In God We Trust
On July 25, 1950, an F4U-4B Corsair fighter bomber with Fighter Squadron 53 aboard this aircraft carrier was forced down by enemy anti-aircraft fire along the front lines 15 miles northeast of Posong, South Korea. The pilot was taken Prisoner of War, forced to march to North Korea on the "Tiger Death March", and died while a prisoner at Hanjang-ni, North Korea on January 22, 1954. His remains were not recovered.
On August 12, 1950, an F9F-3 Grumman Panther fighter with Fighter Squadron 51 aboard this aircraft carrier was last seen strafing an enemy train north of Kumchen, Korea. The pilot was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 8, 1954. His remains were not recovered.
On August 18, 1950, this ship lost one man missing in action.
On August 20, 1950, an F-9F Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 112, aboard this carrier, while attacking rail facilities near Pyongyang, Korea, was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. The pilot's remains were not recovered.
On August 25, 1950, the Luckenbach crashed into the hospital ship USS Benevolence in foggy weather. Click here to read about the accident that claimed 18 lives.
On September 19, 1950, after completing a raid over Korea, an F4U-4 Corsair fighter with Fighter Squadron 63, Carrier Air Group Two aboard this aircraft carrier struck the barrier as the aircraft landed and went overboard inverted. The pilot's remains were not recovered.
On September 25, 1950, the pilot of a F4U-4B Corsair fighter with Fighter Squadron 53, aboard the carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) was on a combat mission near Sariwon, North Korea, when his aircraft crash landed possibly due to enemy anti-aircraft fire. His remains were not recovered.
On September 26, 1950 while shelling the shore off Tanchon, Korea, Brush struck a mine, ripping her midships section and breaking her keel. Fourteen men were killed and 31 injured. Brush received temporary repairs at Japan and returned under her own power to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, arriving December 22, 1950. To learn more information about the USS Brush, visit her website: ussbrush.org.
On September 30, 1950, the USS Mansfield was damaged after striking a mine. Some reports state that there were missing in action in this incident. However, there were no MIA, but there were 28 casualties:
KWE Note: The source of this information is Operational Archives Branch, Naval Historical Center, Washington, DC. The list was found on the USS Mansfield website (http://kman.my.meganet.net/nfmine.htm), which provides extensive information about this ship.
On October 1, 1950, members of the 90th FAB, 25ID drowned in the Han River when the boat they were riding in near Chinju, South Korea capsized.
On October 01, 1950, this minesweeper was sunk when it hit a mine off the Korean coast.
CASUALTY LIST & ACTION REPORT - USS MAGPIE (AMS-25)
Sunk by mine off South Korea 1 October 1950
[This information was submitted to The Korean War Educator by Navy veteran Ed Clanton of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina.]
Loss of USS Magpie, 1 October 1950
Brief narrative report of loss of USS Magpie while on minesweeping duty off Chusan Po, Korea. Ship’s forward portion exploded and after section settled by the head when Magpie struck a mine. 12 survivors.
10 October 1950
USS Dixie (AD 14)
From: CARPENTER, Vail P., BMC, 393 08 57 US Navy
To: Secretary of the Navy
Subject: Loss of the USS MAGPIE (AMS25)
Reference: US Navy Regulations 1948, Article 0778
As senior survivor of the USS Magpie (AMS25), my version of the Magpie loss is as follows: At about 1700, minus 9 zone time, 1 October 1950, I was on watch on the fantail, during mine-sweeping operations. The starboard sweep gear and magnetic tail were streamed. Three hundred fathoms of sweep wire was in use. We were in approximate position latitude 36-30 N., longitude 129-30 E., off Chusan Po, Korea, and on a southerly course. Steaming at ten knots. The USS Merganser (AMS26) was stationed about five hundred yards astern and to starboard of the Magpie. At about this time there was a tremendous explosion forward and the entire forward portion of the ship, forward of the stack, appeared to explode. The remainder of the ship immediately started to settle by the head. During this period I took shelter under the towing winch but could see forward. After the debris stopped falling I assisted in launching the port after ten-man life raft. After that I proceeded as far forward as I could to the break abreast of the stack, on both port and starboard sides, with the view of assisting any survivors or saving the ship. I encountered no one. After this inspection I abandoned ship, port side, to assist Bennett, 365 32 49, EMFN, USN, who was in the water and shouting for help. Bennett was injured and unable to adjust and inflate his life jacket. I assisted Bennett to the raft and both of us boarded the raft. After being in the water and on the raft for a period of about thirty minutes, the USS Merganser (AMS26) Wherry towed us to the Merganser.
There were twelve survivors:
The first seven survivors are now quartered on board USS Dixie (AD14). The last five were transferred by USS Merganser to USS Repose (AH15) at Pusan, Korea for treatment. I do not know what disposition was later made of them.
To the best of my knowledge all records and logs were lost, except pay accounts which were on board the USS Dixie (AD14). Pay account of Harrison, W.E., 234 41 27, USN, were lost with the USS Magpie.
It is understood that Commander United Nations Blockading and Escort Force, Far East, had ordered an investigation to inquire into the circumstances resulting in the sinking of the USS Magpie and the injury or loss of the members of her crew. – (signed) Vail P. Carpenter
Robert Langwell MIA/KIA Korea October 1, 1950 aboard the United States Navy Minesweeper Magpie when it struck a mine and was one of the 21 Magpie crew members who went down with the minesweeper. Their bodies were presumed to have been lost at sea and their status was carried that way until 2009. Ensign Langwell remains were recovered after a Korean villager directed military personnel to a grave he had dug 59 years earlier for a body that had been washed ashore. Soldiers discovered a complete skeleton along with clothing and some identification cards. (Information supplied by Harry McCawley, Associate Editor of the Republic Newspaper and Memorial Committee Member)
Bob Langwell was born on July 30, 1924 in Columbus, Indiana, the only son of Arthur J. Langwell (1901-1991) and Edna Langwell (1904-1980). His parents moved from Indiana to Arizona and are buried there. Bob is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
On October 12, 1950, this minesweeper was sunk in enemy action off the coast of North Korea. Six crewmen were declared missing in action. The following information was obtained from various sources on the Internet, including the Department of the Navy - US Naval Historical Center. To add other information, write to the KWE.
On 14 August 1950, the U.S. Navy re-commissioned USS Pirate (AM 275) to serve in the Korean War, which had begun the previous June with the North Korean invasion of South Korea. During her service in the war, Pirate served as a minesweeper off the east coast of Korea. On 12 October 1950, Pirate, along with several other ships, was sweeping the area of the Wonsan Harbor near Sin-Do island. During her sweeping activities, Pirate was alerted of the presence of several mines and that the first confirmed mine position was close to her. As she was turning to change her course, she struck a mine. Then several moments later the same fate befell USS Pledge (AM 277). Although the Pirate sank in just four minutes and six enlisted men's lives were lost, Pirate had helped to clear the waters allowing the UN ships better access to Wonsan harbor and the continuation of their attack on North Korea.
To learn details about what happened that fateful day, as well as read the list of fatalities and survivors, continue reading "Sea War in Korea", a government document based on the After Action Report, and other sections of this page of the Korean War Educator.
At the Hague Convention of 1907, it was agreed that all contact mines should be moored, and so constructed as to destroy themselves if they should break loose. This law was never signed by the USSR, or North Korea. The excellent U.S. Navy minesweeping forces of World War II, were literally dissolved after World War II. There were only three U.S. Naval Officers in the Pacific Fleet with mine warfare experience when the Korean War started.
In October 1950, the U.S. Navy begin the minesweep of Wonsan, North Korea Harbor, a 400-mile harbor, with many small islands, on the east coast of Korea. It was found that the 400-square mile minefield contained more than 3,000 contact type, and magnetic type mines. The sweep was to be a direct route to Wonsan, an amphibious landing route.
On 12 October 1950, Lieutenant Commander Bruce Hyatt led a formation in his flagship, USS Pirate-AM-275, with the USS Pledge-AM-277, and the USS Incredible-AM-249 following astern. Laying Dan Buoys (Dan Buoys are used to mark the edge of a swept channel), astern of the USS Pirate was the USS Redhead-AM-32, with the USS Kite-AM-22 on shotgun duty astern of the Incredible, the USS Endicott-DMS-35 steamed close astern of the sweep formation. They were passing between Yo-do and Ung-do islands.
At 1112, the fleet entered unswept waters. Three minutes later, things began to happen fast. Two mines, their cables severed by the USS Pirate, popped to the surface, then four more mines followed. The mines were 50 yards apart, and lay on a north-south line between Yo-do and Ung-do. The USS Pledge, maneuvering astern through the mines cut by the USS Pirate, swept three more mines with her port gear, then the USS Incredible in formation cut a fourth mine. A helicopter pilot above radioed a (Cabbage Patch) of mines lay dead ahead of the ships, and were bounded by the islands of Ung-do, Yo-do, Mo-do, and Sin-do.
Lieutenant Commander Hyatt made the decision to continue the course. Lieutenant Commander Hyatt, and Lt. C.E. McMullen, skipper of the USS Pirate, considered a turn at this critical point more dangerous than continuation on course. A short time later the USS Pirate's stern rose from the water. The explosion of a mine directly underneath had broken USS Pirate's main-deck into two parts. It capsized in four minutes.
The USS Pledge, skipper Lt. Richard O. Young, cut her sweep gear, and put her motor whaleboat in the water to rescue Pirate's survivors. Enemy shore batteries on Sin-do opened fire on the sinking USS Pirate and her crew in the water. The USS Pledge opened up with her single three-inch gun, and the enemy shifted its guns to the USS Pledge.
At this time there were at least 13 loose enemy mines on the surface. Lieutenant Young called for air-support, as small caliber enemy fire came from Rei-To island as well. The USS Pledge expended her three-inch ammunition, the ship was bracketed by enemy gun fire, and its position was becoming untenable. Lieutenant Young ordered left full rudder, starboard engine, ahead two-thirds. The ship turned about 30 degrees, and at 1220 struck an enemy mine. She was mined amidships, on the starboard side, near the forward engine room.
Damage was extensive. Decks and bulkheads were ruptured from keel to the open bridge. The hull split, and water rushed into the rupture. A U.S. Navy mine hunting patrol plane overhead flown by Lcdr. Randall Boyd, XO-of VP-47, radioed the USS Endicott-DMS-35, and spotted gunfire for them while they put small boats in the water for survivors and fired on the enemy guns on Cho-do island. Aircraft from the carrier USS Leyte-CV-32 arrived with napalm, rockets, and 500-pound bombs, and worked over the enemy.
Then the USS Incredible radioed all their engines were dead, and they were out of action. Altogether, there were 92 casualties from the two sunken U.S. Navy vessels. Of these, 14 were MIA, and one died after rescue. The USS Pirate lost six crewmen:
God bless these brave men.
The next day a helicopter flying over the area spotted a number of mines around the wreckage. This meant that for salvaging to occur, a sweep of the area had to be done. Once done when diving to the wrecks could begin, the main focus was the retrieval of the onboard encryption devices. Due to imperfect weather and the ship's location, a more complete salvage of Pirate and Pledge would have taken months to complete. Thus, after the salvagers established that no classified information of use to the enemy was on board, the demolition of the ship was ordered to destroy anything of possible use left on the ship. The officer's in charge of the salvage operation decided to use routine air surveillance to insure that the enemy did not try to salvage the ship.
Contrary to the belief that there was only "a small chance of obtaining any item of value" from the wreck, one artifact of great value was recovered. When Pirate went down in 1950 so did her 48-star American flag. However, Captain Cornelius E. McMullen, Commanding Officer of Pirate at the time of her sinking, received an anonymous package sometime in 1952. Along with this package was a note stating that because he had been Commanding Officer of Pirate the sender thought that he, McMullen, would like to have the package's contents--the ship's American flag. On 28 May 1985, Captain McMullen donated the flag to the Naval Historical Center, where it is presently on display in The Navy Museum's Korean War exhibit.
Ship's Officers:
Awarded for actions during the Korean War For their work in rescuing twenty-five sailors from the minesweepers USS Pirate and USS Pledge (which were mined, shelled, and sunk by the enemy) and caring for injured men at Wonsan, the below members of Underwater Demolition Team Three received the Bronze Star Medal:
Source: U.S. Navy Publication All Hands, February 1952
Archer, Stephen Morris
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Stephen Morris Archer (NSN: 0-71396), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Underwater Reconnaissance Element in support of naval forces conducting operations in heavily mined waters during the period 10 to 22 October 1950. When the U.S.S. Pledge and U.S.S. Pirate were mined on 12 October, he conducted rescue operations for surviving personnel with disregard for his own safety in the face of enemy gunfire from shore batteries. The leadership, force, and judgment displayed by Commander Archer in directing visual and sonar searches for mines throughout this period and in supervising underwater demolition operations in the vicinity of Koto and Rei-To Islands contributed directly to the successful clearance of mine channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan, Korea. His outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Davies, Henry E. Jr.
The Silver Star Medal, was awarded to Lt. (jg). Henry E. Davies, Jr., USN, 0-478746, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, in enemy action as Executive Officer of the USS Pirate-AM-275, during mine sweeping operations in densely mined areas off Wonsan, Korea, on 12 October 1950. After his ship had struck a mine, and having been ordered over the side by his Commanding Officer, he observed crew men in the water, all of whom were either wounded or dazed. Despite the fact that the vessel's list was increasing rapidly, and danger of her capsizing was imminent, he towed the men clear and assisted them in reaching a life raft. Then, with complete disregard for the enemy gunfire and his own personal safety, he boarded a passing boat to aid in the evacuation of wounded men from a stricken sister ship.
Hyatt, Bruce M.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Bruce M. Hyatt, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Mine Division Thirty-Two and in tactical command of that division during minesweeping operations conducted in Wonsan Harbor preliminary to occupation of Wonsan, Korea by United Nations forces. During the period 10 to 12October 1950. The ships of his division penetrated to a depth of 19 miles from the outer mine defenses through heavily mined waters until well within range of enemy shore batteries. On 12 October he penetrated two lines of mines barring the entrance to the outer harbor and carried out the sweeping plans in the face of enemy gunfire until his flagship was mine. His leadership and professional competence contributed greatly to the efficient operation of the ships of his division and his loyalty and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U. S. Naval Service. Action Date: October 10 - 12, 1950 Service: Naval Reserve Rank: Lieutenant Commander Company: Commander Division: Mine Division 32 USS Pirate (AM-275)
McMullen, Cornelius E.
Awarded for actions during the Korean War For gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the USS Pirate during minesweeping operations conducted in heavily mined waters and in area subjected to enemy gunfire during the period 10 to 12 Oct 1950. The inspiring leadership and professional competence constantly displayed by Lt. McMullen in the performance of this mission contributed directly to the efficient operation of his ship and to the successful clearance of mine free channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan, Korea. His loyalty and steadfastness to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
The USS Pirate had a crew of 77. Of those, six were MIA/KIA and 51 were injured. The injured included three officers and 48 enlisted men. In addition to the crew (six officers and 71 enlisted men), the Commander of Mine Division 32 and his staff of one Quartermaster were onboard the Pirate that day and survived the sinking.
Johnson, Adrian Warren
Born on April 23, 1920, he was the son of Jesse Fisher Johnson (1877-1947) and Daisy Ford Johnson (1882-1965). He was married to Ophelia Ann Matley in 1945, and they had a daughter, Holly Adrianne Johnson (Mrs. Michael Wenner). Adrian's brother was Teddy Johnson of San Antonio, Texas. Adrian, Ann and Holly lived in Houston, Texas. Adrian's widow later married Jack Gordon Wilkening and they had a daughter, Ivy Jean Wilkening.
VanBuren, Ervin Leroy
Funeral Services for Ervin Van Buren, age 87, of Norfolk and formerly of O’Neill, will be at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 29, 2017, at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Visitation will be one hour earlier at the funeral home. Burial will be in the O’Neill Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the O’Neill American Legion Post #93. Ervin passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE. Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill is in charge of arrangements.
Ervin Leroy Van Buren was born on April 27, 1930, at home near Verdigre, NE, to Ralph and Gertrude Jane (Benedict) Van Buren. At the age of 8, he moved with his family to a ranch northeast of O’Neill, and attended a rural country school through the 8th grade. Ervin then worked on the family ranch until joining the US Navy in March of 1948, and served during the Korean War until March of 1951. Ervin returned to the U.S. after being wounded when the ship he was on, the USS Pirate, sank after striking a mine at Wonsan, Korea in October of 1950. When he was home on leave in 1950 he met Mildred Seger at the roller skating rink in Atkinson, NE. The two were wed on May 20, 1951 at the Methodist Church in O’Neill.
They lived on a ranch near Atkinson for a time, and their 3 children were born: Linda Mae, Sharon Kay, and Michael Ervin. Later on, they moved to O’Neill, then to Wisner and Stanton areas in late 50’s, where Ervin farmed. They made their home in Stanton, NE in 1975 and moved to Norfolk, NE in 1980’s, where Ervin later retired from Beef America in Norfolk, June of 1995. They moved to the Wisner Care Center, Wisner, NE in March of this year. Ervin enjoyed many hobbies over the years, such as playing basketball and being a boxer while stationed in the Philippines with the Navy. He liked to fish and hunt, especially catfishing and pheasant hunting, and he enjoyed camping. He also was an avid Husker fan, and made Husker lawn ornaments for family and friends. The visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren was his favorite enjoyment. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Stanton and Norfolk, NE.
Ervin is survived by his wife, Mildred, three children; Linda Hoehne and husband, Donald, of Laguna Vista, TX, Sharon McQuistan and husband, Gayle, of Wayne, NE, Michael Van Buren and wife, Shelly, of Billings, MT, nine grandchildren; Donald Hoehne, Jr. and wife, Krista, Laura Tatpati and husband, Abraham, Christina Hendrix, Teresa Mick and husband, Jessy, Sheryl Salmons and husband, Alex Garcia, John McQuistan, Francesca Davis and husband, Jerry, Jacqualyn Van Buren and husband, Steven Milledge, Raschelle Drumheller and husband, Brad, 12 great grandchildren; Nathaniel, Alexander, and Abigail Tatpati, Brett and wife Shantel, Tom, and Matthew Hendrix, Siera and Cailee Brugger, Emil and Emily Davis, Jordan Milledge, and Britton Drumheller, three siblings; Marvella Jonas and husband, Robert, of Kernersville, NC, Wilma Buckles of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Willard Van Buren of Ashland, NE; and one sister-in-law, Vivian Van Buren of O’Neill, NE, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph Van Buren Jr. and wife, Etta, Donald Van Buren; three step brothers, Paul Benedict, Wayne Butler, and Carl Butler; and brother-in-law Frankie Buckles.
On October 12, 1950, the Pledge struck a mine off the east coast of North Korea near Sin-do and sank.
The following information was obtained from various sources on the Internet, including the Department of the Navy - US Naval Historical Center. The story of the loss of the USS Pledge on October 12, 1950 can only be told by including the story of the sinking of the USS Pirate. See "Sea War In Korea" below the casualty list and U.S.S. Pirate. When the USS Pledge sank, she had one fatality, eight missing in action, and 61 survivors. The Korean War Educator is searching for the names of the survivors. To add this and other information to the KWE, write to Lynnita.
At the Hague Convention of 1907, it was agreed that all contact mines should be moored, and so constructed as to destroy themselves if they should break loose. This law was never signed by the USSR, or North Korea. The excellent U.S. Navy minesweeping forces of World War II, were literally dissolved after World War II. There were only three U.S. Naval Officers in the Pacific Fleet with mine warfare experience when the Korean War started.
In October 1950, the U.S. Navy begin the minesweep of Wonsan, North Korea Harbor, a 400-mile harbor, with many small islands, on the east coast of Korea. It was found that the 400-square mile minefield contained more than 3,000 contact type, and magnetic type mines. The sweep was to be a direct route to Wonsan, an amphibious landing route.
On 12 October 1950, Lieutenant Commander Bruce Hyatt led a formation in his flagship, USS Pirate-AM-275, with the USS Pledge-AM-277, and the USS Incredible-AM-249 following astern. Laying Dan Buoys (Dan Buoys are used to mark the edge of a swept channel), astern of the USS Pirate was the USS Redhead-AM-32, with the USS Kite-AM-22 on shotgun duty astern of the Incredible, the USS Endicott-DMS-35 steamed close astern of the sweep formation. They were passing between Yo-do and Ung-do islands.
At 1112, the fleet entered unswept waters. Three minutes later, things began to happen fast. Two mines, their cables severed by the USS Pirate, popped to the surface, then four more mines followed. The mines were 50 yards apart, and lay on a north-south line between Yo-do and Ung-do. The USS Pledge, maneuvering astern through the mines cut by the USS Pirate, swept three more mines with her port gear, then the USS Incredible in formation cut a fourth mine. A helicopter pilot above radioed a (Cabbage Patch) of mines lay dead ahead of the ships, and were bounded by the islands of Ung-do, Yo-do, Mo-do, and Sin-do.
Lieutenant Commander Hyatt made the decision to continue the course. Lieutenant Commander Hyatt, and Lt. C.E. McMullen, skipper of the USS Pirate, considered a turn at this critical point more dangerous than continuation on course. A short time later the USS Pirate's stern rose from the water. The explosion of a mine directly underneath had broken USS Pirate's main-deck into two parts. It capsized in four minutes.
The USS Pledge, skipper Lt. Richard O. Young, cut her sweep gear, and put her motor whaleboat in the water to rescue Pirate's survivors. Enemy shore batteries on Sin-do opened fire on the sinking USS Pirate and her crew in the water. The USS Pledge opened up with her single three-inch gun, and the enemy shifted its guns to the USS Pledge.
At this time there were at least 13 loose enemy mines on the surface. Lieutenant Young called for air-support, as small caliber enemy fire came from Rei-To island as well. The USS Pledge expended her three-inch ammunition, the ship was bracketed by enemy gun fire, and its position was becoming untenable. Lieutenant Young ordered left full rudder, starboard engine, ahead two-thirds. The ship turned about 30 degrees, and at 1220 struck an enemy mine. She was mined amidships, on the starboard side, near the forward engine room.
Damage was extensive. Decks and bulkheads were ruptured from keel to the open bridge. The hull split, and water rushed into the rupture. A U.S. Navy mine hunting patrol plane overhead flown by Lcdr. Randall Boyd, XO-of VP-47, radioed the USS Endicott-DMS-35, and spotted gunfire for them while they put small boats in the water for survivors and fired on the enemy guns on Cho-do island. Aircraft from the carrier USS Leyte-CV-32 arrived with napalm, rockets, and 500-pound bombs, and worked over the enemy.
Then the USS Incredible radioed all their engines were dead, and they were out of action. Altogether, there were 92 casualties from the two sunken U.S. Navy vessels. Of these, 14 were MIA, and one died after rescue.
Gordon William Sumner, in charge of a rescue crew on a Motor Whale Boat attached to the Pledge also received a Bronze Star. Citation not yet found.
Awarded for actions during the Korean War For their work in rescuing twenty-five sailors from the minesweepers USS Pirate and USS Pledge (which were mined, shelled, and sunk by the enemy) and caring for injured men at Wonsan, the below members of Underwater Demolition Team Three received the Bronze Star Medal [For] “heroic service in action against the enemy during minesweeping operations at Wonsan, Korea.”
Source: U.S. Navy Publication All Hands, February 1952
Archer, Stephen Morris
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet
Serial 1204 - December 13, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Stephen Morris Archer (NSN: 0-71396), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander Underwater Reconnaissance Element in support of naval forces conducting operations in heavily mined waters during the period 10 to 22 October 1950. When the U.S.S. Pledge and U.S.S. Pirate were mined on 12 October, he conducted rescue operations for surviving personnel with disregard for his own safety in the face of enemy gunfire from shore batteries. The leadership, force, and judgment displayed by Commander Archer in directing visual and sonar searches for mines throughout this period and in supervising underwater demolition operations in the vicinity of Koto and Rei-To Islands contributed directly to the successful clearance of mine channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan, Korea. His outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Link, Harry L.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Engineman Third Class Harry L. Link (NSN: 3730516), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Fireman in the Forward Engine Room on board the U.S.S. Pledge (AM-277), during minesweeping operations in densely mined areas subjected to enemy gunfire off Wonsan, Korea, on 12 October 1950. Although painfully injured and dazed, he heroically assisted a semi-conscious shipmate who was unable to help himself to escape from the rapidly flooding engine room, and when clear of the ship, cared for him until picked up by a passing boat. His outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 262 (February 20, 1951)
Action Date: September 26, 1950
Service: Navy
Rank: Engineman Third Class
Division: U.S.S. Pledge (AM-277)
McIlvaine, Aubrey L.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Aubrey L. McIlvaine (NSN: 0-433069), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Safety Officer on a 3-inch gun on board the U.S.S. Pledge (AM-277) during minesweeping operations in densely mined areas subjected to enemy gunfire off Wonsan, Korea, on 12 October 1950. Through his leadership and judgment his gun crew took under fire and silenced two enemy shore batteries firing on a stricken sister ship, and after his own ship was mined, he unselfishly organized and directed the orderly evacuation of his crew, though painfully injured, thereby contributing to the successful clearing of mine free channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan. His outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 262 (February 20, 1951)
Action Date: October 12, 1950
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Company: Safety Officer
Division: U.S.S. Pledge (AM-277)
Young, Richard O.
For gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the USS Pledge while engaged in mine sweeping operations in densely mined waters off Wonsan, Korea and in areas subjected to heavy gunfire from enemy shore batteries during the period 10 to 12 Oct. 1950. His inspiring leadership and professional ability contributed to the successful clearance of mine free channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan. His loyalty and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U. S. Naval Service.
[KWE Note: According to Doug Voss, all survivors of the sinking of the USS Pledge were granted a 37-day furlough. They were to report back to duty on December 23, 1950.]
On November 05, 1950, while engaged with the enemy in the Korea Strait, one of its crew was reported washed overboard in rough seas. His body was not recovered.
On November 13, 1950, a crew member of this ship drowned after he fell or was knocked from the deck.
On November 17, 1950, this ship was providing gunfire support to the United Nations troops advancing on Chongjin when shrapnel from a shell from a Communist shore battery. Six men at gun mount stations were injured. Jack Sutton of Lexington, Indiana lost his leg on Mount #5.
On December 04, 1950, a Corsair assigned to the Leyte was struck by enemy fire and crash-landed, killing the pilot.
He was the first Black-American pilot in the United States Navy and the first black naval officer to lose his life in combat during the Korean War. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, after graduating from the Ohio State University he accepted an appointment as a midshipman in the United States Navy. He completed his Navy pre-flight training at Ottumwa, Iowa, followed with flight training at Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida, and received his wings at the navy's first black pilot on October 21, 1948. He then joined Fighter Squadron 32 on board the aircraft carrier USS Wright (CVL-49) and was commissioned an Ensign on April 15, 1949. His squadron later embarked on carrier USS Leyte (CV-32) and joined Fast Carrier Task Force 77 in support of the United Nations Forces in Korea in October 1950. As a pilot of Fighter Squadron 32, Ensign Brown became a section leader and received the Air Medal for daring attacks against the enemy at Wonsan, Chongjin, Songjin, and Sinanju. Leading his section in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire, he courageously pressed home attacks that inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and provided effective support for friendly ground troops.
On December 4, 1950, while aggressively providing close air support to the United States Marines fighting near the Chosin Reservoir, his Corsair aircraft was struck by enemy fire. It lost power and, he had to crash-land it. His squadron mate, Captain (then Lieutenant, junior grade) Thomas J. Hudner, crash-landed his plane alongside near Brown's aircraft in a heroic rescue attempt (his efforts he earned the Congressional Medal of Honor). Lieutenant Hudner was unable to free Brown, who was badly injured in the crash and whose leg was stuck between the crumpled fuselage and hydraulic control panel of his aircraft. 45 minutes later, Marine First Lieutenant Charlie Ward arrived in a rescue helicopter, but the two men were still unable to free Brown. Having to depart at dusk since the helicopter was not equipped to fly at night, Ensign Brown told Hudner that if he did not survive, to tell his wife Daisy how much he loved her. Prior to his departure, Hudner spoke to Brown, but got no response. Weather prevent any return to the site until December 7. Since the site was in enemy territory Hudner recommended against a helicopter mission with a flight surgeon to extricate Brown's body. He recommended a flyover, during which time Brown's body was seen still in the cockpit of the Corsair, but stripped of all clothing, evidence of the desperation of local Koreans for clothing items. The pilots, all of whom knew Brown, dropped napalm on his and Hudner's aircrafts. Today, the rusted hulks of the aircraft can still be seen from observation satellites (Latitude 40 degrees, 36' N, Longitude 127 degrees 06). Ensign Brown was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. the frigate USS Jesse L. Brown (DE/FF/FFT-1089) was named by the Navy in his honor. (bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Cause of death: crashing-landing wounds and climate exposure during the Korean War
On December 06, 1950, a seaman on this ship was killed in action while engaged with the enemy during the evacuation of Hungnam and Wonsan, North Korea.
On December 6, 1950, this supply ammunition ship was engaged in action with the enemy when one seaman was missing in action.
On December 15, 1950, a crew member of this ship was killed in action while engaged with the enemy in Korea.
On December 20, 1950, this Military Ship Transport (merchant marine) lost two men killed in action during the Hungnam redeployment.
On December 23, 1950, the Sperry was damaged by three hits from a shore battery at Songjin, North Korea. There was only minor damage and no casualties.
On December 23, 1950, an F4U-4 Corsair fighter with Fighter Squadron 63 aboard this aircraft carrier was performing close air support through Army controllers north of Hungham, North Korea, when the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. The pilot's remains were not recovered.
On December 23, 1950, the Ozbourn was damaged after being hit by a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea. There were two casualties.
On December 24, 1950, an F4U-4 Corsair fighter with Fighter Squadron 193 aboard this aircraft carrier, while on a combat mission northwest of Hungnam, Korea, crashed and disintegrated upon impact. The pilot's remains were not recovered.