Canyock, James E.
Army Private 1st class

James E. Canyock, age 21, from Pennsylvania, Cambria county.

Service era: Korea

Date of death: Monday, July 6, 1953
Death details: On July 6, 1953, a large Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) unit attacked and overran the U.S. Army outposts on Pork Chop Hill in an attempt to seize whatever territory possible before the impending armistice agreement. After fighting for the position for four days, on July 10, the 7th Infantry Division Commander determined that the CCF disregard for casualties and desire to hold the outpost outweighed the position’s tactical value, and ordered a withdrawal that was eventually completed on July 11. The U.S. never again controlled Pork Chop Hill, preventing thorough recovery efforts for those who were killed or went missing during the fighting. Corporal James Elmer Canyock, who joined the U.S. Army from Pennsylvania, was a member of Company A of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was killed in action against the CCF on July 6, 1953, during the opening phase of the battle. His remains were not recovered, and he is still unaccounted for. Today, Corporal Canyock is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency