On this date in 1951, my cousin Jimmy was reported missing in action somewhere near Chosin, Korea, from his post as a FORWARD OBSERVER for his army unit. It was one of the coldest winters on record there, around 20 degrees below, with ice and snow everywhere. (So much for global warming.) A forward observer, then, was in charge of sneaking ahead of troops, armor and artillery, and to physically see the enemy and report the position. He could then call for close air support, or artillery fire on enemy positions. A dangerous job, he volunteered at age 18, and became a forward observer at age 19. Many of these boys met their end by enemy snipers or in some cases, were captured by the very brutal Chinese Communist regulars, and were tortured and executed. Many were killed on the spot. So much for our friends the Chinese Communists. Although there was a search when spring came, he was never found. Looking back on this war, it is an example of being asked by the Korean partisans for help. We did not go there to win it seems. There was no political will to do what was likely necessary. It should be a lesson for all of us about police actions and conditional military action. What is certain is, his mother CRIED.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:42:54 +0000
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