CPL Martin Mitchel Chepke Corporal Chepke enlisted in the Army out of Ohio, and served as a Light Weapons Infantryman in the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry during the Korean War. On September 20th, 1951 he was Killed in Action while fighting in South Korea. He was one of ten men from Ohio alone who died on that day in Korea.
I've mentioned before that it's often times hard to find much info about the men who fought and died in the Korean War, because it's been such a long time since that conflict occurred. Most of the family that personally knew these men are either very old or have also passed away. It's a sad reality in which many of these young men who perished on the battlefield have nobody that knew them in person to remember them. But I refuse to let their memory fade and become just another name in a long list of casualties. CPL Chepke was a hero, a true warrior, and a brother that died doing what he swore an oath to do. He was a Golden Dragon, through and through. And he earned his place at the Right of the Line.
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SGT Allen E. Grimm Like with many of the Korean War-era Dragons, it's difficult to find much information about Sergeant Grimm other than the very basic service stats and information about the day he was killed in action. That's just a product of time and the period in which the war took place. He was a member of Kilo (or possibly Charlie) Company, 3rd Battalion, 14th Infantry and was K.I.A on October 10th, 1951 while fighting in North Korea. Four other members of Kilo Company died that day, which means that it must have been a tough battle for those men to go through; a day that I'm sure the men who experienced it never forgot. The entire Regiment sustained heavy losses during the month of October.
Anyone who knew Sergeant Grimm, whether fellow Soldiers or Family, are now well into their senior years or have passed on. I, like other former Dragons, refuse to let his memory fade away or for him to become just another name and date in a list of a history book. He was a son, possibly a brother and a father, a leader of Soldiers, and a Golden Dragon. He forever earned his place at the Right of the Line that cold day. PFC Melvin R. Ward Repost: PFC Ward was a member of the 2-14th during the Korean War. He was originally from California, born in 1931, and had been in the Army for 21 months. He was serving as a member of a Light Weapons Assault Team and possible served at the Team Leader.
On the 26th of June, 1953 he was killed in action while fighting enemy forces in South Korea. He was listed as KIA/MIA and his remains were not recovered. On that date during the war, 21 other American Soldiers and Marines were killed. I was unable to find any pictures of PFC Ward, but that does not mean we have forgotten his service and his sacrifice to our country, the Army, and our brothers in arms. May he forever rest at The Right of the Line. SGT Donn F. Porter REPOST: Sergeant Porter was awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War as a member of the 14th Infantry, 25th ID. I will let his MOH citation speak to his heroism:
Sgt. Porter, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Advancing under cover of intense mortar and artillery fire, 2 hostile platoons attacked a combat outpost commanded by Sgt. Porter, destroyed communications, and killed 2 of his 3-man crew. Gallantly maintaining his position, he poured deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing 15 and dispersing the remainder. After falling back under a hail of fire, the determined foe reorganized and stormed forward in an attempt to overrun the outpost. Without hesitation, Sgt. Porter jumped from his position with bayonet fixed and, meeting the onslaught and in close combat, killed 6 hostile soldiers and routed the attack. While returning to the outpost, he was killed by an artillery burst, but his courageous actions forced the enemy to break off the engagement and thwarted a surprise attack on the main line of resistance. Sgt. Porter's incredible display of valor, gallant self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service. Well done, Dragon. His place with be forever at The Right of the Line. CPL Charles L. Johnson REPOST: Though a member of the 1-14th, CPL Johnson was still a Golden Dragon. And earned a Distinguished Service Cross in Korea. I will let his award citation speak for itself and his actions: The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Charles L. Johnson (ASN: US-53064153), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal Johnson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Sanae-dong, Korea, on 29 May 1953. On that date, the 3d platoon, spearheading an assault against "Carson Outpost," was pinned down by heavy concentrations of mortar fire and suffered numerous casualties. Constantly vulnerable to withering fire and bursting shells, Corporal Johnson moved fearlessly about the impact area comforting and ministering to the wounded, and assisted aidmen in adjacent platoons in treating and evacuating casualties. As enemy action increased in tempo and fury, fragments from a mortar burst struck him and completely blinded him. Although dazed, shaken, and unable to see, he pursued his heroic task and crawled among his comrades, attending their needs and offering words of encouragement until he was morally wounded. CPL Johnson's actions to help save his brothers in the face of his own imminent demise go above and beyond the call of duty and set an example that all current and future Dragons should strive for if unfortunately faced with similar circumstances. His bravery shall never be forgotten.
He more than earned his place at The Right of the Line. |
PurposeI've been doing these small memorials for some time now both on Facebook and on my previous site. The purpose is to not only remember our fallen brothers from the 14th Infantry Regiment, but to show the families that we will always care and never forget. Archives
January 2019
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