their time for rest had come, but word filtered down that Japanese had been seen embarking in large numbers from Bataan for Corregidor, and that this was to be their next objective. The regiment was ordered to seize and secure Malinta Hill on Corregidor from landings on Black Beach near San Jose. There followed the most violent days of war yet experienced. The regimental commander declared: "There is no place to go, once you’re there, but forward. We simply take the hill at all costs and stay there until we’ve killed all the Japs or the Japs have killed all of us…"
After Corregidor the Regiment rejoined the 24th Division in the Mindanao campaign, becoming a leading element in this action. As in other campaigns the regiment took an active part in blasting Japanese forces there, adding tremendously to the success of the operation. The 34th Infantry Regiment led the rapid advance from Pikit to Digos and fought a fierce battle along the cliffs on the north bank of the Taloma River.
In October 1945, the 34th Infantry moved to Japan with the 24th Division and spent the next five years in occupation duties on the Islands of Honshu and Kyushu.
When General MacArthur ordered United States ground troops to Korea after the invasion of South Korea by the Communists in June 1950, the 34th was one of the first units to strike back against the aggressors. The regiment arrived at Pusan on July 2d, and three days later was engaged in combat against the North Korean 4th Division. The 34th Regiment assisted Task Force Smith (Lt Col Charles B. Smith), consisting of elements of the 24th Division, in their withdrawal from Osan, where the first ground action between United States and Communist troops took place. On the 7th of July the 34th and other elements of the 24th Division were forced to withdraw from the Pyongtaek and Ansong area. By the 11th, the 34th had fought its way back to the Kum River, three miles north of Kongju, where the 3d Battalion, which had suffered a large number of casualties, was reorganized as a single company.
The 34th Infantry participated in the bitter fighting around Taejon for five days and was finally forced to withdraw to the vicinity of Kunwi, on July 23, 1950.
During the next week the 34th fought in the withdrawal to the Naktong River where the NK 4th Division established a bridgehead on the 6th of August. From the 6th to the 19th of August the 34th suffered heavy losses participating in the many actions to reduce the enemy bridgehead. In a coordinated attack with the 19th RCT and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, the 34th was instrumental in the final reduction of the ridgehead on August 19th.
Due to the large number of casualties in the 34th, the regiment was reduced to zero strength on August 31, 1950, and its personnel were transferred to the 19th and 21st RCTs.
The regiment, less personnel and equipment, was transferred to Japan where it was reorganized in December of 1950, and participated in intensive training exercises for the next two years, training many replacements for units in Korea.
In June and July of 1953 the 34th Infantry again returned to Korea where it was assigned to the Korean Communications Zone to participate in the Prisoner of War operations resulting from the mass breakout of PWs in June 1953.
Rejoining the 24th Division, which had also been returned to Korea in July 1953, after an eighteen-month period in Japan, the 34th Infantry remained in Korea until November 1954, when the Department of the Army announced that the 24th Division would begin to return to Japan. The first elements of the 34th Infantry arrived in Japan in mid-November 1954 and began preparations to receive the remainder of the unit upon its transfer from Korea.
The coat of arms consists of a shield of blue with gold crosses (of Lorraine) and a canton in the upper left corner with a cross patee on a background representing a brick or stone wall. The crest consists of a gold and blue wreath with a green cactus. The motto is Toujours en Avant (Always Forward).
In World War I the regiment was in the 7th Division overseas and served in that part of Lorraine which was anciently the Barony of Commercy whose arms were blue scattered with golden crosses crosslet sharpened at the foot, as taken by the 34th to represent this service. The masoned wall represents the 7th Infantry and the white Maltese cross (patee) represents the 20th and 23rd Infantry. When the 34th was organized personnel were taken from the arms of the three regiments The cactus commemorates Texas, the birthplace of the regiment.
The shield of the coat of arms is the insignia of the regiment.
30 June – CINCFE directed CG Eighth Army to move the 24th Division to Pusan by air and water and to move a delaying force of two rifle companies and one battery of 105mm artillery and antitank teams by air to Suwon, if possible, otherwise to Pusan.
2 July - 34th RCT, US 24th Division, arrived in Pusan.
3 July - 34th RCT moved to Taejon.
5 July - US 34th Regiment moved forward, with 1st Battalion and remainder of 52d FA Bn in vicinity of Pyongtaek and 3d Battalion in vicinity of Ansong, to support US 24th Division troops.
7 July - 16th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division, captured Pyongtaek, forcing1st Bn, US 34th RCT, elements of 21st Regiment, and elements of 52ndand 63d FA Bns back to positions south of Chonan.
8 July - 16th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division, reached outskirts of Chonan 1st Battalion, US 34th RCT, moved north of Chonan and fought delaying action back to line held by 3d Battalion approximately one mile south of Chonan; 34th RCT then fought south to new defensive position, with 63d FA Battalion in support. 11th FA Battalion reached Taejon to support both 21st and 34th RCTs. Elements of US 78th Heavy Tank Battalion reached Taejon to support both 21st and 34th RCTs.
9 July - NK 3d Division, after passing through Pyontaek and Songhwan, assisted 16th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division, in capturing Chonan. US 34th RCT, including 63d FA Battalion and supported by Battery A, 11th FA Bn and Company A, 78th Heavy Tank Battalion, withdrew to positions south of Naechon-ni, north of Kongju. 3d Battalion, 34th RCT, suffered heavy losses during withdrawal.
11 July - US 34th RCT fell back to defensive positions on Kum River, approximately three miles north of Kongju; 3d Battalion lost combat effectiveness and was reorganized into one company. Company A, 78th Heavy Tank Battalion, and 11th FA Battalion supported 21st and 34th RCTs; all tanks supporting 34th RCT knocked out.
12 July - Forward elements of 1st Battalion, US 34th RCT, reached point one mile north of Kum River; remainder south of Kum River.
13 July - 14th Regiment, NK 4th Division, reached Kongju. Elements of 1st Battalion, US 34th RCT, withdrew to positions south of Kongju and south of the Kum River.
14 July - 16th Regiment, NK 4th Division, reached north bank of Kum River on outskirts of Kongju; crossed Kum River and overran US 63rd FA Battalion positions southwest of Kongju, capturing all howitzers and numerous prisoners of war.
15 July - 16th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division, advanced along Kongju-Nonsan highway, forcing withdrawal of 34th RCT and 63d FA Battalion from positions in Kongju to positions east of Nonsan.
16 July - 34th RCT withdrew to new defensive positions west of Taejon.
17 July - 34th RCT took over entire defensive line north and west of Taejon.
18 July - NK 3d Division reached outskirts of Taejon. US 34th and 21st RCT’s remained in defensive positions in vicinity of Taejon.
19 July - 5th Regiment, NK 4th Division, captured Yusong, crossed Kum River, and rolled on to Taejon, joining the NK 3d Division in the struggle for the city. 2nd Battalion, 19th RCT, moved to Taejon, attached to 34th RCT. 34th RCT and 2nd Battalion, 19th RCT, withdrew to defensive line just west of Taejon airstrip.
20 July - 16th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division, reached Taejon; 5th Regiment captured Taejon Airfield. 2d Bn, 19th RCT pulled out of line and went into reserve. 34th RCT, 2d Battalion, 19th RCT, and FA elements evacuated Taejon, reached Kumson road and headed toward Yongdong. Maj Gen Wm. F. Dean, CG
24th Division, missing in action in Taejon area.
21 July - NK 3d and 4th Divisions captured Taejon. 34th RCT moved to Kumchon area.
22 July - 1st Cavalry Division relieved 24th Division in Yongdong area.
23 July - US 34th RCT moved to vicinity of Kunwi.
24 July - 34th RCT, 24th Division, moved from Kunwi to Kumchon.
26 July - 34th RCT moved to Kochang.
27 July - NK 4th Division reached Anui, from Kunsan via Muju.
28 July - NK 4th Division launched drive against US 34th RCT at Kochang.
29 July - US 34th RCT withdrew in face of continued heavy attack by NK 4th Division at Kochang.
30 July - 5th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division drove toward Kwonbin-ni from Kochang. 34th RCT and 1st Battalion of 21st RCT continued to hold in area east of Kochang and Kwonbin.
1 Aug - 5th and 18th Regiments, NK 4th Division, drove toward Hyopchon. US 34th RCT, US 24th Division, withdrew to Ansong-ni.
2 Aug - 21st RCT covered withdrawal of 34th RCT in vicinity of Ansong-ni and Allim-dong and then withdrew across Naktong River. 34th RCT withdrew to Yongsan under Eighth Army directive for 24th Division to assume defense of Naktong River line north of Nam River.
3 Aug - US 34th RCT withdrew east of Naktong River.
5 Aug - NK 4th Division reached Naktong River opposite Pugong-ni, in southern sector.
6 Aug - NK 4th Division established bridgehead across Naktong River eight miles south of Pugong-ni, west of Yongsan, in 34th RCT sector. One battalion, 19th RCT, attached to west of 34th RCT in effort to push back NK 4th Division bridgehead.
7 Aug - US 19th and 34th RCTs continued counterattack against 4th NK Division bridgehead in 34th RCT sector.
10 Aug - NK 4th Division expanded its forces and continued to hold bridge-head in Pugong-ni area. 9th RCT and 19th RCT, 24th Division, counter-attacked NK 4th Division bridgehead and failed to eliminate it. Task Force Hill (34th, 19th, and 9th RCTs) formed to restore Naktong River defense line. (9th RCT attached to 24th Division from 2nd Division.)
11 Aug - NK 4th Division continued to enlarge bridgehead across Naktong River. Task Force Hill (US 24th Division) launched attack against Bridgehead in bend of Naktong River.
12 Aug - NK 4th Division, in Naktong River bridgehead, established road-blocks on Yongsan-Miryang road, MSR of US 24th Division. Task Force Hill, 24th Division, resisted NK 4th Division attacks, and held Defensive positions in bridgehead area.
16 Aug - NK 4th Division, in Naktong River bridgehead in US 24th Division zone, launched attack on Task Force Hill. 1st BCT, US 23d Regiment moved north to counterattack enemy bridgehead in Hyongpung area on US 24th Division northern boundary, and hit North Koreans at Chyong-dong.
17 Aug - Task Force Hill and 1st Provisional Marine Brigade counterattacked NK 4th Division.
18 Aug - NK 4th Division initiated withdrawal from bridgehead west of Naktong River, west of Yongsan, after staggering losses under attack of 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and Task Force Hill.
19 Aug - 19th RCT, 34th RCT, and 1st Provisional Marine Brigade eliminated major penetration of Naktong River defense line near confluence of Nam and Naktong Rivers, forcing shattered NK 4th Division to give up bridgehead.
20 Aug - 19th and 34th RCTs consolidated defense positions on Naktong River. 1st Provisional Marine Brigade moved to Miryong and reverted to Eighth Army control.
22 Aug - 2d Infantry Division began relief of 24th Division, 38th RCT relieved 21st RCT on Naktong River Line.
23 Aug - 9th RCT, 2d Infantry Division, relieved 34th RCT in 24th Division sector.
24 Aug - US 2d Division assumed responsibility for US 24th Division zone; 24th Division moved to Kyongsan area, southeast of Taegu.
25 Aug - 24th Division became Eighth Army Reserve.
31 Aug - US 34th RCT reduced to zero strength with personnel transferred to 19th and 21st RCTs.
31 Aug 1950-Aug 1951 - 34th Infantry Division attached to XVI Corps and engaged in reorganization and training. On August 25, 1951, the regiment returned to Korea for the specific purpose of transferring its personnel and equipment to the newly activated 14th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. The Regiment did not participate in combat operations and by September 5, 1951 all personnel and equipment were transferred and the regiment returned to Japan where it was again attached to XVI Corps.
34th Infantry reorganized and engaged in training in Japan.
4 Feb - 24th Infantry Division command post closed Camp Schimmelpfennig, Japan.
9 Feb - 24th Infantry Division with 24th CIC Detachment attachment, was assigned to Far East command and attached to XVI Corps. 34th Infantry Regiment relieved from attachment to XVI Corps and reverted to 24th infantry Division.
28 Feb - 1st and 2d Bns, 34th Infantry Regiment, completed night relief problem.
7 Mar - 3d Bn, 34th Inf Regt completed BCT test.
10-12 Mar - 34th Inf Regt conducted RCT Exercise No. 1 and 2.
20-21 Mar - 34th Inf Regt and 63d FA Bn completed field exercise consisting of night occupation of an assembly area and perimeter defense.
29 June-3 July – 34th Infantry conducted RCT test.
28-31 Jul - 34th Inf Regt conducted regimental CPX.
7-23 Oct - 34th Inf Regt conducted BCT tests in defense problems and was supported by the 63d FA Bn.
24-30 Nov - 34th Inf Regt conducted BCT tests.
12-17 Dec - 1st Bn, 34th Inf Regt conducted BCT exercises.
4-6 Feb - 1st Bn, 34th Inf Regt conducted Winter Warfare Training BCT test.
18-20 Feb - 3d Bn, 34th Inf Regt conducted Winter Warfare Training BCT test with one company of Aggressor Forces.
18 July - 24th Division is relieved from attachment to XVI Corps and attached to KCOMZ effective 18 July 1953.
19 July - 34th Infantry Regiment attached to Eighth Army 19 July 1953.
Nov - Department of the Army announces that the 24th Division will begin to move from Korea to Japan.
[The following history was supplied to the Korean War Educator by Donald Oschwald, Versailles, Kentucky.]
The 304th Signal Battalion was constituted on 29 July 1921 in the Organized Reserves, and allocated to the IV Corps Area. It was organized in March 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia. The unit’s motto was Je Suis Pret ("I am ready"). On 3 November 1941, the 304th Signal Battalion was withdrawn as an inactive unit from IV Corps Area, allotted to the Chief Signal Officer, and reserved as an affiliate unit of the Southern Bell Telephone Company. On 8 December 1942, the battalion was re-designated as the 304th Signal Operations Battalion. On 20 January 1943, it was re-affiliated with the Northwest Bell Telephone Company.
The battalion was again ordered into military service on 1 June 1943 at Camp Swift, Texas. The battalion was equipped at Camp Swift, but conducted most of its field training at Camp Bullis, Texas. In early 1944, the unit proceeded to the Louisiana Maneuver Area where it completed its preparation for overseas movement in the summer. In September 1944, the battalion departed from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for overseas.
On 19 November 1944, the unit debarked at Hollandia on the Pacific Island of New Guinea. The unit’s first operational mission was on 6 December 1944 during some of the bitterest fighting of the General MacArthur’s Pacific Campaign. The unit was assigned the mission of providing tactical communications to Headquarters, Eighth United States Army (EUSA). At the time, the EUSA advance had reached Leyte, Philippines, and Rear in Hollandia, New Guinea, and the battalion established communications systems in both countries. For its efforts in the Philippines, the battalion received the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation (Streamer embroilered 17 October 1944 to 4 July 1945).
On 30 August 1945, three days before the Japanese capitulation, an 80-man contingent of the battalion landed with the 11th Airborne Division at Atsugi Air Base, Japan, and provided radio communications with Okinawa and the Philippines. Eighteen days later, on 17 September 1945, the battalion headquarters was established in the Imperial Silk Mill at Yokohama, Japan, and began operating in the ballroom of the New Grand Hotel. The battalion’s mission was to supply communications throughout Japan for Headquarters, Eighth United States Army.
For its outstanding service during World War II, the battalion received a Meritorious Unit Commendation Award (Streamer embroilered Asiatic-Pacific Theater). The unit received campaign participation credit for the New Guinea and Leyte campaigns. On 25 March 1948, the battalion entered the Organized Reserve Corps (the Organized Reserves were re-designated as such).
On 25 June 1950, hostilities began in Korea when North Korea attacked across the 38th parallel into South Korea. The battalion was alerted on 7 July 1950 and ordered to prepare a communications task force to set up an advanced headquarters for Eighth US Army Korea (EUSAK). Seventy-two hours after the movement order, known as the "July Cocktail Party," the battalion had equipped its men, prepared its equipment for shipment, loaded aboard ships, and departed Japan. The unit established its initial signal sites in the central part of South Korea near Taegu. Thus began a four-decade association between the battalion and South Korea.
During the latter part of August 1950, with the North Korean offensive at its peak, the battalion’s forward-deployed VHF, RATT, and CW teams withdrew from areas north of Taegu to Pusan. At the same time, the battalion’s main body left Taegu, arriving in Pusan about 21 August 1950. Within a few days, the battalion rear echelon, which had been in Japan, joined the main body in Pusan.
By mid-September 1950, the North Korean offensive was stemmed and the battalion advance headquarters moved from Pusan back to Taegu. From 11-13 October 1950, other elements of the battalion proceeded north with EUSAK through Seoul, which had fallen to, and was since retaken from, the Communist forces. As the North Koreans fell back in disorder, and EUSAK advanced, the battalion established communications systems in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. As EUSAK continued its drive north to the Yalu River, teams from the battalion advanced as far as Sinanju, North Korea.
During the closing days of November 1950, Communist China’s entry into the conflict forced the outlying teams of the battalion to withdraw while the battalion itself regrouped in Pyongyang. The battalion left Pyongyang on 3 December 1950, moving southward by train and truck. One detachment stopped at Seoul, while the main body continued south to Taegu.
When the Communist offensive was stopped in the spring of 1951, teams from the battalion moved northward again, establishing switchboard facilities at Yongdongpo, South Korea (near the DMZ). Other communications facilities were set up to expedite plans for the anticipated United Nations Counter-offensive.
On 6 July 1951, the EUSAK operational command post was established north of Seoul in Munsan-ni, South Korea.
In early 1952, the battalion was widely dispersed, with its main headquarters in Taegu, an advance group in Seoul, and numerous detachments functioning separately throughout Korea. In February 1952, the main headquarters of the battalion moved to Seoul, where it remained for more than 25 years. On 9 July 1952, the Organized Reserve Corps became the Army Reserve; the battalion thus became a member of the Army Reserve.
On 25 January 1953, the 304th Signal Operation Battalion was reorganized under a new table of organization and equipment (TOE) and re-designated (again) as the 304th Signal Battalion. The new organization provided signal communications and photo service for echelons of Eighth US Army headquarters, a joint operations center, and air-ground liaison teams.
During April 1953, the battalion played a vital part in the history-making "Operation Little Switch", the exchange of sick and wounded prisoners of war among the participants of the Korean War.
In June 1953, the battalion’s present shield and motto were approved by the Department of the Army. The former battalion motto Je Suis Prêt ("I am Ready") was replaced by Pret Toujours Pret ("Ready, Always Ready"). On 15 June 1953, the battalion was withdrawn from the Army Reserve and was allotted to the Regular Army. Two years later, the battalion’s coat of arms was amended to delete the Army Reserve crest.
On 27 July 1953, the armistice was finally signed at Panmunjom and the battalion was present to handle communications for this historic event. For outstanding service during the Korean War, the 304th Signal Battalion was awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendation Awards (Streamers embroilered KOREA 1950-51 and KOREA 1952-1953). The unit received campaign participation credit for ten campaigns: UN Defensive, UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counteroffensive, CCF Spring Offensive, UN Summer-Fall Offensive, Second Korean Winter, Korea Summer-Fall 1952, Third Korean Winter, and Korea Summer 1953.
During the period 1954-1966, the battalion consolidated its elements and established its headquarters at Camp Coiner, Yongsan Garrison. In addition to maintaining its capability to perform its tactical mission, the battalion operated and maintained the garrison communications centers and telephone exchanges throughout Korea.
On 8 August 1957, the 258th Signal Company (Construction) became a part of the battalion.
During President Eisenhower’s visit to Korea in June 1960, the battalion supplied most of the communications required to support him, his party, and the press corps which followed him during his visit.
In 1961, the battalion underwent several locational and organizational changes. The unit’s Message Center Company moved from Camp Coiner to Camp Humphreys. Designations of the companies of the battalion were changed at that time: Wire Company became Company A, Radio Company became Company B, and Message Center Company became Company C. In addition, the 181st Signal Company (Photo) was formed from the 6th, 12th, and 96th Photo Detachments and was assigned to the battalion. The 181st Signal Company was moved from Camp Tracy to Camp Coiner. Also, the 258th Signal Company (Construction) was moved from Camp Davis into Camp Tracy. In July 1965, the 258th Signal Company was removed from the battalion.
This configuration lasted until March 1966 when Company C moved from Camp Humphreys to Camp Baker in Yongdongpo. Then, in order to conform more closely with Army-wide T)&E structures, Company C was re-designated as Company A and Company A as Company C. As a result, Camp Baker became the home of Company A.
During his Asian-Pacific trip, President Lyndon B. Johnson stopped in Korea for a three-day visit starting 31 October 1966. The battalion was given the major role of furnishing communications for the President, his staff, and accompanying newsmen. Eight VHF and HF systems and two press centers were set up and made operational during his stay in Korea. In recognition of the excellent communications that were provided, the unit received a Presidential medal from the White House Communications Agency.
On 1 November 1966, the US Army Strategic Communications Command established STRATCOM Group Korea which assumed much of the garrison communications mission being performed by the 304th Signal Battalion. As a consequence, the 57th Signal Company (Support) and the 181st Signal Company (Photo) were reassigned to the STRATCOM Group Korea. This altered the battalion’s mission and made it strictly a tactical battalion. Later, in December 1966, these units were attached back to the battalion for administrative and logistical support.
In May 1977, the battalion headquarters, HHC and C Company were relocated from their facilities in Seoul to Camp William H. Colbern, located on the eastern edge of the city of Seoul. The camp is situated in the foothills of the remote Kumdan-san Mountains, 18 miles east of Yongsan Garrison. Sitting within the city limits of Hanam-shi, Camp Colbern has a picturesque view of forested hills and mountains to the west and east, and is bounded on the west by Highway 10. The camp was named in honor of MG William H. Colbern, US Army, whose 39 years of military service included participation in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. The camp is situated on 72 acres, has 35 buildings, and has installation property valued in excess of $40 million. The Battalion Commander serves as garrison commander of Camp Colbern.
Throughout the 1980s, the battalion participated in two major field training exercises a year (e.g., Team Spirit and Ulchi Focus Lens) and numerous command post exercises. New equipment field/force modernization continued throughout the decade. In the early 1990s, the battalion began the transition from ATACS equipment to the Digital Group Multiplexers/Tri-Tactical (DGM/TRI-TAC) family of equipment. In 1992, the DGM equipment fielding continued into 1993 when the unit received the DGM Antenna Mast Program (DAMP) antennas and Digital Troposcatter Radio Systems.
In fiscal year 1995 the battalion participated in over 10 exercises and hosted a visit by the Army Chief of Staff, General Gordon R. Sullivan. Also that year, the battalion won the EUSA Army Community of Excellence (ACOE) award and received a Honorable Mention Award at the Department of the Army competition. The battalion won the United States Army information Systems Command (USAISC) Philip A. Connelly Award in 1995 in the "Small Dining Facility" category. The battalion also won the Brigade Olympics in 1995.
In March 1996, the 229th Signal Company (TACSAT) was put under the operational control (OPCON) of the battalion. This placed all of the 1st Signal Brigade’s tactical satellite terminals within the 304th Signal Battalion. The unit ended its distinguished association with HF radios when it turned-in its Radio Teletype (RATT) assemblages.
Also in 1996, the battalion won its second consecutive United States Army Information Systems Command (USAISC) Philip A. Connelly Award in the "Small Dining Facility" category. The unit was again a Department of the Army-level finalist for the Philip A. Connelly Award. The battalion won its second consecutive Brigade Olympics in 1996. Three cooks were selected to attend the Culinary Arts Institute; eight soldiers were selected as Brigade NCO/Soldier of the Month/Quarter in 1996. The battalion won the USAISC Retention NCO of the Year, the Brigade NCO of the Year, and the Brigade Soldier of the year. At the end of fiscal year 1996 the brigade received Honorable Mention, Small Garrison Category, as an Army Community of Excellence for Eighth U.S. Army and received a check for $25,000.
The battalion started off fiscal year 1997 by winning its third consecutive United States Army Information Systems Command (USAISC) Philip A. Connelly Award in the "Small Dining Facility" category. The unit competed as a Department of the Army-level finalist for the Philip a. Connelly Award in November 1996.
Today, the 304th signal Battalion is a forward-deployed; Echelon above Corps tactical signal battalion, consisting of four companies garrisoned at four widely dispersed locations in the Republic of Korea. The battalion’s HHC and C Companies are both located at Camp Colbern. Company A is located in Pyongtaek at Camp Humphreys. Company A moved from Camp Red Cloud in February 1997. Company B is located in Wonju at Camp Long, 60 miles southeast of Seoul.
The 304th Signal Battalion’s mission is to provide a combat-ready, forward-deployed, theater tactical signal battalion for responsive signal support to CINC, UNC, CFC/ROK, USFK and warfighters in the Eighth US Army (EUSA) across the spectrum of operations. The battalion provides tactical command and control communications systems, including telephone, message, and data communications, to support warfighting requirements.
The battalion provides communications support on Eighth US Army’s annual series of training exercises, which include Ulchi Focus Lens; Foal Eagle; and Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integrations (RSOI). The unit also participates in Team Spirit exercises (when held). Quarterly, the unit conducts in-house MOS Signal Schools, holds maintenance stand-downs, and participates in brigade/battalion-level field exercises. Annual, the unit conducts a Sub-Unit Evaluation (SUE) for all signal teams and conducts Infantry Week for all unit personnel.
Burton, Kenneth G. - I read your history of the 304th Signal Battalion. I was a member of that Battalion from January 1966 through May 1967. I was initially assigned to Company C 304th Signal Battalion and then transferred to the 258th Signal Company - 304th Signal Battalion. I noted one thing in the article that is inaccurate in this write up. I know for sure that the statement that the 258th Signal Company was severed from the 304th Signal Battalion in 1966 is definitely NOT true. I was the Supply Sergeant for the 258th until approximately May 10th of 1967. As of my departure date, the 258th was still part of the 304th Signal Battalion and I knew of no plans to do so. I left the company and was discharged from the Army in Ft. Lewis on May 12, 1967. The 258th may have been severed after my departure but I have no idea when that might have been.
This list of Army National Guard units that served in Korea was taken from Appendix A of the booklet, When Are We Going? The Army National Guard and the Korean War, 1950-53, authored by Renee Hylton. This excellent booklet is available free of charge by writing: National Guard Bureau (PA), 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 11200, Arlington, VA 22202-3231. The booklet is filled with excellent material and graphics, and comes highly recommended to Korean War Army National Guard veterans by The Korean War Educator. One detail about the 30th Ordnance Battalion was changed by the Korean War Educator and, as it appears below, is no longer original to the book. On page 48, the book states that the 30th Ordnance was from North Carolina. However, CPT Art Roscoe of the 119th Corps Support Battalion was doing some historical research and came across the reference on the KWE. We appreciate the fact that he notified us about the incorrect state listing. The error wasn't the KWE's, but we are happy that Art caught it. We subsequently changed the 30th's listing to reflect the correct information.
The following is listed by Unit, State, Federalized, Arrived in Korea
30th Ordnance Bn Hq & Hq Det. NJ 14-Aug-51 21-Mar-51
32nd Ordnance Bn Hq & Hq Det. IL 19-Aug-51 10-Jul-51
32nd Quartermaster Gp, Hq & Hq Co PA 11-Sep-50 17-Feb-52
40th Infantry Division* CA 1-Sep-50 11-Jan-52
45th Infantry Division* OK 1-Sep-50 5-Dec-51
65th Infantry Regiment PR (Regular Army; later ARNG)
101st Signal Battalion NY 19-Aug-50 7-Apr-51
106th 106th Ordnance (H) Maint Co MO 9-Aug-50 26-Mar-51
107th Ordnance (M) Maint Co MI 9-Aug-50 9-Mar-51
107th Transportation Truck Co AL 9-Aug-50 8-Jan-51
116th Engineer Combat Battalion AL 2-Sep-30 28-Feb-51
121st Transportation Truck Co. PA 19-Aug-50 4-Jan-51
131st Transportation Truck Co PA 19-Aug-50 1-Jan-51
138th Engineer Pontoon Bridge Co. MS 14-Aug-50 1-Jan-51
145th Field Artillery Battalion UT 3-Sep-50 5-Dec-51
151st Engineer Combat Battalion AL 14-Aug-50 9-Feb-51
167th Trans Truck Bn, Hq & Hq Det. PA 9-Aug-50 1-Jan-51
176th Armored Field Artillery Bn PA 19-Aug-50 17-Feb-51
194th Engineer Combat Battalion TN 19-Aug-50 16-Feb-51
196th Field Artillery Battalion TN 19-Aug-50 9-Feb-51
204th Field Artillery Battalion UT 19-Aug-50 2-Feb-51
213th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Bn. PA 19-Aug-50 11-Nov-51
213th Armored Field Artillery Bn UT 19-Aug-50 16-Feb-51
217th Medical Collecting Company AR 19-Aug-50 4-May-51
227th AAA Group, Hq & Hq Btry FL 15-May-51 21-Mar-52
231st Trans Truck Bn, Hq & Hq Det MD 19-Aug-50 1-Jan-51
235th FA Observation Bn PA 1-Sep-50 10-Dec-52
252nd Transportation Truck Co. AL 19-Aug-50 1-Jan-51
300th Armored Field Artillery Bn WY 19-Aug-50 16-Feb-51
378th Engineer Combat Bn NC 14-Aug-50 24-Feb-51
568th Ordnance (H) Maintenance Co TN 14-Aug-50 19-Mar-51
623rd Field Artillery Battalion KY 1-Sep-50 23-Dec-51
715th Transportation Truck Company DC 14-Aug-50 5-Jan-51
726th Transportation Truck Company MD 19-Aug-50 31-Dec-50
773rd Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Bn NY 1-May-51 18-Oct-52
936th Field Artillery Battalion AR 19-Aug-50 10-Feb-51
937th Field Artillery Battalion AR 19-Aug-50 10-Feb-51
955th Field Artillery Battalion NY 19-Aug-50 2-Feb-51
987th Armored Field Artillery Bn OH 14-Aug-50 16-Feb-51
1092nd Engineer Combat Bn WV 19-Aug-50 3-Mar-51
1169th Engineer Gp, Hq & Hq Co. AL 14-Aug-50 28-Feb-51
1343rd Engineer Combat Battalion AL 14-Aug-50 9-Feb-51
1437th Engineer Treadway Bridge Co. MI 14-Aug-50 2-Mar-51
2998th Engineer Treadway Bridge Co. TN 19-Aug-50 27-Feb-51
24th Infantry Division July 2, 1950 February 4, 1952
1st Cavalry Division July 18, 1950 December 30, 1951
25th 25th Infantry Division July 9, 1950
2nd Infantry Division July 30, 1950
5th Regimental Combat Team August 3, 1950
187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team September 17, 1950 June 27, 1951
187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team May 12, 1952 October 17, 1952
187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team June 22, 1953
7th Infantry Division September 18, 1950
3rd Infantry Division November 10, 1950*
45th Infantry Division December 5, 1951
40th Infantry Division January 11, 1952
*The 65th Regimental Combat Team—part of the 3rd Division—was the first regiment of the Third Division to arrive in Korea.
Sgt. Maj. Frank Imparato was assigned to an all-Korean outfit ( I ROK Corps) during the Korean War. To view his story, visit the Korean War Educator's Memoirs.
[KWE Note: The following Order of Battle for the 40th Infantry Division was originally posted on the 40th Infantry Division website. The website invites its visitors to download the Order of Battle, which the KWE did, with appreciation to the 40th Infantry Division Society. Unless otherwise indicated, units listed are US Army organizations. Units of other services or other nationalities are indicated as such on each entry. All attachments are for all functions unless specifically qualified in parentheses as to extent of attachment.]
On 1 September 1950, the 40th US Division, commanded by Maj. Gen D.H. Hudelson, was called to active duty from its status as the California National Guard Div of Southern California, and subsequently moved to Camp Cook, California, where it conducted the early phases of it's training. On 24 February 1951, the Division was alerted for overseas shipment to Japan and departed from San Francisco at the end of March 1951.
On 10 April 1951, the Division began arriving in Japan and occupied various camps throughout Northern Honshu with the Division Headquarters at Camp Schemmelfenning, near Sendai. Now part of the XVI US Corps, the Division was given the dual mission of defending Northern Honshu and conducting additional training.
On 22 December 1951, the Division was alerted for Korean duty where it was to relieve the 24th US Division. The Division began preparations for a three-echelon movement from Japan, scheduled to start on 7 January 52. The echelons were to be comprised as follows:
The Division began the three-echelon movement to Korea on 7 January, as scheduled and by 11 January, the 1st echelon landed at Inchon. The 160th Infantry Regiment departed immediately for the 24th Division sector and completed the relief of the 19th Infantry Regiment on 19 January. With the landing of the 2nd echelon at Inchon on 22 January, the Division became assigned to Eighth US Army and attached to IX US Corps.
By 28 January, the 223rd Infantry Regiment had completed the relief of the 21st Infantry Regiment and the CG, 40th US Division, assumed sector responsibility for the Kumsong-Chwapae-ri sector on the central front. With the passing of sector responsibility, the 6th Tank Battalion and 5th US RCT became attached to the Division. The Division was now deployed with the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the left, the 5th RCT in the center and the 160th Infantry Regiment on the right. Division Artillery was in support. The 224th Infantry Regiment and the 140th Tank Battalion were en route from Japan as the month ended. A tank led, 2 platoon raid by the 5th US RCT, resulting in the destruction of eight enemy bunkers, highlighted the combat activity during the period. Small scale patrol clashes characterized the combat activity, with numerous combat and reconnaissance patrols being dispatched by Division units.
The Division maintained it's positions along the stable IX US Corps sector during the month. The Division was initially deployed as previously reported. On 3 February, the 224th Infantry Regiment and 140th Tank Battalion landed at Inchon and began their movement to the Division sector. The 140th Tank Battalion immediately began its relief of the 6th Tank Battalion, which was then released from attachment to the Division. On 10 February the 224th Infantry Regiment relieved the 5th US RCT in the center sector, with the 5th US RCT being released from attachment at this time.
With the mission of finding, fixing and destroying the enemy and his works at every opportunity, the Division pursued an aggressive program of patrols, company size combat raids, and tank and artillery attacks on prepared positions. From 10-15 February, the Division participated in Operation Clam Up, which was designed to lure Chinese patrols into ambush through cessation of friendly fire and patrolling, together with the simulation of a withdrawal.
Highlight of the combat activity was a two-phase operation, employing artillery supported armor on 29 February. The first phase was carried out by two companies of the 140th Tank Battalion near Kumsong and resulted in the destruction of six bunkers, the damaging of 36 additional bunkers, and an estimated 24 enemy KIA and 47 WIA.
The second phase was conducted by the 224th Infantry Regimental Tank Company and it resulted in ten enemy bunkers destroyed, eight enemy KIA, twelve estimated KIA and ten estimated WIA.
The Division continued to maintain its positions along the Kumsong-Chwapae-ri sector of the central front until 30 March, when it was relieved by the Capitol ROK and 6th ROK Divisions.
The Division was initially deployed with the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the left the 224th Infantry Regiment in the center and the 160th Infantry Regiment on the right. Division Artillery and the 140th Tank Battalion were in support.
The Division continued the program of patrolling so as to maintain contact while inflicting maximum casualties and denying the enemy the opportunity of permanently entrenching himself south of Line Bill, a line parallel to and 1000-3000 yards in front of the MLR. Organic tanks were used effectively in both day and night operations, conducting direct fire missions against enemy positions.
During the period 21-30 March, the Division was relieved by elements of the Capitol ROK and 6th ROK Divisions. Sector responsibility was assumed by the ROK forces on 30 March. The Division immediately began a movement to the 2nd ROK Division sector to effect the relief of that unit. The 160th Infantry Regiment completed the relief of the 32nd ROK Regiment and the 223rd Infantry Regiment completed the relief of the 31st ROK Regiment as the period ended.
On 1 April the Division completed the relief of the 2nd ROK Division and assumed control of the Kumhwa-Kumsong. The Division was deployed with the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the left, 160th Infantry Regiment on the right and the 224th Infantry Regiment and 140th Tank Battalion in Division reserve. Division Artillery was in support.
On 3 April, a change in boundary between the Division and the 2nd US Division necessitated the deployment of the 224th Infantry Regiment on line to the left of the 223rd Infantry Regiment. This move was completed on 6 April and the Division was now deployed west to east with the 224th Infantry Regiment, 223rd Infantry Regiment and the 160th Infantry Regiment on line. The 140th Tank Battalion remained in division reserve.
Battle lines remained unchanged as the Div constructed and improved positions in the new area, conducted patrols and numerous tank operations against enemy positions, while sustaining several company sized probes by the enemy. On 16 April the 224th Infantry Regiment conducted a reinforced company size operation to seize ground west of the OPLR in order to strengthen sector defenses. The operation was conducted without opposition.
The Division remained deployed as previously reported and battle lines remained unchanged during the month.
Due to the marked increase in mortar and artillery fire, an intensified program of bunker building and improvement was conducted to increase the defensive capabilities of the Div and to decrease friendly casualties.
Four company size night patrol actions were conducted with the mission of seizing objectives and destroying enemy personnel and installations to prevent the establishment of positions south of line Bill. All four operations were successful.
On 19 May, IX US Corps revised the Division left boundary to the rear of the MLR and relieved the Division of responsibility for the vital Kumhwa Valley, with such responsibility being placed with the 7th US Division.
The improvement and strengthening of defensive positions and the maintenance of enemy contact through patrol activity continued to receive primary consideration by the Division.
Deployment with the 224th Infantry Regiment on the left, the 223rd Infantry Regiment in the center, the 160th Infantry Regiment on the right and the 140th Tank Battalion in reserve, the Division continued this primarily defensive mission along the Kumhwa-Kumsong sector of the central front.
The MLR positions were unchanged until 12 June when the 160th Infantry Regiment occupied the former OPLR in strength, under the cover [sic] of darkness, and with negative enemy contact. The positions were consolidated, giving greatly increased operational capability to the Regt as it enabled it to occupy the sector with two battalions abreast and one in reserve. Combat activity during June was highlighted by several company size night raiding operations with the primary mission of seizing prisoners. The bunker-busting operations continued, employing both tanks and towed 90mm guns along MLR positions. Two tank operations were conducted by units of the 140th Tank Battalion in support of company sized attacks by 6th ROK Division elements against enemy outposts. Three tanks were lost in the latter of these engagements.
The relief of the Div by the 2nd ROK Div was accomplished from 26-28 June. On 30 June, the Division, less Division Artillery and 140th Tank Battalion, closed into FTC #5 to begin a period of training and rehabilitation in conjunction with the mission of IX US Corps reserve. Division Artillery and the 140th Tank Battalion were placed under IX US Corps control to support the 2nd ROK Division. On 2 June, Brig. Gen. Joseph P. Cleland assumed command of the Division.
The Division (-), occupying the position of IX US Corps reserve, continued its activities at FTC #5 until 13 July, at which time it moved to a new training center near Kapyong and resumed training and security missions for the remainder of the period. Initially, the Division units were located as previously reported. Division Artillery and the 140th Tank Battalion remained under IX US Corps control, conducting missions in support of the 2nd ROK Division. On 1 July the 3rd Battalion, 223rd Infantry Regiment, was dispatched to the Sangdong Mine area to perform a security mission. The 224th Infantry Regiment, attached to 2nd Logistical Command on 5 July, left for Pusan to provide security forces for prisoner of war enclosures in that area.
Upon completion of the movement to Kapyong, 13-19 July, the Division resumed an intensive training program, rehabilitated reserve defensive positions on Line Kansas and provided security at IX US Corps Headquarters. The training program included training of the individual soldier and progressed to small unit tactics which emphasized teamwork. Extensive plans and preparations were made to ready the Division (-) for employment as a blocking or counterattacking force. On 6 July, Brig. Gen Joseph P. Cleland, CG, was promoted to Major General. On 31 July Maj. Gen Cleland was temporarily assigned IX US Corps Commander. Brig. Gen. Rogers assumes command of the Division.
The Division (-) with Headquarters in the Kapyong area, continued as IX US Corps reserve during the month and conducted training which varied in scope to include tests for battalion Combat teams.
Schools for training specialists were conducted by the Division technical services. Extensive plans and preparations were made to prepare the Division for instant employment as a counterattacking or blocking force should developments necessitate such action.
The 224th Infantry Regiment remained under attachment to 2nd Logistical Command. Division Artillery and the 140th Tank Battalion were under the operational control of 2nd ROK Division with the mission of direct support. The 160th and 223rd Infantry Regiments conducted training programs, rehabilitated reserve defensive positions on Line Kansas and provided security for the Sangdong Mine area and IX US Corps Headquarters. On 9 August, Maj. Gen. Cleland assumed command of the Division, relieving General Rogers.
The Division remained in IX US Corps reserve, continuing to conduct training and the rehabilitation of defensive positions on Line Kansas, while performing various security missions.
Division Artillery and 140th Tank Battalion continued under IX US Corps control operating in direct support of the 2nd ROK Division. On 23 September, the 224th Infantry Regiment was relieved from its guard mission and rejoined the Division. The 160th Infantry Regiment and 223rd Infantry Regiment participated in battalion-size combat firing exercises.
During the first half of October, the Division (-) continued to occupy a position as IX US Corps reserve in the Kapyong area, where it performed training and security missions.
On 16 October, the Division was ordered to relieve the 25th US Division in the Paem-ihyon-ni sector. On 21st October, Division Artillery and the 140th Tank Battalion were released from IX US Corps control. By 22 October the 224th Infantry Regiment and the 160th Infantry Regiment had relieved the 27th Infantry Regiment and the 14th Infantry Regiment, respectively, and the CG, 40th US Division assumed sector responsibility. The Division then passed to X Corps control and the 5th US RCT was attached. The Division was deployed with the 160th Infantry Regiment on the left, the 224th Infantry Regiment in the center and the 5th US RCT on the right. The 223rd Infantry Regiment arrived a day later and acted as the Division reserve. On 31 October, the 5th US RCT moved to Division reserve positions after being relieved by the 223rd Infantry Regiment Division Artillery and the 140th Tank Battalion were in support.
The Division performed a defensive mission, maintaining enemy contact by aggressive patrol activity. Combat was highlighted by a series of enemy attacks which ranged from platoon (+) to battalion (-) in size. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and the MLR was firmly in friendly hands at the close of the period.
26 October: Early in the morning, an estimated enemy battalion (-), supported by heavy artillery and mortar fire, attacked the positions of Companies F and G, 160th Infantry Regiment, in the Heartbreak Ridge area. During the 1 hour and 20 minute firefight which followed, the enemy advanced to within 35 yards of friendly positions before being forced to withdraw with an estimated 20 KIA and 40 WIA.
The Division, with CP at Tokkol-li, was firmly entrenched in the center of the X US Corps sector, deployed with the 160th Infantry Regiment on the left, the 224th Infantry Regiment in the center, the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the right and the 5th US RCT in reserve. The sector, in most respects, was static during this period. Continued emphasis was placed on the construction and improvement of defensive positions, as the enemy held the sectors dominating terrain.
Numerous small-unit actions and night patrols characterized the combat activity during the month. Tanks continued their heavy direct fire destruction of enemy installations. One battalion size attack was made on Heartbreak Ridge, 3-4 November, in which the enemy lost 131 KIA and had 450 estimated WIA. Seven prisoners were taken.
Battle casualties for November - 287
The Division continued to occupy the center of the X US CORPS sector during this period. The Division retained its defense mission along a static front, and limited it's operations to aggressive patrol activity, the development of defensive positions, and the continued training of the reserve regiment. The Division remained deployed as previously reported. Patrol activity showed a definite trend toward fewer, but larger and better organized patrols, using earlier and closer fire support. Ambush patrols, as well as combat and reconnaissance patrols, were fully utilized. Construction and repairs of defensive positions progressed, with first priority on the MLR given to works on wire, trenches and bunkers.
Battle casualties for December - 163
The Division CP at Tokkol-li continued to defend its sector on Line Minnesota until relieved by the 45th US Division late in the month. Normal combat operations were conducted and positions improved despite sub-zero temperatures.
The Div was initially deployed as previously reported. On 8 January, the 5th US RCT relieved the 223rd Infantry Regiment, which then moved to Division reserve.
The relief of the Division by the 45th US Division, began on January 28 when the 224th Infantry Regiment was relieved by the 180th Infantry Regiment. On 30 January the 160th Infantry Regiment was relieved by the 279th Infantry Regiment and the CG, 45th US Division, assumed sector responsibility. On 31 January, the relief was completed when the 223rd Infantry Regiment was relieved by the 179th Infantry Regiment. Division Artillery remained in position and passed to operational control of the 45th US Division, while the 140th Tank Battalion remained on line and was attached to the same division.
As the month ended, the Division, with its CP at Nambakchon, was occupying the position of X US Corps reserve, with the 160th Infantry Regiment at Hwachon, 223rd Infantry Regiment at Kowantong and the 224th Infantry Regiment at Imje.
Combat activity during the period consisted of an increasing number of patrol engagements and enemy probes of the MLR. The largest of these occurred in the early morning of 28 January when an estimated 100 enemy attacked MLR positions of Company G, 5th US RCT, in the Punchbowl area. The enemy succeeded in penetrating the MLR to a depth of 20 yards before being ejected.
Battle casualties in January - 191
The Division retained its assignment as X US Corps reserve and performed a two-fold tactical mission; to be prepared for employment as a counter-attacking force in any part of X US Corps area, and to provide fire support to the 12th ROK Division.
The regiments remained deployed as previously reported. On 3 February, Division Artillery, under X US Corps control, completed the relief of the 45th Division Artillery in the 12th ROK Division sector and assumed a mission in direct support of the 12th ROK Division. On 11 February the 140th Tank Battalion began the relief of the 245th Tank Battalion on MLR positions in the 12th ROK Division sector and began missions in direct support of the 12th ROK Division while under parent unit control. A task force from the 160th Infantry Regiment accepted responsibility for the security of the Sangdong Mine area on 17 February.
During the period, the major effort was directed towards training and rehabilitation. The Division training program, inaugurated on 9 February, stressed weapons, small unit tactics, and physical training. Plans were formulated and construction was started on a semi-permanent Division training center.
The Division, as Eighth US Army and X US Corps reserve, pointed its major efforts toward full preparedness for counter-attacking or blocking missions and a training program gauged to maintain 100 percent combat effectiveness. The Division also had the task of giving tank and artillery support to ROK units.
The Division CP remained at Nambakchon, with the regiments located as previously reported. Division Artillery remained under X US Corps control and supported the 12th ROK Division. The 140th Tank Battalion maintained MLR positions and supported both the 7th and 12th ROK Divisions.
Tactical units conducted training exercises at platoon and company level. the most extensive training operation conducted during the period was Trainer One, the purpose of which was to test the ability of the 160th Infantry Regiment and Division Headquarters (-) to move from X US Corps to execute the IX US Corps attack plan, Hooker One, in the Chorwon sector. The operations started on 21 March, involved a move of about 135 miles and proved very beneficial to those partaking.
6-28 March: The Division was designated Eighth US Army reserve.
17 March: The 224th Infantry Regiment attached to 45th US Division and moved to Wondang-ni where it took up 45th Division reserve positions.
The Division, during most of April, remained in X US Corps reserve, in position to reinforce either the 12th ROK Division or the 45th US Division. Training and rehabilitation continued. Late in the month, the Division effected the relief of the 20th ROK Division and returned to defend the northern rim of the Punchbowl on Line Minnesota (MLR).
The Division, with CP at Nambakcho-ni, underwent a series of movements during the period. The 224th Infantry Regiment, remaining under operational control of the 45th US Division from the preceding month, relieved the 5th US RCT on line on 14 April in that Division's sector. On 19 April, the 160th Infantry Regiment was also placed under operational control of the 45th US Division and relieved the 279th Infantry Regiment as 45th US Division reserve.
The 223rd Infantry Regiment initiated the relief of the 20th ROK Division by the Division when it relieved the 61st ROK Regiment on line on 26 April. On 27 April the 224th Infantry Regiment and the 40th Division Artillery (-) returned to Division control and the CG accepted sector responsibility from the 20th ROK Division at that time. The 160th Infantry Regiment passed from 45th US Division control to X US Corps control at this time and occupied reserve positions. Division Artillery, previously supporting the 12th ROK Division, left two Field Artillery battalions in the 12th ROK Division sector. The 140th Tank Battalion continued it's support of the 12th ROK Division with two tank companies during the entire month.
As April ended, the Division was deployed across the Ihyon-ni-Kalbakumi sector with the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the right, the 224th Infantry Regiment on the left and the 160th Infantry Regiment under operational control of X US Corps, in reserve. The 143rd Field Artillery Battalion, the 981st Field Artillery Battalion under X US Corps control, and the 140th Tank Battalion remained in support of the 12th ROK Division. On 17 April, Maj. Gen Gaither assumed command of the Division.
Battle casualties for April - 35
The Division continued to occupy defensive positions in the Punchbowl area on Line Minnesota (MLR). The main effort of the Division was toward improving and strengthening the MLR and opening new and improving old access roads prior to the rainy season.
The Division was deployed with the 224th Infantry Regiment on the left and the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the right. The 160th Infantry Regiment was under X US Corps control as Corps reserve. On 27 May, the 160th Infantry Regiment was placed under KCOMZ control with the mission of guarding prisoner of war enclosures on Koje-do. Division Artillery (-) supported the Division. The 140th Tank Battalion supported the 12th ROK Division with two companies, while the 143rd Field Artillery Battalion, still under X US Corps control, remained in support of the 12th ROK Division during the month. On 7 May, the 981st Field Artillery Battalion reverted to Division control.
The Division was engaged in combat during the entire period with numerous small-scale patrol clashes characteristic of the action.
Operation Try-out was conducted on 9 May with the mission of determining the efficiency with which front line units could be issued gas masks.
The Division continued to occupy its previously reported positions in the Punchbowl sector. The main effort was directed toward strengthening the MLR, with emphasis placed on improving the trench system. A program of relocation of crew served automatic weapons was carried out with the view of assuring that the most likely avenues of approach were covered to the maximum extent with grazing fire. The Division remained deployed as reported at the close of the previous period.
Extensive patrol activity, employing both reconnaissance and ambush patrols, was characteristic of normal combat activity during the period. In all, 94 patrols were dispatched in the Division sector.
Combat activity was highlighted by an attack on friendly positions on the night of 2 June. Following an exceptionally heavy concentration of mortar and artillery fire, an enemy force of 40-50 men attacked MLR positions of the 223rd Infantry Regiment in the vicinity of DT2341. After 30 minutes of hand-to-hand combat, the enemy was forced to withdraw. Enemy casualties were 17 KIA, 5 estimated WIA and one prisoner of war.
The Division continued to occupy defensive positions in the Punchbowl sector until 10 July, when it was relieved by the 20th ROK Division. On 11 July the Division relieved the 45th US Division in the Heartbreak Ridge/Sandbag Castle sector, which extended from PAEAM to a point west of Inyon-ni. The Division remained in this area until 27 July when the cease-fire occurred and the Division prepared to withdraw to the post-armistice main battle position.
While in the Punchbowl sector, the Division was deployed with the 223rd Infantry Regiment on the right and the 224th Infantry Regiment on the left. On the Heartbreak Ridge/Sandbag Castle area, the 223rd Infantry Regiment was on Heartbreak Ridge, to the left, while the 224th Infantry Regiment was in the Sandbag Castle sector, to the right. The 160th Infantry Regiment continued its mission, under KCOMZ control, of guarding prisoners of war on Koje-do until 20 July. On that date, the 160th Infantry Regiment disembarked at Sokcho-ri and moved to the vicinity of Inje, where it passed to operational control of X US Corps as Corps reserve. Division Artillery (-) continued support of the Division during the month. The 143rd Field Artillery Battalion remained under X US Corps control in support of the 12th ROK Division.
Patrol activity continued during the month. The last significant action of a combat nature took place on 27 July when the enemy shelled friendly positions for four hours with 4700 rounds of mortar and artillery. Few casualties and only slight damage were inflicted. Division Artilleryy returned the enemy fire with approximately 11,000 rounds of artillery and mortar.
Maj. Gen. D.H. Hudelson * - 1 June 52
Brig. Gen. Joseph P. Cleland - 2 June 1952-30 July 1952 (promoted to Maj. Gen. 6 July 1952)
Brig. Gen. Gordon B. Rodgers - 31 July 1952-8 August 1952
Maj. Gen. Joseph P. Cleland - 9 August 1952-16 April 1953
Maj. Gen. Ridgely Gaither - 17 April 1953**
* Commanding General at time of assignment to Eighth US Army.
** Remained Commanding General on 27 July 1953.
Assigned: Eighth US Army * - **
Attached:
IX US Corps* - 17 October 1952
X US Corps - 18 October 1952**
* Indicates unit assigned or attached on 22 January 1952.
** Indicates unit still assigned or attached on 27 July 1953.
578th Engineer (C) Battalion * - **
* Indicates unit assigned prior to 22 January 1952. ** Indicates unit still assigned on 27 July 1953.
** Indicates unit still attached on 27 July 1953.
Battle at Osan. A Btry and HQ (-) move to psn 1,000 yds north of Osan. 1st Bn 21st Inf overrun. A Btry withdraws to Ansong with 1st Bn 31st Infantry B Btry plus HQ (-) arrive Songwan by train at 2200 hrs. B Btry into psn between Songwan and Pyongtaek DS 1st Bn 34th Inf.
B Btry displaces to psn 2 miles south of Chonan, DS 3rd Bn 34th Inf. HQ + Svc Btry displace to Chochiwan, join remainder of A Btry in process of reequipping.
B Btry moves one platoon north of Chonan to spt. advance by 3rd Bn 34 Inf. -- meet heavy resistance and withdraw. The 63rd FA moves into psn. B Btry to spt fires of 63rd FA. Bn (-B Btry) joins 21st Inf at Chochiwan.
A Btry Spt. 1st Bn at Chonui. B Btry spt. 3rd Bn 34th Inf 3 miles W of Chong-Ju. B Btry 11th FA attached. 21st Inf Regt. assumed command of 34th Inf. Regt.
All batteries registered on a common point, fired on targets of opportunity throughout day.
1st Bn under heavy attack. Had to withdraw in afternoon. 3rd Bn successfully counterattacked. 52 FA forced to withdraw to vic Konghong-ni where BN CP was located.
B Btry displ. to N of Chochiwan. A Btry displ to S of Chochiwan. 3rd Bn hit by heavy attack causing loss of most of staff. Remnants of 1st Bn (from Osan) reequipped at Taejon joined A and D companies. Entire 52d FA Bn withdrew S of Chochiwan.
Heavy attack on 1st Bn (est. NK regiment). 1st Bn ordered to withdraw behind Kum River Line. After supporting 3rd Bn 21st Inf (21 IR), 52 FA displ. to Tuman-ni south of Kum River. 13th FA atch to 52d FA.
19th Inf relieved 21st Inf, ordered to airstrip N of Taejon to reorganize and reequip. 3rd Bn consolidated into one rifle company (K Co.) and a weapons company (M Co). (Note: this was same configuration of 3rd Bn on the Naktong R. on 3 Aug.). 52 FA to spt fires of 13th FA.
Reserve battalion 19th Inf moved near CP of 52nd FA Bn. A Btry displ. 1000 yds E due to counterbattery fire.
Continued to spt. 13th FA. At 2000 hrs Bn received heavy shelling. One howitzer section dispatched to E of Taejon. Reserve battalion 19th Inf moved to Kyongju to spt 34th Inf in serious trouble.
Bn hit by heavy enemy attack. At 1500 Bn attempted to displace, prevented by en road block. One section from B Btry was able to get through. Bn too heavy casualties, mostly in B Btry whose CO and 1st Sgt. were KIA. Most men walked out.
Bn reassembled. A Btry reequipped w/minimum for combat.
Bn moved to vic Obeng-dong. A Btry to psn E of Yongdong atch to 13th FA.
A Btry released to Bn control.
Bn departed Oksan-dong for psn at Kanchon-ni. Spt 21st Inf (21 IR) at Pohang-dong.
A Btry and fwd FDC to psn S of Yongdok. Good spt from naval gunfire. Bn (-) remained at Pohang-dong. C Co 21 IR provided local security for A Btry.
ROKs attacked toward Yongdok, gained 2000 yards. Prep fires by A Btry, C Btry 159th FA, Naval units, and 4.2 mortars effective. C/159 FA released. Btry A 11th FA atch.
Continued spt. of ROKs. Very effective Naval spt.
Ordered by CG to move BN (-) to Masan.
Bn departed for Masan. Bivouaced at Changdae-ri.
Completed road march to Masan. Hq and B Btry reequipped. First time since Kum R., 52 FA had 3 firing batteries in combat.
A Btry disp fwd to psn 7000 yds S of Yondok.
A Btry reports very effective fire on enemy 2-3 Aug.
Bn (-A Btry) displ. to psn between Changnyong and Naktong River. DS 21 IR w/3d Bn (K Co and M Co) on line, 1st Bn in reserve.
B Btry 63d FA and A Btry 11 FA atch to 52 FA. 3d Engineers (TF Hyzer) relieves 17th ROK Reg. on N flank of 21 IR.
A Btry returned from Yondok area into psn 1500 yds to left front of B Btry. Attempted river crossing repulsed. 1st Bn 21st Inf dispatched S to Yongsan area to spt battle of Naktong Bulge. Two FOs sent to spt. 1st Bn. One returned. 3d Bn w/2 rifle cos. defends 12 mi. front.
B Btry 63d FA relaid N to spt 3d Engineers (TF Hyzer) and oppose threat of en crossing in area of 1st Cav Div. Boundary of 21 IR. extended 8 mi. to N.
TF Hyzer tch to 21 IR.
Recon party from 38th FA visited. The 13th FA and 11th FA were relieved in S. (Naktong Bulge) to spt 52 FA. 1st BN 21 IR returned to regimental control.
21 IR, 52d FA, B/63d FA, and A Brty 36th AAA ordered into 8th Army reserve. 52 FA closed Kyongsan at 2100 hrs (about 8 mi. E of Taegu).
remained in Taegu rest area. B Btry howitzers checked by ordinance.
remainder of howtizers checked by ordinance. Recon party sent to find possible positions.
B Btry 63d FA Bn, commanded by Anthony F. "Tony" Stahelski, redesignated C Btry 52nd FA.
occupation of psns in Bowling Alley N of Taegu halted. 52 FA ordered to move to Pohang-dong area as part of 21st RCT to back up ROK Capitol Div. Occupied psns 4000 yd S of Kigye at 2130 hrs after 55 mi. road march. A Btry shelled during night.
en artillery continued active. En drived off high ground overlooking 52d FA psns. Flash base established.
fired prep for successful attack by ROK Capitol Div. 52 FA counterbattery fires effective.
ROK Patrol passed through flash base reported new en regt in Kigye valley. High burst registration conducted by flash base. Bn massed fires on en. regt. Estimated 90% of regt of 2500 NK KIA or WIA. 3d Bn 34th Inf redesignated 2d Bn 211R.
Bn ordered to disp to Pohang area with 21 IR.
Hard fighting 2-3 Sep. attacking N to Yondok. K Co. almost destroyed on Hill 99, 35 men left after attack.
Bn disp. to Angang-ni. DS 21 IR reinforcing 6th ROK Cap. Div. to stop enemy breakthrough between Kigye and Angang-ni.
Bn broke up several en attacks on Anggang-ni. Bn ordered to displ S to Kyongju to spt 21 IR against en column threatening Kyongju from NE.
Bn in psn just N of Kyongju. En regt caught 2d Bn 21 IR in road block 3.5 mi. to N. Air obsever broke up road block with artillery fire.
assault platoon, 6th Med, Tank Bn atch at "Dog" Btry. 21 IR attacked NE 2500 yds.
rec'd additional mission of reinf 3rd Bn 19th Inf.
recon party inspected psns Kyongson area.
Bn displ to N of Kyongsan and E of Taegu. Recon party to select psn in "Bowling Alley" N of Taegu. Lt. Col. Miller O. Perry to Div Arty Exec. Lt. Col. Robert Dawson assumed command. Inchon landing successful.
Bn displ to new psn in Bowling Alley to reinf fires of 99th FA Bn. C Co, 6th Tank Bn, with 17 tanks, atch to 52nd FA. 41 weapons under Bn control.
Recon for psns just E of Naktong R. about 10 mi. SE of Waegwan. DS 21 IR in crossing river. Occupied new psns at 1820 hrs. Btry "D" released.
1st Bn 21 IR attacked across Naktong at 0400 hrs after heavy prep fires at 52nd FA.
displ N to 3000 yds S of Waegwan to spt 21st Inf moving N along W bank of Naktong.
displ to psns 1500 yds E of Waegwan. 21 IR advances swinging NW opposite Waegwan along Taegu-Taejon highway.
Bn crosses Naktong on pontoon bridge at 1130 hrs. Psns occupied 4 mi. N of Waegwan on Waegwan-Kumchon axis. LtCol Dawson evacuated (medical). Maj. Marshall H Armor, Jr (Bn Exec) assumed command.
Bn displ to psns 8 mi. below Kumchon. 5th RCT passed through 21 IR, cont'd attack on Kumchon.
Kumchon entered by 5th RCT. Bn moved fwd continued to fire on en beyond Kumchon.
21 IR moved out. Relieved by 19th Inf.
Bn displ to liaison aircraft airstrip between Hwanggni and Yongdong where Bn reassembled on 20 July after battle at Kum River.
displ forward to rendezvous area 5 Mi. NW of Yongdong toward Taejon.
Bn entered Taejon. A Btry in psn 5 mi. SE in spt. 3d Bn 21 1R. Seoul fell to Marines. Several hundred victims of NK atrocities found at police station, prison and Catholic Church.
Bn moved 30 mi. to bivouac area just N of Chonan.
Bn moved through Seoul into rendezvous area in river bed 5 mi. SE of Munsan near 38th Parallel.
displ to psn N of Munsan 2500 yds short of 38th Parallel. B Btry in firing psn laid on az. 6400.
1st Bn just N of sandbag bridge received mortar fire. FO w/C Co (Lt. Earl Lochead) adjusted on en mortars. Bn fired 3 missions, first firing by Bn since capture of Kumchon. At 1300 hrs Bn displ to rendezvous area just N of Imjin R at Munsan ferry.
Bn displ to Paekchon (W of Kaesong) to spt 3rd Bn 21 IR.
A and B Btry in psn E of Paekchon.
Recon prty to Choum-ni 18 mi. N to select psn for A Btry to spt. 1st Bn. This was first element of 52nd FA to cross 38th Parallel.
Bn moved to spt 21 IR on drive to Haeju 45 mi. W of Paekchon N of 38th Parallel. A 21 IR liaison plane was struck by AF fighter on takeoff outside Bn CP. All KIA. By nightfall Bn still on road 20 mi. E of Haeju.
After midnight Bn halted on road in mountain pass 5 mi. E of Haeju by NK ammo truck hit by 90mm fire. Two trains backed out of tunnel adjacent to A Btry psn. American POWs visable in train cars. Trains reentered tunnel and disappeared. At 0800 hrs 21st Inf L plane adjusted A Btry on column of troops 8000 yds N of road junction in mountain pass. At 1000 hrs B Btry displ to spt 3d Bn advancing N Sinwon-ni. At 1600 hrs remainder of Bn followed and occupied psns 1 mi. S of Sinwon-ni.
Bn moved into large school yard in Haeju.
Retreat parade in Haeju. Held another 22 Oct.
Bn moved 110 mi. to rendezvous area 15 mi. N of Pyongyang, closing at 1800 hrs.
Bn moved to new rendezvous area 1 mi. SW of Anju, closing at 1600 hrs.
at 0940 hrs Bn moved to rendezvous area 12 mi. W of Pok chang to spt 21 IR driving toward Hiju on Yalu River.
displ forward to psns 2 mi. E of Chongju. Mission og 21 IR changed to spt. drive to Sinuju on coastal road. 21st RCT to pass through British Commonwealth Brigade after they occupy Chongju.
2d Bn 21 IR jumped off shortly after dark with C Btry in spt. By 0200 hrs column had advanced to Kwakchon and met and destroyed strong tank supported resistance at 0700 hrs. The 1st Bn passed thorugh 2d Bn and continued attack. 52nd FA leapfrogged batteries in spt of attack. The column was in contact w/en 4 miles to W. of Sonchan.
Bn displ from Sonchon to psns vic. Chanyon-gwan. 52nd FA reinf. by 90 FA Bn. Three Yak fighters traffed column. 1st Bn in hard fire fight against en tanks. Estuary of Yalu River visable from last high ground S. of Sinuju. This was the end of the advance to the Yalu.
The following war diary for the 52nd Field Artillery documents the unit's withdrawal from the Yalu into South Korea and its participation in the Korean War during 1951. It was compiled by Colonel (Ret.) Robert F. Hallahan, Forward Observer, Reconnaissance and Survey Officer, Assistant S-3 and CO Battery B, 52nd FA Battalion. The document was submitted to the Korean War Educator by James Bolt, whose memoir can be found on the KWE's Memoirs page.
Bn withdrew back to vic Chongju. Word received that CCF forces had entered Korean War in mass.
Bn displ again back to vic SE of Anju.
Bn displ 4000 yds N to better spt 21st Inf. Regt.
Bn displ to psns 6 mi. NE of Anju. Fired on mortars and personnel.
Fired 24 missions in spt 21 IR.
En reported retreating W. and N. Resistance light.
No en activity. Harassing missions fired.
21st IR to Div. reserve. 52nd FA to reinforce 13th FA in DS 19th Inf. Regt. (19 IR)
Bn placed in general support of 24th Div. Bn engaged in constn of road leading to main road leading S from Anju.
Bn displ across Chongchon R. in vic Sosong-dong (3 mi. NW of Anju).
Mission to DS 27th British Commonwealth Brigade. B Btry 11th FA reinf. fires of 52nd FA. Survey Officer (Lt. Hallahan) est. flash base. LnO and FOs from 3d Bn sent to Australian Bn. LnO and FOs remained w/Argyle and Middlesex Bns.
Bn displ to vic. Hagamsong-ni (4 mi. SE of Pakchon). Resistance light.
Continued DS Brits. Weather cold (12 degrees)
Middlesex and Australian Bns sent out patrols. Natives report CCF were on E side of Chongchon River until 8 Oct when friendly air forced them out.
Bn displ to 2000yds E of Pakchon. No contact.
Work parties maintained psns and main road N of Pakchon.
Australian patrols made contact w/small en force NE of Pakchon. Road work contd.
C Btry displ to psn at Hanam-ni to spt Australian patrols. Aussie Bn to enter area 1200 yds NW of Pakchon. C Btry fired on group of 100 en in village of Taehung-dong w/excellent results. En activity increased along entire front.
Spt patrols. Light en psns fired upon.
Word rec'd that 17th Inf. Reg't, 7th US Inf Div reached Yalu River.
Thanksgiving dinner enjoyed by all.
Bn displ across river to psns 1200 yds E of Napchong-dong. Gen MacArthur visited 24th Div. area to be present for initial phase of general push along entire front. Bn in DS 21st IR. We thought we would be home by Christmas.
Bn displ at 1000 hrs to psns 2500 yds E of Chongju. Resistance reported heavy in other sectors.
21st IR patrols out. Resistance light. 2d Rocket Btry atchd to Bn.
Bn displ to rear vic Napchong-dong. 5th RCT reports 40th Chinese Army attack against 25th Div. Also attack imminent between 5th RCT and 1st ROK Div. Bn fired TOT mission on large en concentration. 2d Rocket Btry released.
Bn displ to psns 2000 yds W of Pakchon. 21st IR to maintain bridgehead on W side of Chongchon River. Bn Survey Officer (Lt. Hallahan) est. OP vic E Co 21 IR to take flash readings on AF bomber radar directed to target area.
Recon made for psns 3000 yds SW of Suckchon. Bn. displ 45 mi. to new psns at 0100 hrs, 30 Nov.
Bn displ to new assembly area 5000 yds SE of Kang-dong. Bridge at Su-ri cut requiring alternate assembly area. Numerous CCF reported moving south and west. 24 Div. zone of responsibility on right flank of IX Corps (note: there were no friendly forces beyond that flank except Marines on East Coast)
Bn passed through Pyongyang and moved 68 mi. to Siriwon-ni.
Bn displ to firing psns covering 6 mi between Siriwon-ni and Yuli, DS 21st Inf. protecting Pyongyang-Seoul MSR to the east.
A Btry displ to Sangchang-ni to spt. 2d Bn against guerilla attacks on MSR. 2d Bn broke road block 1 mi. S. of Sangchan-ni. B Btry 11th FA into psn vic Siriwon-ni. Hq moved from Yuli to Siriwon-ni near CO 21st Inf.
2d Bn spt by A Btry repulsed attack by 400 en.
Plans made for move to Uijongbu area.
At 1330 hrs 52nd FA began move to vic Uijongbu.
Bn bivouaced on S. bank of Imjin River. At dawn 2 mounted NK cavalrymen were observed on N bank of river. Bn moved to assembly area 10 mi NE of Uijongbu.
Bn occupied firing psns vic Singi, S of 38th Parallel. 11th FA Bn attached to 52 FA Bn.
Bn displaced to psns 1000 yds south.
Recon party scouted psns along Han River.
B Btry and 1 Howitzer from 17th FA moved into psn 1000 yds N of Bn to increase range.
Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker killed in accident on road to 19th Inf. to visit son Capt. Sam Walker. Lt.Gen. Matthew B. Ridgeway to command of 8th Army.
Recon for psns 8 mi. E of Uijongbu.
Report from IX Corps to expect all out attack not later than 1 January.
Attack that began on 31 Dec. still in progress. Serious gap developed when 19th Inf fell 3000 yds behind MLR. Bn displaced to 1000 yds NE of Uijongbu.
Bn displ. to 7000 yds S of Uijongbu.
Bn fired 3130 rds between 030530 and 031753. Bn moved to assembly area south of Changji-ri. 21st Inf in IX Corps reserve mission to block S. of Al Jolson Bridge.
Bn withdrew to 2 assembly areas between 4-5 Jan.
Bn occupied firing psns 3000 S of Changwon-ni (CS 795056), GS reinforcing 13th FA.
Bn displ to vic Hae-dong (CR 7595) near Yugu.
Bn DS Domino (5th RCT)
Bn DS 21st IR on Han River between Yogu and Yonghwa-dong.
Bn 6000 yds W of Yogu.
Bn 5 mi W of Yogu, DS 21 IR.
Bn in psn N of Ichon.
Strong counterattack against 3d Bn, 21 IR broken up. Bn fired 3315 Rds.
Bn moved to East bank of Han River. Remained in psn until end of February.
Bn DS 21 IR at CS 709427.
Bn at CS 696475 spt 21 IR.
Bn displ to CS 709494 spt. 21 IR in attack on Hill 1157. Fired 4337 rounds in 24 hr. period.
Bn displ. to four positions to CS 661835 through mountainopus terrain between 7 and 20 March. Advanced generally along Route 17 Corridor.
Bn reinforced 13 FA until 26 March.
DS 21 IR in attack on Line Cairo vic. Kapyong.
Bn crossed Pukhan River to CS 522560.
Bn in psn at CS 675886 DS 21 IR. Bn ordered to move W into I Corps zone. Displ to CS 572695.
Bn displ N in five successive moves between 4 and 20 April to vic. Line Utah. Attack toward objective at Kumwah.
General MacArthur fired by Truman. Lt. Gen. James Van Fleet succeeds Gen. Ridgeway as CG 8th Army.
21 IR relieved by 5th RCT. Bn GS reinforcing fires of 555 FA Bn.
Massive Chinese offensive begins. Forward Observers of 555 FA had two battalions answering calls for fire on their firing channels.
Bn fired 7006 rds in two days. In next four days, Bn displaced south four times. 21 IR delayed along Route 3A and then Route 17.
21 IR withdrew to Line Delta. 5th RCT and 555 FA caught in roadblock about one hour after 52 FA passed through. 555 FA lost 11 howitzers, over 60 vehicles and more than 100 killed, missing or wounded.
Bn crossed Pukhan River at CS 522560. Light en. contact. CCF offensive ended. 21 IR on Phase Line No Name.
Bn remained in psn until 20 May. 21IR strengthened defensive psns. Attack on 16 May repulsed with heavy en losses.
21 IR attacked N, 48 mile march along Route 17 corridor to Kapyong. 213 FA reinf. fires of 52 FA.
17 IR, l7th Inf. Div. on east of Pukhan River and 21 IR on west bank surrounded a large Chinese force in a pincer movement near Chiam-ni below Line Kansas. Strong night attacks against 21 IR medics and hq elements repulsed with illumination from 11 FA and fire from 52 FA at range under 2000 ydes. Estimated 200 KIA, 250 WIA and 450 en captured. Nearly 3800 CCF troops finally captured. During the next several days artillery and air strikes pounded en forces attempting to escape north.
During the month the 52 FA moved forward to four psn areas, a total of 36 Mi. On 1 June. Bn moved from Otan-ni DS 21 IR on Phase Line Virginia.
21 IR went into reserve. 52 FA moved to 1000 yds NE of Hwachon to reinforce fires of 27 ROK FA Bn, 6 ROK Inf. Div.
21 IR back on line to replace 17th IR, 7th Inf Div. 52 FA took over psns of 49th FA, 7th Inf Div. Bn remained in this psn near Hahoengchon (CT 836301) until end June, with plans to spt. 21 IR in advance to Line Kansas.
Bn remained in psn approximately 12 mi. N of Hwachon, inside the famous Iron Triangle during July. Extensive training to replace experienced personnel lost to rotation. On 31 July, 52 FA authorized additional LnO and three FO teams to spt. Columbian Bn, atch to 21 IR.
Negotiations for a cease fire commence at Kaesong.
Bn in same psn DS 21 IR on Line Wyoming.
24th Inf Div went into reserve. 52 FA reverted to GS reinforcing fires of ROK 27th FA Bn. 52 FA displaced, to psn at Myongsomi-dong (CT 903240). B Btyry won command inspection held 20-21 Aug.
Bn remained in psn near Myongsomi-dong for entire month. A and B Batteries moved 2500 yds N to better spt fires of 27th ROK FA Bn, 6th ROK Inf. Div.
Bn moved from CT 903241 to CT 849333. GS IX Corps reinf. fires of 7th Inf. Div. Arty.
DS 21 IR.
21 IR atk Hill 569. Beginning of UN Offensive.
Bn displ to Kobincok (CT 765364). Bn displaced three times in rapid succession 15-21 Oct. Bn lost two new Forward Observers KIA on 15 and 16 Oct.
21 IR on forward defensive psns just S of Kumsong. Bn at CT 790434 on 31 Oct. A Flash Base was established overlooking Kumsong, using two OPs of the 21 IR.
Bn remained in psn during month. Firing batteries displ. 1000 yds N to better spt. 21 IR on line. PFC Donald F. Wessel last man in 52 FA KIA when flash base OP overrun.
Bn remained in same psn for entire month. DS 21 IR on defensive line below Kumsong.
Bn in same psn. On 28 Jan. Bn ordered to move to "Tent City" in preparation for shipment to Camp Youngens, Japan. The end of 52 FA combat operations in Korea.
58th Engineers
[KWE Note: The following information was provided by LTC Natalie J. Stewart-Smith, Associate Professor of English, New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, New Mexico. It came from the LTC Stewart-Smith served as Supply Chief (S-4) of the 69th Trnas Bn (Trk) thirty years ago, not during the Korean War, of course. She wrote: "The following is from my 69th Trns Bn (TRK) 1974-75 yearbook, 'With Vehicles We Support.' The units in the battalion were 60th (US), 43rd (US), and 881st (KATUSA), all at Camp Eiler with HQ the 28th (US at Waegwon) 702nd (KATUSA) and 46th in Pusan. KATUSA = Korean Augmentation to US Army - ROK soldiers who worked alongside the GI's.]
The history of the 69th Transportation Battalion can be traced from the establishment of the 46th Quartermaster Regiment (Truck) on 1 May 1936. The pure lineage of the 69th dates to 1 April 1942 when the 2nd Battalion of the 46th Regiment was activated at Fort Ord, California. The designation, 69th Battalion, came to the Active Army rolls in December 1943 with the activation of the 69th Quartermaster Battalion (Mobile).
The 69th served overseas in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. The Battalion earned six major campaign streamers for service in the European theater of operations during World War II. On 1 August 1946 it was converted and re-designated as the 69th Transportation Battalion (presumably in a reserve status).
The Battalion saw action early in the Korean conflict, as it had been reactivated in Japan in June, 1949. It landed in Pusan in August 1950 and was the first such unit to operate north of that city. After the Inchon invasion and subsequent break-through, the Battalion moved forward with the combat elements of the Eighth United States Army. During the Korean conflict, the 69th Transportation Battalion participated in all ten of the major campaigns of that conflict. So, ten more campaign streamers, plus three meritorious unit commendations and one Republic of Korea presidential unit citation were added to the 69th's colors.
UN Defensive
UN Offensive
CCF Intervention
First UN Counter-offensive
CCF Spring Offensive
UN Summer-Fall Offensive
Second Korean Winter
Korea Summer-Fall 1952
Third Korean Winter
Korea Summer-Fall 1953
After the cessation of hostilities, the Battalion participated in the repatriation of United Nationals personal who were prisoners of the conflict.
In October 1958 Battalion Headquarters moved from Uijongbu (just south of the US Division area) to Ascom City. On 23 March 1970, following a major reorganization of support activities within Korea, the 69th Transportation Battalion became an integral part of the 2nd Transportation Group. In March 1973 the Battalion moved again, to its present location, Camp Eiler, assuming the mission of the 70th Transportation Battalion, which was inactivated. The Battalion was reorganized into its present status in Korea during the latter part of 1960. The Battalion's records indicate that four Republic of Korea Truck Companies were attached to the Battalion by General Orders published by the office of the Korea Ministry of Defense in October and November 1960.
[Those were the KATUA units.]
The 519th was the first military police battalion to land in Korea on July 23, 1950 from their base in Yokohama, Japan. Company C 519th processed over 7,000 prisoners of war in two weeks of October 1950. The 519th MP Battalion received a letter of commendation from the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division for the operation called "Task Force Indianhead."
During the withdrawal from Pyongyang, North Korea, the 519th MP Battalion was instrumental in effecting an orderly vehicular evacuation of the city and with guiding approximately one million refugees to South Korea. The battalion also helped in fighting the rear guard action during the withdrawal. The 519th Military Police Battalion engaged communist forces at roadblocks, outposts, rail lines, cities and villages along the Main Supply Routes.
In 1951 the battalion participated in Operation "Rat Killer", along with two ROK divisions, the ROK Military Police, and the Korean National Police. At the end of the operation there were 19,000 guerrillas killed, wounded or captured. This operation was necessary because of the large number of communist troops left behind after the Inchon Invasion. The 519th MP Battalion was one of the oldest Army units in continuous service during the Korean War.
Company B was selected to participate in Operation Big Switch. This was the exchange of communist prisoners of war for United Nations prisoners of war. The first exchange was known as Operation Little Switch, where prisoners in most need of medical attention were exchanged. There were over 80,000 communist prisoners and about 13,500 United Nations prisoners involved in this operation. The 519th Military Police Battalion was awarded ten battle stars and five unit citations for their service during the Korean War.
[KWE Note: The following brief history of the Army's 630th Engineers was submitted to the KWE by Floyd King of Johnstown, NJ. The information was taken verbatim from the unit history of the 630th Engineers Company LE.]
This unit was attached to the 19th Combat Engineer Group and came to Korea on October 7, 1950. It worked its way north to the Hungnam area, was evacuated from there to Pusan, and began to work its way north again building roads and airfields.
Our largest project was to build the K-52 airfield near Yanggu, North Korea, beginning September 26, 1951. This was unfortunate because it left the winter time with its frozen ground in which to make the large cuts and fills. The following seven months were spent with the entire company on the Yanggu airfield. This was a 6500 foot airfield, 250 feet wide. It had two warm-up aprons, 450x300 feet, a taxi-way 120 feet wide, 5000 feet long and two adjacent parking aprons--one 300 feet by 850 feet and one 500 feet by 700 feet. It was designed for 40,000 LB wheel loads, but actually was built much stronger as a safety measure due to the fact that most sub-grade and base courses were of necessity placed and stabilized during the winter time. Unfortunately, the most satisfactory location available was one that spanned rice paddies and hills. Consequently it was necessary to make cuts as deep as 30 feet for thousands of feet and hundreds of feet wide and to follow these with fills as deep as 16 feet for thousands of more feet. The completed job required the movement of two and a half million yards, the construction of 3,375 feet of culvert with a cross section area as large as 64 square feet, the destruction of a rock hill containing about 100,000 cubic yards, and the crushing of about 40,000 cubic yards of rock. Most of this work was done under the worst weather conditions. The field was completed July 28, 1952 except for the spreading of about 10,000 cubic yards of the crushed rock surfacing material. This was the largest airfield completed in North Korea at that time. In July 1954, this airfield was turned over to the Republic Army of Korea.
The 630th Engineers built 22 airfields ranging in length of 1200 feet to 6500 feet, K-52. The 1200 foot was built overnight at Chungju, January 3, 1951 for the use of 10th Corps liaison planes, such as the Stinson L-17, which was sometimes called "the Grasshopper."
The 936th was called to active duty on August 21, 1950. The unit was on a two week summer training camp at Camp Joseph t. Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas when the activation order was received. The call-up was a result of the armed invasion of South Korea by North Korea on June 25, 1950--for reasons that still remain somewhat unclear. President Harry S. Truman decided to defend South Korea. The call to active duty had a major impact on Northwest Arkansas as over 400 men answered the call. Units of the Battalion were located as follows:
Headquarters Battery Fayetteville
"A" Battery Bentonville
"B" Battery Berryville
"C" Battery Rogers
Service Battery Harrison
Medical Detachment Fayetteville
The unit moved to Camp Carson, Colorado for a few months additional training then shipped out to Korea, arriving in February 1951. Most members spent approximately 12 months in Korea and were then rotated back to the States. The Unit was known as the "shootenest non-salutenest" outfit in the Army. The 936th was rated one of the best artillery units in the Korean War because over 50% of its members had prior military service. Also, several of the officers had World War II artillery experience.
The 936th FA Battalion has a Memorial Board and Monument in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Allen L. "Sonny" Dunn built both. Dunn, a retired personnel technician with the Arkansas National Guard, is a well-known custom furniture builder. He served with the battalion in Korea during the Korean War. The Memorial Board Honor Roll contains the names of 230 deceased former members of the battalion. Dunn updates it with the name of each new deceased member. The Monument contains the names of 112 men from HQ and HQ Battery called to active duty on August 21, 1950. They served in Korea during the war.
[KWE Note: The following history of the 955 was typewritten in Korea May 1953 by Cpl. Ron Arnold and Pvt. Harvey Steinhagen. Copies of this history were sent to the KWE by 955 veterans Edwin Chernow of New York and Tom Cacciola of New Jersey. The 955 was the second National Guard artillery unit to go into Korean combat. The 204 FAB entered combat on April 7, 1951 and the 955 FAB entered combat the next day. Both units arrived in Pusan, Korea at the same time on the SS General Anderson (January 17, 1951). In July/August of 1953, after this was published, John Carsons, jeep driver for "A" Battery's commanding officer, told Tom Cacciola that Chinese incoming rounds killed 11 A Battery men. According to Jim Clark, sometime during the period of July 13-20, 1953, Joe Klinefelter and his field observation crew were overrun and killed.]
On 8 April 1951, the 955th Field Artillery Battalion fired its first round against communist aggression in Korea. Since that time, this battalion has compiled an enviable record in many campaigns of the Korean War and, today, on the second anniversary of the 955th's entry into combat, it is one of the finest 155 battalions in Korea.
This booklet is prepared as an informative guide to all present and future members of this organization. It is presented for the purpose of informing these members of the distinguished record of this organization in the hope that in the performance of their duties while a member of the 955 FA Bn, they will help produce an equally illustrious future.
For each of these periods in which an individual serves with this unit, he will be awarded one battle star to wear on his Korean Service Ribbon:
First UN Counteroffensive - 25 January to 21 April 1951
CCF Spring Offensive - 22 April to 8 July 1951
UN Summer-Fall Offensive - 9 July to 27 November 1951
Second Korean Winter - 28 November 1951 to 30 April 1952
Korean Summer-Fall - 1 May to 30 November 1952
Third Korean Winter - 1 December 1952 to Date to Be Announce
A heavy mist shrouds a small valley in central Korea. It is early in the evening on the 8th day of April 1951. From out of a hastily erected exec post tent comes the command, "Fire Mission" and cannoneers race to their posts. Few, if any of them, realize that they are "history in the making." The deflection and quadrant are given and set. The comes the command: "FIRE!!!"
Six sleek ominous steel tubes, pointing northward, suddenly come alive, belching smoke and flame; and six projectiles screech into the misty dusk, a few seconds later slamming home with a resounding "thrump" on communist lines. And so began the combat trial in Korea of the 955th Field Artillery Battalion.
It was Battery A who fired those first six rounds on the night of 8 April 1951. The mission was fired at 1840 hours in support of the 13th FA Bn's fire part of the 24th US Infantry Division. On that night, Battery A and Headquarters Battery moved into position and on the following day, Batteries B and C moved into position. From that time on, the firing was heavy as the big CCF Spring Offensive was getting under way.
On 23 April 1951, the 955th received orders to cover the withdrawal of elements of the 24th Division in the face of the CCF Offensive. It was in this maneuver, after being in combat for only 15 days, that the 955th rose to one of its peaks of greatness.
The 13th FA Bn, which was firing supporting fire for one of the infantry companies of the 24th Division, enlisted the 955's aid in laying down a barrage to enable the 13th FA's forward observation party and the infantry company to withdraw from a position in which they were practically surrounded. During the time this barrage was being laid, the CCF broke through to the flank of the 13th FA Bn and it was necessary for them to displace. The 955 remained and fired almost continuously for 4 hours until the 13th could pull through the escape gap and re-lay at a rear position.
During this covering action, firing was at a tremendous rate; to cite one example, a section in Battery C fired 3 rounds in 11 seconds, the third one being fired with a broken lanyard. For its outstanding work in allowing the 13th FA to escape with a minimum number of casualties and all of its weapons intact, the 955th received the nickname "Big Brother" from that organization.
Toward the end of April, the 955th was moved, along with the 24th Division and became attached to I Corps and the primary mission was support of the 13th FA Bn's firing. Defensive positions were the main item on the agenda for the battalion until late in May when the 955th started preparations for supporting a rumored UN offensive.
After being assigned to the 3rd Division late in May, the 955th went into another period of heavy firing in which they supported the 3rd Division in their drive from the 38th parallel to the heart of the Iron Triangle. Also during this period of time, nuisance air raids by the enemy made the operations of the battalion more difficult as extensive air defense measures were applied. On 13 June the battalion was assigned to "Task Force Hawkins," a push which was designed to take Pyongyang. In direct support of the 15th Regiment of the 3rd Division, we laid heavy preparational fires and were credited with immensely aiding the regiment in taking Hill 717, a vital point in the direct route to Pyongyang.
July of 1951 brought Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York on an inspection tour of the battalion. He was accompanied by I Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Milburn and 3rd Division Commander Maj Gen Soule. Operational activity was light during this month with slightly over 4,000 rounds being expended. Battery B displaced to a forward position and fired in direct support of several task forces of the 3rd Division. The splendid showing made by the forward battery brought a letter of commendation from Brigadier General Walters of the 3rd Division Artillery. This action took place in August 1951. It was this action which opened the way for the successful drive on Pyongyang.
Early in September, a small push by Chinese Communist Forces overran two outposts near the battalion and the 955th laid down heavy fire on these bills to enable troops of the 25th Division, to which we were then attached, to retake the positions. So effective was the battalion's fire that when the 25th Division troops stormed the hills, they found that less than half of the troops there were alive. Moving back to the 3rd Division, this battalion participated in operation "Cleanup" in which the 955th fired many bunker destruction missions.
In October of 1951 the battalion established a record, which was later smashed, of 4,021 rounds fired ino ne 24-hour period. It was the 16th day of October when the enemy assaulted Hill 281 and the 955th was one of the few artillery battalions able to bring fire upon the necessary area. With cannoneers working without rest for the full period, the huge total of 4,021 rounds fell upon the charging Chinese, blunting the force of their assault and enabling the gallant defenders to send them reeling with a furious counterattack.
The 955th was attached, for a brief time, to the 1st Cavalry Division. On the nights of 18, 19 December 1951, the enemy made a bold attempt in strength to capture Hill 281 from friendly units but again the heavy artillery fire by this and other units serving in the sector broke the attack. On 22 December the 955 FA Bn became operational as the 955 FA Bn Group. On 4 December 1951, the battalion fired its 100,000 round.
The new year brought a change of battalion commanders. Maj Gerald C. Morgan of Sioux City, Iowa took charge of the battalion when Lt Col Gillen, the former commander, was transferred to I Corps Provisional Group. Maj Matheny also arrived in the battalion, taking over the duties of battalion executive officer.
On 13 February the battalion was relieved as the 955 FA Bn Group and was placed under operational control of the 987 FA Bn Group. There was a marked increase in the amount of counter-battery fire received by the battalion but no major casualties and only minor equipment damage was suffered.
Pvt. Joe B. Oliver, a member of the outfit only a week, was the first man to fall victim to the enemy as a direct result of his fire. Oliver, a member of Battery A, was setting out an aiming stake for his gun section when an incoming artillery shell exploded nearby, fatally injuring him. This was on 13 March 1952. Later in March, the battalion moved 138 miles on a day-night road march without an accident and took up positions in the X Corps area.
In April, the battalion remained in the X Corps sector, with only moderate firing and receiving no counter-battery fire. Harassing mortar and artillery fire continued to plague the OP parties and on 10 May the CCF demonstrated their ability to mass artillery when a 30 round TOT hit on and around the OP. It was during this period that two wiremen from Headquarters Battery and a member of the OP party from Battery C earned Bronze Star medals; one of the medals, to PFC Blackledge of Battery C, being for valor as he left the OP bunker and proceeded 150 yards down the forward slope of the hill to get a map which had blown out of the observation bunker. His path carried him through a mined area and his return trip was through enemy mortar fire as the CCF had spotted him when he left the bunker.
Two more Bronze Stars for valor were awarded members of the battalion in June when Lt Rutledge and CPL Korotky, both of Battery B, encountered an enemy sniper while members of an OP party. Korotky and Lt Rutledge left the OP bunker and crawled 150 yards forward to a ledge where they could observe the sniper. The enemy marksman was so concealed that he could not be seen. However, Rutledge and Korotky waited all afternoon amid a storm of mortar rounds and snipers bullets and finally, as the sun was setting behind hte ridge on which the sniper was concealed, the enemy sharpshooter was silhouetted in the rays of the sun, perched in a small crevice. One fast shot from Lt Rutledge's M-1 and the sniper tumbled from his hiding place, no longer of any use to the CCF.
Also during the month of June, PFC Schildgen of Battery B earned a Purple Heart when he was wounded by an enemy mortar round which landed just 15 feet from the truck in which he was riding while taking supplies to the OP party. There was also an increase in counter-battery fire received by the battalion in the area with the only appreciable damage being done when a round of enemy 76mm artillery exploded just 10 feet from the corner of the S-1 tent, riddling the end of the tent and doing slight damage to some of the equipment inside.
In July, the 955th moved back into the IX Corps sector, into the Chorwon area. Through the latter part of July, August, and September, activity remained fairly quiet. In August, one observation bunker of the battalion sustained a direct hit from enemy 76mm artillery but there was no damage to the bunker or to personnel therein. During this period, late July and all of August, almost unceasing heavy rains mired the battalion and made observation as a normal operation almost impossible.
Four generals visited the battalion during the month; General Cleland, acting Corps Commander, General Jenkins, Corps Commander, General Colbern, IX Corps Artillery Commander, and General Kim, 9th ROK Division Commander. Lt. Col. David M. Easterday assumed command of the battalion on 23 September 1952, replacing Lt Col. Morgan.
The heaviest action since entering Korea was encountered in October of 1952 by the 955th when the CCF made their big push on Whitehorse. Teaming with the other battalions in that sector of IX Corps Artillery, the 955th rained death and destruction upon the fanatic attacking Chinese troops expending an amazing total of 5,235 rounds in one 24 hour period.
It was also during this attack that 1st Lt Terrence J. McLarnon, Battery Commander of Battery B, was killed in action. On the night of 8 October, when the enemy counter-battery was the heaviest, Lt McLarnon was in the exec post. He left the exec post to check on the welfare of his men and shortly afterward , a round landed near him, killing him almost instantly.
After the Whitehorse Mountain incident had died down, this battalion was sent as a Task Force in the Kumhwa area where they laid artillery support for a small UN offensive. Later, the remainder of the battalion moved and at the end of October the entire battalion was again located in the central sector. During the latter part of October and during November, a total of 15 Purple Hearts were awarded to men of the battalion.
Late in November, the battalion effected another move, occupying the positions which they presently hold. Surviving the rigors of the second winter in Korea, the 955th FA Bn took the battalion tests given by IX Corps Artillery early in March and passed with a score of 86.6.
A resume of the battalion's activities since arriving in Korea shows that the battalion has fired 258,380 rounds in combat with an estimated 15,124 enemy casualties. There were 6 enemy tanks and 546 enemy vehicles destroyed, 356 bunkers demolished, 4 mortars wiped out, 146 enemy artillery pieces silenced and one rocket launcher liquidated. Added also to this total, six packs of mules, which were utilized by the CCF in a supply train that never got through, thanks to the 955th and you have the enviable record of the 955th Field Artillery Battalion at the end of its 773rd day of combat.
Did You Know??? That you are a member of an organization whose history dates clear back to the Civil War? That this unit earned nine campaign streamers in that year? That the 955th (then the 14th Infantry Regiment) has surrounded itself with glory in both World Wars I and II? If not, then the following extract from the unit's history will be of great interest to you!!!
The parent unit was constituted 13 May 1847 as the 14th Regiment, New York State Militia, consisting of Company A (Union Blues), and Company B (Washington Guards). Companies C through H were organized in February 1848 and the entire organization was mustered into Federal Service on 23 May 1861 at Washington, D.C. Companies I and K, organized in Brooklyn, joined the Regiment at Camp Porter, Virginia, in July 1861. Later that year on 7 December, the organization was redesignated the 84th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
The organization was reorganized following the war and called the 14th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard with companies L and M and the Medical Detachment being organized and added to the Regiment on 3July 1868. Although the organization was mustered into Federal Service at the time of the Spanish American War, the outfit did not serve outside of the United States.
On 18 June 1916, the organization was called into Federal Service for Mexican border duty and mustered on 1 August 1916 at Mission, Texas. The 14th Infantry Regiment, New York Guard, was organized 3 August 1917 to replace the regiment in Federal Service and was reorganized again on 12 January 1923 when it was federally recognized on 30 March 1923.
In 1940, the 14th Regiment was redesignated the 187th Field Artillery Regiment and was inducted into Federal Service on 26 September. On 8 February 1943, the regiment was broken up and one battalion became the 955th Field Artillery Battalion. This battalion was inactivated on 22 December 1945 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. It was reorganized in Brooklyn, New York, and federally recognized 7 November 1947. The 955th was ordered into active military service on 19 August 1950 at Brooklyn, New York and was federally recognized as the 955th FA Bn (NGUS) on 4 September 1952 at Brooklyn, New York.
From there, the battalion underwent a brief period of training at Fort Lewis, Washington, and then shipped to Pusan, Korea where more extensive training was conducted. From Pusan, the battalion moved by water to Inchon, where they came ashore early in April 1951 and moved into combat on 8 April 1951.
Civil War
Bull Run
Manassas
Antetiam
Fredericksburg
Chancellorsville
Gettysburg
Virginia 1863
Wiederness
Spotsylvania
World War I Without Inscription
World War II
Normandie
Northern France
Rhineland
Ardennes-Alsace
Central Europe
Korean War
First UN Counteroffensive
CCD Spring Offensive
UN Summer-Fall Offensive
Second Korean Winter
Korean Summer-Fall
Third Korean Winter
Pvt Joe B. Oliver, Jr ("A" Battery) - 13 March 1952
1st Lt Terence McLarnon ("B" Battery Commander) - 8 October 1952
Cpl Charles S. Carothers - August 1951 (truck accident)
WOJG Lewis C. Perry - 4 December 1951
Pvt Sterling L. Barnes - 2 March 1952
Pfc Emerson R. Blue - 30 September 1952
M/Sgt George R. Kay - 3 December 1952
Pfc Kenneth M. McKeen (Service Battery) - 8 February 1953
Pfc Carl Whittaker ("C" Battery) - 15 July 1951
Pfc Kenny K. Takaki ("C" Battery) - 15 July 1951
Pvt Robert L. Nycum ("C" Battery) - 11 July 1951
Pvt Marvin T. Farris - 15 October 1951
1st Lt William F. Kensett - 4 December 1951
Pvt Carlton J. Walters - 20 January 1952
Pfc James H. Schildgen ("B" Battery)- 9 June 1952
Pfc Robert J. Hyzny - 14 October 1952
Pfc Lawrence J. Kohlman - 14 October 1952
Pfc Robert G. Rice - 14 October 1952
M/Sgt Jerrel S. Carman - 2 November 1952
Pfc Thomas G. Hannon ("A" Battery) - 2 November 1952
Cpl Richard W. Mehr - 2 November 1952
Pfc Raymond L. Shumaker - 9 November 1952
Pvt Theodore M. Barton - 13 January 1953
[KWE Note: Both of these men flew small L-5 one-engine field observation planes.]
1st Lt Thomas E. Sifling - 7 October 1951
1st Lt William W. Winters - 7 October 1951