A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Men of Task Force Smith, I report we completed our assigned task with honor Go!

February 19, 2008, updated February 25, 2008. Epilogue: A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith Editor's note: I have scoured about as many sources as I can scour for photos of the men of Task Force Smith. If you have any, and would like them posted in this album, it would my honor to do so. That includes the infantry, the medics, and the field artillery. The only requirement is that they fought at the "Battle of Osan," July 5-6, 1950. This section is also a work in progress. I have a roster of most of the men who were with Task Force Smith and I intend to list them below if I can find out something about them and/or get a photo of them. This endeavor will take time. I feel obligated to do my best for these men. Ed Marek, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), editor

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President Truman honoring Task Force Smith members at the White House, June 1952. Colonel Brad Smith is standing to the far right. Presented by The Korean War: The Story and Photographs, by Donald M. Goldstein, Harry J. Maihafer.

Lt. Col. Bradley Smith retired from the Army at the rank of brigadier general. We found an Photo Album on the website of the 21st

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Regimental Combat Team Association that has photos of some of the officers and men who were part of Task Force Smith at the "Battle of Osan." The organizer of the web site laments that he has "no clue how to build a website or manage a group like this." We not only comment this web site to you, we urge you to send the association a big "Bravo" for the superb historical record it has assembled. There are photos there that cannot be found elsewhere. If you contribute photos to us, we will contribute them to the association as well. James Beilstein at the "Korean War Educator" web site provides what he calls an incomplete list of all those who were there. We've used his list to authenticate the men as members of Task Force Smith. For those taken POW, and released, we simply say, "subsequently released," assuming they were released at war's end but unsure of the date. Prior to showing the individual photos we have found, and while speaking of POWs, we are compelled to alert you to the Tiger Survivor's List.

American POWs climbing a hillbank of the Han River. The men are clean shaven because the enemy knew they would be marching through Seoul, and subject to international photography.

Pfc. Wayne A. "Johnnie" Johnson of Lima, Ohio, 1-21 Infantry, was captured by the enemy on July 11, 1950. While in captivity, Johnson used every means available to record the names of all POWs about whom he knew. He maintained two lists, the enemy found one, and beat him, accusing him of maintaining enemy propaganda. The 18 year old American infantryman replied, "It's not propaganda. It's for the families." Upon release in 1953, he was able to get his second list out inside a toothpaste tube. Once on the troopship home, he provided it to an officer. There were 496 names on it. This is variously known as "Johnson's List" and the "Tiger Survivor List." It has been published.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

file:///Users/edmarek/Documents/Talking Proud/HistoryTaskFo...

American POWs from the 24th Infantry Division captured in Korea, July 1950. In the background, parts of Johnson's list. Presented by US POWs in Korea - Johnson's List

Capt. Donald Duerk, MD, MC, the 1-21 surgeon who arrived with the 3-21 Infantry, on or before July 11, 1950, reported seeing three bound bodies of US soldiers at an aid station. He reported at least one of these had been shot behind the ear. This corroborated reports received to that point that 18 American GIs had been bound and murdered by North Korean soldiers, very shortly after their capture. We must assume some or many of those were from Task Force Smith. As you page through the photos and briefs below, you will see many men of the task force were captured and died while held captive.

1st Lt. Raymond E. "Bodie" Adams, MC, 1-21 Infantry. Prior to this battle, had been the captain and pitcher of the regimental baseball team, accounting for his grenade accuracy during the Battle of Osan. Rose to the rank of colonel, having served 34 years in the Army Medical Service Corps, including duty in Vietnam. He received the Silber Star for his ace grenade throw to wipe out an enemy machinegunner during the task force's withdrawal.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Pfc. Ramon Alba, B/1-21 Infantry. Killed in action, July 5, 1950. Pfc. Roger Bane, HQ Co. 21st Infantry. Worked supply, delivered rations and ammo to the line companies, and company runner. Served later in outpost duty with ROKA soldiers, thought highly of them. Fell back with other US forces to Pusan Perimeter, then north to the Yalu River and back. Rotated out of Korea in July 1951. Proud of his service.

2nd Lt. Carl Bernard, Platoon Leader, B-21 Infantry. Continued fighting, with L/1-21 Infantry, and was later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor on July 11, 1950, engaging enemy tanks and destroying two, advanced through enemy lines killing four enemy, destroyed an enemy machine gun emplacement, and then organized a withdrawal of his force. Rose to the rank of colonel.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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1st Lt. Russell W. Berthoff, HQ Co. Commander, 1-21 Infantry. Pvt. George E. Buskirk, B/1-21 Infantry, Light weapons infantryman. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, January 28, 1951. Pfc. Alton Christie, B/1-21 Infantry. Missing in Action, July 5, 1950, presumed killed. Pvt. Wilbur B. Colford, Light weapons infantryman, B/1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On Tiger's Survivor's List: Died in captivity, October 31, 1950. Pfc. Karl Francis Connick, 1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, June 18, 1951. Pfc. Boyd E. Cox, B/1-21 Infantry. Light weapons infantryman. Missing in Action, July 5, 1950, presumed killed.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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2nd Lt. Jansen Cox, 1-21 Infantry, captured July 6, 1950, along with some 35 others, and died in captivity. A Virginian by birth from Carroll County. Pfc. Amos L. Scott and Pfc. Marvin Patton, both of Task Force Smith, both Virginians, were also captured with Cox. Both Patton and Scott died in captivity as well. Corporal Herman Critchfield, Battery A, 52nd FA Bn. Rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Quoted by Sandy Strait, in the book, What was it like in the Korean War?, saying the US should have employed nuclear weapons in Korea. Received the Bronze Star for his service as chief of section, forward gun, Battle of Osan.

Captain Richard Dashner, Commander, Charlie Co., 1-21 Infantry 2nd Lt. Philip Day, Jr., Rifle Platoon Leader, C/1-21 Infantry. Rose to the rank of colonel.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Cpl. William C. Denson, Jr., Cook, B/1-21 Infantry. Missing in Action on July 5, 1050, presumed killed. Promoted to sergeant. received the Purple Heart (Posthumous). An example of infantry first, cook second.

2nd Lt. 2nd Lt. Harold "Hal" Dill, Platoon Leader, Charlie Co., 1-21 Infantry. Organized a group of troops, some wounded, led them south, moving behind enemy lines for six days, hungry and disheveled, but they made it alive.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Lt. Jack Doody, Heavy Mortar Platoon Leader, B/1-21 Infantry. Rose to the rank of colonel. At some point in his career, he said this about his experience: "A month or so before this (being sent to Korea) we had undergone an ordnance inspection and half of our rifles were condemned. They were all left over from World War II, retrieved from Okinawa, or places like that. The same went for the mortars and machine guns. I don't remember ever seeing anything new." Pfc Clyatt R. DuBose, HQ Co., 21 Infantry. Radio repairman. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, May 27, 1951. Sgt. First Class Edwin A. "Cotton Eddie" Eversole, the Chief of Firing Battery, A Battery, 52nd FA. Received the Silver Star for his valor on July 5, 1950. Cpl. Ernest "Frenchy" Fortuna, Medic 1-21 Infantry. Remained behind at the aid station to care for wounded. Captured. Repatriated in the "Big Switch" release of POWs in August and September, 1953.

1st Lt. John A. Fox, 1st Platoon Leader, Bravo Co., 1-21 Infantry. Captured, held at Camp #2, subsequently released. Pfc. Robert Daniel Furlow, HQ Co., 21 Infantry. Message center clerk. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, January 8, 1951. Pfc Nicholas "Nick" Garza, C/1-12 Infantry. Defending his position north of Osan on July 5, 1950, he was overrun and was captured by the enemy. He was moved from place to place until the "Tiger Death March" began on October 31, when the POWs were forced to march through mountainous terrain in sub-zero weather for 108 miles. Those who survived were taken to the POW camp at Hanhang-ni. Pfc. Garza died of malnutrition on

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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December 20, 1950 and was buried in a mass grave at the POW camp. Pfc Florentino Gonzales, B/1-21 Infantry. During an enemy attack that had been underway for some seven hours on July 5, 1950, his unit was ordered to withdraw. He volunteered to stay at his position to employ his machine gun to cover the withdrawal and to protect his assistant gunner, Pfc. Vernon L. Wade, who was seriously wounded by a grenade, and then taken POW. The North Koreans killed him immediately. Gonzales delivered heavy fire until he was overrun. He was was last seen at his position, and thought to have been killed. However he was taken POW and was seen in a photo of POWs marching through Seoul. He was awarded the Distingished Service Cross while captive, retired a MSgt, and served in Vietnam. Pvt. Myron E. Gross, Light weapons infantryman, B/1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, January 14, 1951. Pvt. Karl Hoher, Jr., Light weapons infantryman, B/1-21 Infantry. Missing in Action, presumed killed. Pvt. William R. McGill, light weapons infantryman, B/1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, December 18, 1950.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Lt. Alan B. Macaulay Platoon Leader, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co., 1-21 Infantry. Pfc. Max Meyers, Medic 1-21 Infantry. Remained behind at the aid station to care for wounded. Captured. Repatriated in the "Big Switch" release of POWs in August and September, 1953. 2nd Lt. Robert C. Neimann, HQ Battalion, 1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, August 1950.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Captain Ambrose H. Nugent, A Btry, 52 Bn FA, captured July 5, 1950, subsequently released. Thought to have fought along side the infantry when that's where they were at in the battle. While a major, court-martialed for collaborating with the enemy while a POW. Acquitted and promoted to lieutenant colonel. One enlisted POW was with Nugent in Seoul, along with some 75 other American POWs. The enemy demanded Nugent make some concession to them, or the enemy would kill the 75 other POWs. Nugent agreed and saved the men. Col. Nugent died in 1988 at the age of 78 and was buried at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas. 1st Lt. Lawrence C. Powers, HQ Co. Communications Officer, 1-21 Infantry.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Lt. Colonel Miller O. Perry, commander, 52nd Field Artillery Battalion. West Point. Rose to the rank of brigadier general and was executive officer, 24th Division Artillery in Korea, and then became Deputy Commander, MAAG Indochina. He also served as commanding general, 1st Armored Division Artillery, 10th Mountain/2nd Infantry Division Artillery, and 7th Army Artllery. Was 102 years old in 2010 and attended celebrations hosted by the 21st Regimental Combat Team as president, 52nd Field Artillery Battalion Association. Died March 20, 2010. Sgt. Floyd Alexander Roy, Light Weapons Infantry Leader, B/1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, July 3, 1951. Lt. Duane Scott, commander, A Battery, 52nd FA. Rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. POW.

Lt. Colonel Charles B. "Brad" Smith, commander, 1-21

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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Infantry. West Point, retired from the Army at the rank of brigadier general.

Captain Charles R. Thomas, Commander, Bravo Co., 1-21 Infantry

Captain Edwin Overholt, Medical Platoon, 21st Infantry.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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The late Edwin Overholt is shown in this photo in later life. A few words about him. He would serve in the Army for 23 years and rise to the rank of colonel and was considered one of the Army's most outstanding clinicians and teachers. Throughout his civilian career, he was affectionately known as "The Colonel." He passed in 2006. Pvt. Vincent Angelo Vega, listed as Light weapons infantryman and cook, B/1-21 Infantry. Missing in Action July 5, 1050, presumed killed. Pvt. Calvin Van Winkle, Light weapons infantryman, B/1-21 Infantry. Captured July 5, 1950. On the Tiger Survivor's List: Died in captivity, February 16, 1951. Pfc. Vernon L. Wade, B/1-21 Infantry, assistant gunner to Pfc Florentino Gonzales. During an enemy attack that had been underway for some seven hours on July 5, 1950, his unit was ordered to withdraw. Gonzales volunteered to stay at his position to employ his machine gun to cover the withdrawal and to protect his assistant gunner, Pfc. Vernon L. Wade. A grenade flew over Gonzales and detonated where Wade had sought cover. Wade was seriously wounded, and then died. Major General William Dean, the commander of the 24th Infantry Division, received the Medal of Honor for his valor in combat just a few weeks after the Battle of Osan. This was the first Medal of Honor to be received for valor in the Korean War. On July 20, 1950, General Dean, alone, attacked an enemy tank while armed only with his sidearm and a hand grenade. He further directed the fire of his own tanks from an exposed position while under artillery and small arms fire. Despite his valor and those with whom he fought, the town he hoped to defend, Taejon, was overrun. He ordered his men to retreat but he refused to depart with the leading elements. He remained behind to organize his retreating units and provide directions to stragglers. He was last seen assisting wounded to safety. As his forces dropped back, he became separated from them. He hid alone in the woods around the countryside during the day and

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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traveled at night for over a month. On August 25, 1950 he was captured by the North Koreans after hand-to-hand fighting. He remained a POW until his release on September 4, 1953. General Dean's whereabouts were unknown until December 18, 1951, when Wilfred Burchett interviewed him in prison. This was the first time anyone knew he was alive since being reported missing in action. In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, at his retirement on October 31, 1955, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for his front line service in WWII and Korea, an award he particularly cherished. At his retirement, General Dean said this: "If the story of my Korean experience is worth telling, the value lies in its oddity, not in anything brilliant or heroic. "There were heroes in Korea, but I was not one of them. There were brilliant commanders, but I was a general captured because he took a wrong road. I am an Infantry officer and presumably was fitted for my fighting job. "I don't want to alibi that job, but a couple of things about it should be made clear. In the fighting I made some mistakes and I've kicked myself a thousand times for them. I lost ground I should not have lost. I lost trained officers and fine men. I'm not proud of that record, and I'm under no delusions that my weeks of command constituted any masterly campaign. "No man honestly can be ashamed of the Medal of Honor. For it and for the welcome given to me here at home in 1953, 1 am humbly grateful. But I come close to shame when I think about the men who did better jobs some who died doing them and did not get recognition. I wouldn't have awarded myself a wooden star for what I did as a commander. "Later, as fugitive and prisoner, I did things mildly out of the ordinary only at those times when I was excited and not thinking entirely straight; and the only thing I did which mattered to my family and perhaps a few others was to stay alive. Other prisoners resisted torture, but I wasn't tortured. Others hid in the hills and finally escaped, but I failed in my escape attempts. Others bluffed the Communists steadily, whereas I was lucky enough to do it only once in a while.

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A photo album of the men of Task Force Smith

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"Others starved, but I was fed and even learned to like Kimchee. Others died for a principle, but I failed in a suicide attempt. "My life was an adventure, I did see the face of the enemy close up. I did have time to study his weaknesses and his remarkable strengths, not on the battlefield but far behind his lines. I saw communism working with men and women of high education or none, great intelligence or little and it was a frightening thing. "I ought to know. I swatted 40,671 flies in three years and counted every carcass. There were periods when I was batting .850 and deserved to make the big leagues." General Dean passed on August 25, 1981. He is buried at the Presidio of San Francisco, with his wife. The 21st Infantry had two men to receive the Medal of Honor. They were Sergeant First Class Ray E. Duke, Charlie Co., April 26, 1951, and Pfc. Mack A. Jordan, Kilo Co., November 15, 1951. Both were received posthumous. Recall British Captain Vyvyan Holt, the first minister of the British Legation to Seoul, who warned British citizens to leave Seoul three weeks before the invasion. That was his instruction, but he some staff and a few others remained behind, figuring they would benefit from diplomatic immunity. Not so. The KPA captured them and they were POWs until release in April 1953. Mr. Holt was later knighted. While a POW, he endured long forced marches in the cold and efforts by the Soviets to convert him to communism.

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