Sat, 15 Jun 1996 From: William Larsen elmorro@msn.com Subject: 40th Inf. Div., 140th Tank Batallion, Bill Larsen Lukes Castle Korea Hi: I'm interested in looking for friends. I was at Korea in the years 1952 and 1953. Co0uld you please tell me how could I get in contact or search for old friends. Thank you, Bill Larsen
On Fri, 27 Mar 1998 GUSTAVE DE BREE Email address wrote: BOX 463 LAKE COMO, FL 321257 phone: 904 -649-6067 fax: 904-698-2100 datein: 2/6/52 dateout: 2/5/55 WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY ONE WHO WAS IN CO A BETWEEN OCT 52 AND JUNE 53
On Fri, 3 Apr 1998 "LTC John T. Monis" Email address wrote: Superintendent, MATES PO Box 105103 Fort Irwin, CA 92310-5103 phone: 760 380-4239 work # at Fort Irwin, CA fax: 760 380-4235 I am complying the history of the National Guard in the Mojave Desert, California. A vital part of that history was the creation of the 140th Tank Bn in 1949 in the desert communities, its activation/ performance during the Korean War, and post war reoranizations. I have found quit a bit of the 140th's history by going through unit lineage & honors, micro films of the local newspaper, interviews with a few veterans, and the offical records of the California National Guard from that period. But there is information I'm still looking for; such as names of the unit's commanders, personnal experiences, and photographs. Any assistance would greatly help me in this project.
The Distinguished Unit Citation is awarded to units of the armed forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The; degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of a Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air, is not sufficient. Only on rare occasions will a unit, larger than a battalion, qualify for award of this decoration.
Distinguished Unit Citation. As authorized by Executive Order 9396 (Sec. I, WD Bul. 22, 1943), superseding Executive Order 9075 (Sec. III, WD Bul. 11, 1942), the following unit is cited under AR 220-315 in the name of the President of the United States as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction. The citation reads as follows:
The 140th Tank Battalion, 40th Infantry Division, is cited for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Nojonp-Yong, Korea, during the period 1 to 8 June and 16 to 18 July 1953. Committed to direct support of the 12th Republic of Korea Army Division, the battalion had been manning tank positions on four vitally strategic hills. On the night of 1 June the enemy began preparatory fire followed by a large scale attack on one of the hills and succeeded in displacing infantry elements. However, the tank platoon located in that sector refused to leave its positions and continued valiant efforts in denying the enemy its objective. That night another platoon moved up under the supporting fires of Company B and Company C to aid the beleaguered unit, and the following morning they were reinforced by an addition platoon. Fierce action continued through out the remainder of 2 June with the tankers resolutely refusing to withdraw. With tanks spearheading the infantry, a counterattack was launched on the morning of 3 June and although it did not clear the hill it permitted the besieged tanks to be replaced with others which, supported by the balance of battalion tanks, denied the enemy access to the crest. On 5 June, Company A, which was in reserve 56 miles to the rear, was altered and moved in an excellently coordinated forced march and arrived in an exceedingly short time to relieve Company B. That evening the hostile force began concentrated attacks on two adjacent hills and gained a few friendly outposts, however, the infantry, inspired by the tankers' valiant stand, counterattacked and hurled the enemy from these positions. In the remaining days from 6 to 8 June the battalion continued devastating fire against hostile positions, sealing off approach routes and permitting friendly lines to be reconsolidated. Fierce as these actions were, it was realized that they were but a prelude to a more massive attack to seize the entire hill complex and clear the way to the south. On the night of 16 July, the foe commenced battalion size attacks against two of the hill positions. The combined tank, artillery, and infantry fires, particularly flanking fire from the tanks which the aggressor had not anticipated, destroyed one battalion and so decimated the others that it only made minor gains. The following night small diversionary actions were attempted and on the morning of 18 July they began a regimental size attack against another sector. Here the aggressiveness, esprit de corps, and prowess of the defenders succeeded in wreaking havoc among the hostile force. The superb gallantry of the tankers displayed in both phases of this action paved the way for a stiffened defense and better coordination and as a result the attacking enemy division was completely demoralized and ceased to be an affective striking force. The heroism and courage exhibited by the members of this unit in denying the enemy a vitally strategic area reflect great credit on themselves, their organization and the military service of the United States. (General Orders 285, Headquarters Eight United States Army, 10 May 1954.)