Born: November 9, 1909 Corporal, United States Army
COMBAT MEDIC MEDICAL CO, 9TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION
Home or Place of Enlistment: Vincennes, Idaho Captured: December 1, 1950 Died as Prisoner of War: January 20, 1951 Kunu-Ri Gauntlet, Battle of the Ch'ongch’on River
In 1864, sixteen European states adopted the Geneva Convention to save lives and alleviate the suffering of wounded and sick persons in the battlefield, as well as to protect trained medical personnel as non-combatants, in the act of rendering aid. Combat medics and corpsmen respond on short notice, adapting quickly to current circumstances to administer first aid to a wounded soldier. Often under direct fire. Highly respected and easily identified with the Red Cross symbol on the medic's helmet or arm band, they often became conspicuous targets for enemy snipers. Casualty rates among combat medics is high. Medics are generally trained alongside fellow combat service members. They earn titles of Medic, Corpsman, First-Aid Man, Hospital Orderly, Litter Bearer, Ambulance Driver. In general, medics performed numerous duties to assist technicians in the various medical departments associated with the combat operation.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
By Order of the Secretary of the Army, the Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded by the President of the Republic of Korea to:
SECOND INFANTRY DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION: During the period 16 September 1950 to 26 October 1953, the Second United States Infantry Division and Units indicated exhibited extraordinary valor in combat and excellence in the training and integration of Republic of Korea forces into their ranks. Upon its arrival in Korea, the Second Infantry Division was promptly committed to the fluid battle line in an effort to generate a formidable offensive. On 16 September 1950, the Division as part of the Eighth United States Army, launched an intensive attack in order to break out of the Pusan Perimeter. Displaying a high degree of aggressiveness and esprit de corps, the troops drove north of the 38th Parallel and maintained their effectiveness as they pushed on farther into enemy territory. The intervention, on 25 November 1950, of the Chinese Communists, completely altered existing tactics and the Division was assigned the hazardous task of fighting a delaying rearguard action. The superlative combat proficiency and courage in the face of overwhelming odd enabled the Division to successfully protect the Eighth Army strategic withdrawal. Continually exhibiting resourcefulness and tenacity throughout this epic struggle, the Division again and again repulsed determined enemy attacks, inflicting heavy losses and disorganizing the foe’s operations. Upon the cessation of hostilities, the Division held the base of the Chorwon-Kunhwa-Ponggang Iron Triangle and was prepared to meet any thrust that might have been made by the enemy. The exceptional gallantry evident in every action of the Second United States Infantry Division, and the cooperative spirit with which Republic of Korea troops were made a part of a unified force contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the mission of the United Nations and reflect great credit upon the military service.