David C. Cox, age 18, from Florida.
Spouse: Wilma
Service era: Korea
Military history: Fort Campbell
Date of death: Tuesday, March 3, 1959
Death details: Killed in a car accident when the car he ws in missed a bridge on Kentucky 81 near Calhoun.
Source: Associated Press (1959), Albany Democrat Herald (1959)
Claude L. Stokes, age 21, from Florida, Franklin county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Saturday, July 11, 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. Private First Class Claude Leonard Stokes, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, served with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on July 11, 1953, after being hit by an enemy grenade and small arms fire during the battle for Pork Chop Hill. His remains were unable to be recovered in the aftermath of the battle, and he is still unaccounted-for. Today, Private First Class Stokes is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Henry Lee Williams, age 21, from Florida, Duval county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Thursday, July 9, 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. Private First Class Henry Lee Williams, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, served with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He went missing in action on July 9 as his unit fought Chinese troops for control of the crest of Pork Chop Hill. No one saw him fall in battle and conditions on the battlefield prevented a search for him. He was not reported to be a prisoner of war. The area where he disappeared was never again controlled by U.S. forces, and became part of the Demilitarized Zone after the ceasefire and on July 10, 1954 the Army declared him dead by presumptive finding. Today, Private First Class Williams is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
James Boatner Wright, age 23, from Florida, Duval county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Thursday, October 23, 1952
Death details: In late October 1952, elements of the U.S. 32nd Infantry Regiment attacked Chinese forces on Hill 598 (often referred to as the Triangle Hill Complex) near Kumhwa, North Korea. Triangle Hill was composed of three high peaks, two of which were nicknamed “Pike’s Peak” and “Jane Russell.” If U.S. troops could push the Chinese off Triangle Hill, the Chinese would have to fall back to the next high defensible position. The initial U.S. assault was effective; however, the Chinese quickly counterattacked, sending wave after wave of troops against the 32nd’s positions on Pike’s Peak and Jane Russell. Chinese forces eventually re-established themselves on Pike’s Peak and U.S. troops were unable to dislodge them. Sergeant James Boatner Wright, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing on October 23 during the fighting around Pike’s Peak. No one saw him fall in battle and he was not reported to be a prisoner of war. U.S. forces did not regain control of Pike’s Peak, which fell within the Demilitarized Zone after the ceasefire. Today, Sergeant Wright is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Blanton Todd from Florida, Orange county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Saturday, February 3, 1951
Death details: On July 11, 1950, the U.S. Army’s 21st Infantry Regiment, which had arrived in Korea six days earlier, was placed in defensive positions near the town of Chochiwon, South Korea. The regiment was not at full strength and lacked artillery and anti-tank weapons. That day, they were attacked by North Korean forces and were forced to withdraw to avoid being surrounded, as well as to buy time until they could be reinforced and resupplied. Sergeant Todd Blanton, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, served with K Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was captured by enemy forces on July 11 during these delaying actions between Pyongtaek and Chochiwon. He was forced to march to the Apex prison camps in North Korea, and died of malnutrition and dysentery at the camp at Hanjang-ni on February 3, 1951. He was buried by his companions on a hillside above the village; however, his remains were not identified among those returned to U.S. custody after the ceasefire. Today, Sergeant Blanton is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Daniel Edward Banks, age 21, from Florida, Palm Beach county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Thursday, November 30, 1950
Death details: On November 29, 1950, men from Company G of the U.S. 1st Marine Regiment, MP Company and Tank Company, 1st Marine Division, Company B and elements of Company D of the 31st Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company of the X Corps, and Royal Marines from Number 41 Independent Commando Battalion were sent north from Koto-ri to open the main supply route to Hagaru-ri and resupply and reinforce Allied troops that had been surrounded near the Chosin Reservoir. The group, known as Task Force Drysdale, set out with tanks and other vehicles in the lead and rear, and initially only met light resistance from Chinese Communist Forces (CCF). As attacks increased in ferocity, the group became fragmented as the CCF managed to establish road blocks that further split the task force. Soon, the CCF blew a bridge and halted the convoy altogether. The Royal Marines and most of Company G were north of the bridge at this time and were able to continue to Hagaru-ri. Near the south end of the convoy, a destroyed truck blocked the road. The tanks and troops south of the destroyed truck fought as long as possible before ultimately returning to Koto-ri on November 30. The men between the blown bridge and the destroyed truck, however, were trapped, and subjected to several mortar barrages before CCF moved into hand-to-hand combat range. Fighting raged there until the morning of November 30, when the survivors were forced to surrender. Over 300 troops were wounded, captured, or died during the action. Sergeant First Class Daniel Edward Banks entered the U.S. Army from Florida and served in Headquarters Company, X Corps. He went missing on November 30, 1950, during Task Force Drysdale’s drive from Koto-ri to Hagaru-ri, though specific details regarding his loss are unknown. No one saw him fall, and there is no evidence suggesting he was ever alive in enemy hands. Attempts to locate or identify his remains have been unsuccessful. Today, Sergeant First Class Banks is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Robert Elmo Brown from Florida, Orange county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Thursday, November 2, 1950
Death details: During the last week of October 1950, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army forces under the control of the U.S. Eighth Army were advancing deep in North Korean territory, approaching the Yalu River on the Chinese-Korean border. Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) struck back in a surprise attack, engaging the ROK 1st and 6th Divisions near Unsan, some sixty miles north of Pyongyang. The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division, with the 8th Cavalry Regiment in the lead, was rushed forward to reinforce the ROK units in the Unsan area. On November 1, the regiment’s 1st Battalion took up positions north of Unsan, while the 2nd Battalion moved to guard the Nammyon River valley west of town, and the 3rd Battalion was placed in reserve at the valley’s southern end. Corporal Robert E. Brown, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, was a member of Company E of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On November 2, 1950, Company E was occupying a defense line west of Unsan when it and the rest of the regiment came under heavy attacks and was forced to withdraw. Surrounded and besieged by CCF, the withdrawing American units became trapped and took cover in foxholes or behind bunkers. It was during this fighting that CPL Brown went missing. He was later reported to be a prisoner of war, and other POWs reported CPL Brown died of dysentery while in captivity at Pyoktong. He was not identified among the remains that North Korean officials returned to U.S. custody after the ceasefire. Today, Corporal Brown is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Carlis Julius Callahan, age 34, from Florida, Columbia county.
Parents: W.J. Callahan
Spouse: Married
Children: Carlis Jr. and Dennis
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Thursday, November 2, 1950
Death details: During the last week of October 1950, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army forces under the control of the U.S. Eighth Army were advancing deep in North Korean territory, approaching the Yalu River on the Chinese-Korean border. Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) struck back in a surprise attack, engaging the ROK 1st and 6th Divisions near Unsan, some sixty miles north of Pyongyang. The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division, with the 8th Cavalry Regiment in the lead, was rushed forward to reinforce the ROK units in the Unsan area. On November 1, the regiment’s 1st Battalion took up positions north of Unsan, while the 2nd Battalion moved to guard the Nammyon River valley west of town, and the 3rd Battalion was placed in reserve at the valley’s southern end. Master Sergeant Carlis J. Callahan, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On November 2, 1950, Company M was providing security for the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment Command Post near Unsan when it was hit by a surprise enemy mortar and infantry attack. At some point during the attack, MSG Callahan was captured, though specific details are unknown. His name did not appear on any official prisoner of war (POW) records, but surviving POWs reported that MSG Callahan died of internal hemorrhages and was buried at the Pyoktong POW Camp on the Yalu River. His remains were not recovered, nor were they identified among the remains returned to the U.S. following the ceasefire. Today, Master Sergeant Callahan is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Tampa Tribune (1953)
Fred Leon Poppell, age 25, from Florida, Gadsden county.
Parents: Ada M. Poppell
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Thursday, November 2, 1950
Death details: During the last week of October 1950, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army forces under the control of the U.S. Eighth Army were advancing deep in North Korean territory, approaching the Yalu River on the Chinese-Korean border. Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) struck back in a surprise attack, engaging the ROK 1st and 6th Divisions near Unsan, some sixty miles north of Pyongyang. The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division, with the 8th Cavalry Regiment in the lead, was rushed forward to reinforce the ROK units in the Unsan area. On November 1, the regiment’s 1st Battalion took up positions north of Unsan, while the 2nd Battalion moved to guard the Nammyon River valley west of town, and the 3rd Battalion was placed in reserve at the valley’s southern end. Sergeant First Class Fred L. Poppell, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, was a member of Company B of the 70th Tank Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, and his platoon was attached to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. On November 1, the CCF engaged in a sneak attack on U.S. forces stationed near Unsan. Despite fierce resistance, the American battalions were forced to withdraw. While the 1st and 2nd Battalion were largely able to retreat to safer positions, strong Chinese presence in the area cut off the 3rd Battalion from its exit routes, forcing its members to form two defensive formations. The men held out against the CCF for two days before being overrun. Most the trapped men were killed, wounded, or captured, with the remainder escaping in small groups. Sergeant First Class Poppell may have been killed on November 2, during the 3rd Battalion’s defensive operations. Survivors of the incident reported he was a crew member of a tank that was destroyed by antitank fire; however, this claim has not been confirmed. Sergeant First Class Poppell was not recovered at the time of his loss, and he could not be associated with any of the remains that North Korean officials returned to U.S. custody following the declaration of the ceasefire. Today, Sergeant First Class Poppell is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Palm Beach Post (1950)
James Rudolph Hayman from Florida, Hillsborough county.
Service era: Korea
Date of death: Saturday, October 28, 1950
Death details: On July 11, 1950, the U.S. Army’s 21st Infantry Regiment, which had arrived in Korea six days earlier, was placed in defensive positions near the town of Chochiwon, South Korea. The regiment was not at full strength and lacked artillery and anti-tank weapons. That day, they were attacked by North Korean forces and were forced to withdraw to avoid being surrounded, as well as to buy time until they could be reinforced and resupplied. Corporal James Rudolph Hayman, who joined the U.S. Army from Florida, served with I Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was captured by enemy forces on July 12, as his unit engaged the North Korean People’s Army near Chochiwon. He was forced to march north to the Apex prison camps in North Korea, and died en route of malnutrition and pneumonia on or about October 28 at a temporary camp called “the Cornfield,” outside of Manpo. His remains were not identified among those returned to U.S. custody after the ceasefire. Today, Corporal Hayman is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency