Special Message
Subject: Info About 38th FA Bn
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 1997
Hi ... Wayne Millete, Valerie Deeb, Ronda Daugherty, Jan Mikell, and
others -
I saw your letters to Ted and Hal Barker on the Korean War website
seeking info about the 38th FA Bn., 2ID circa Nov 1950. I too have done
alot of digging in search of info about my uncle - Cornelius (Neil)
Rickert. In addition to the wealth of info obtainable via the internet
(assuming you know specifically what to look for), a friend of mine gave
me the below synopsis and recommendations for additional reading and
research on the subject. I actually did receive a reply from the
archives with some limited personal data, but it took many months.
Also, I personally recommend the first book on the list below. Just
thought you might be interested.
Thanks for remembering those brave Americans who gave their lives so
the rest of us could continue to enjoy the liberties of a free country
... Freedom is not Free!
Brief Unit History
SUBJECT: 38th FA Bn
1. Here is some information on the 38th FA Bn and sources for
additional info.
a. The 38th FA Bn (105mm towed) was part of the 2d Infantry
Division and habitually worked with the 38th Infantry Regiment to
form the 38th Regimental Combat Team (RCT). The battalion deployed
with the 2d Division from Fort Lewis, Washington in late July 1950
and landed in Korea in early to mid-August. The 2d Division relieved
the 24th Division on the Pusan Perimeter in mid-August 1950 and
participated in heavy fighting in late August and early September.
Following the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter in mid-September, the
38th FA moved north with the rest of the 2d Division. In late-
November the 2d Division moved up the Chongchon River valley as part
of the Eighth Army drive to the Yalu River in North Korea. When the
Chinese Communists launched their offensive, the 38th RCT (including
the 38th FA Bn) engaged in heavy fighting east of Kujang-dong and
during the retreat through the "gauntlet," a narrow gorge south of
Kunuri and north of Sunchon. During the retreat through the
"gauntlet" the 2d Division suffered heavy casualties and equipment
losses. The 38th FA Bn lost all of its howitzers and vehicles; the
survivors dispersed and attempted to escape cross-country. At the
end of the retreat, only 65 enlisted men were left in the 38th FA Bn;
the rest were casualties. The 2d Division was rebuilt and continued
to serve in Korea for the remainder of the war.
b. Published books:
1) For fighting on the Pusan Perimeter, see Roy E.
Appleman, South to the Naktong, North to the Yalu, Center of Military
History (CMH Pub 20-2), 1989 and T.R. Fehrenbach, This Kind of War,
Macmillan Company, 1963 (CMH pubhlished an edition but not sure it
is available through military distribution).
2) For fighting in late November in North Korea see Billy
Mossman, Ebb and Flow, Center of Military History
(CMH Pub 20-4), 1990; Roy Appleman, Disaster in Korea, Texas
A and M Press, 1989; S.L.A. Marshall, The River and the Gauntlet
, William Morrow, 1953 but reprinted many times by other
publishers. Also see Fehrenbach's book in earlier paragraph.
3) All Center of Military History books are available through
military distribution.
c. For additional research:
1) The National Archives has surviving records (such as War
Diaries, Command Reports, unit journals, messages, operations orders,
etc) for the 2d Division and its component units. Many documents
were lost or destroyed during the retreat from North Korea. The
documents are part of Record Group 407 and are stored at Archives II
in College Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.. The documents
are open to the public and can be viewed by visitors to the College
Park facility. I am not sure what the archives staff can do with
letter inquiries. Before visiting the archives, you should contact
them to ensure that the records are available for the specific dates
of the visit (sometimes records are closed for refiling, moving, etc.)
They can be contacted at:
Archives II Reference Branch
Room 2400, A-II at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Tel AC 301-713-7250
2) Surviving morning reports are maintained in an archives
facility in St. Louis; I don't have the address or phone number, but
the National Archives in College Park, Maryland can probably help you.
3) To contact veterans of the unit, you might try
2d (Indian Head) Division Association
Mr. Bill Creech
PO Box 460
Buda, Texas 78610
(512) 295-5324
Randall A. Hodge
Major, USMC
Readiness Officer
Land- Based Weapon Systems
DSN: 850-2375 Comm'l: (614) 692-2375
FAX: X-1488
William Tompkins POW
I am serching for information on my uncle, who was orginally listed
as MIA on 30 Nov 1950 from the 38th FAB, 2nd Div.
Any information you have will be greatly appreciated.
(more from KWP)
Paul,
The Army declared him dead of injuries in camp. The post internment
internment interviews from fellow POW's are usually the reference
point for these determinations.
Tompkins, William J
Svc# RA11193296
Grade PFC
TypeCas DOD (died in camp)
Place of Death North Korea
DateCas 11/30/50
Branch Artillery 38th of 2nd Div 105 MM Howitzers
Nov 30, 1950
My name is Wayne M. Millete my Uncle Gerard (jerry) Millette
was declared MIA/KIA I don't know the ecact date thou. I will be
going to the memorial this week, but trying to find out info on my uncle.
Will you be able to help me. Nobody knows when or how or where
he died, I would love your help.
Sir I e-mailed you earilier in the day, I just got off the phone with
my mother, she informed me that my uncle Jerry Millette died
in November 1950, after crossing the 38th parallel, approx.
8,000 soldiers died that day, his was in the Army,
thats all I know. I have all my family members trying to dig up
information for me. Myself being in the military for the last
15 years, this means a lot to me.
Thank you very much, I just would like to know what happen that day.
thank you very much I'm also in the military.
E-6 wayne m millette usnavy@atc.ameritel.net
Day 301-342-5009 EXT 7131
n-301-737-0790
from KWP
Millette, Gerrard G. (aka Jerry)
Svc # 11192855 RA (Regular)
Rank: PFC - E-3
Date of Death: 11-30-50
Place of Death: North Korea
KIA by Hostile Action
File Ref: 16848 (for records)
City of Enlistment: Providence
Unit: 38th IR,2nd Div Infantry
FA Bttn 105MM Howitzers
-----
Hal and Ted met Wayne on the step of the Lincoln Memorial after the
Dedication Ceremonies, looking out at the thousands of vets and
families. A very moving day.
Corneilus (Neil) Rickert
From: "Hodge, Randall A." randall_hodge@dcsc.dla.mil
Subject: Searching for any info on Corneilus (Neil) Rickert
Date: Mon, 6 May 1996
Mr. Barker:
I would appreciate any and all information you can provide on
Corneilus (Neil) Rickert, U.S. Army. Other than the fact that he is
an uncle who was listed as an MIA during the Korean War
(before I was born)...I know little else. I would also like to
request a copy of his service records if you could assist me with the
information needed to accomplish this.
Perhaps you could provide a copy of the DD form 180,
as an attachment, as I was unable to download.
Thanks for your assist,
R. A. Hodge
Major USMC
(more from KWP)
RICKERT CORNELIUS
Svc# 15278360
Army Reserve
Artillery
PFC E3
CAMPBELL COUNTY KY
DtCas 1950 11 30
Died while missing, hostile
1932
38 ART BN (105MM) 2 INF DIV
Battery C
Comments ...
my father Richard L. Franklin died in korea during
1951. I was only two years old at the time of his death and am
searching for information about him. I hope that he will be returned
to the U.S. for burial someday.
Additional information that might help. My father was a Sergeant
First Class and was field observer for Battery C, 38th field
Artillery of the Second Infantry Division. He was captured on
February 12, 1951 near Wonson or Wonju, reportedly died around
August of 1951 about 30 miles southeast of Pyongyang.
Was reportedly buried on a hillside in North Korea near Kosa. Some
names that I was given are as follows (don't know units)Wayne Cottle
of Preston, Idaho Capt. Erik F. Yde (captured with
my father)Sgt. Glenn Rigby, Sgt. Steve Magiera, Sgt. Katsoro,
(witnessed his death)Thomas R. Klinger (captured with my father)
"Mark A. Franklin" frank1@ionet.net
---from the KWP-----
Franklin, Richard L.
Svc# 38471678
Brnch Artillery
Rank SGT, E5
Home Muskogee County, Ok
BirYr 1925
CasDt 2/13/51
Unit 38 Field Artillery, 2nd Inf Div
---YDE----
Yde, Erik
Unit 503 Arty Btn, 2nd Div
Declared Dead
On Tue, 30 Jul 1996 AWOOD@VMSVAX.SIMMONS.EDU wrote:
Shawn M. Bohannon suggests you may be able to provide data re
my foster brother, Charles Francis Drew, a USArmy corporal who
was reported to have died of malnutrition on 4/30/51 "while in the
hands of the opposing force" in North Korea.
ASN RA11 193 165. He enlisted 5 Oct. 1949 in Boston,
Mass.We have no word of his remains being returned.----
---more from KWP----
Drew Charles F.
Svc# 11193165
Army Artillery
Rank PFC, E3
Home Middlesex Cty, MA.
CasDt 11/30/50
CAS! Died in Camp
Place North Korea
Unit 38 Field Artillery- 105's , 2nd Inf Division
Battery B
On Wed, 15 Jan 1997 Reb2yank@aol.com wrote:
My Father served in the army in Korea. His name is Joseph A. Zengel Jr.
He served in Battery B 38th FAB in the 2nd division attached to the
9th infantry regiment as support fire from december Dates:
1950 to feb 11th, 1951. He fought in the battle of wonju and at
Massacre valley.
He would like to locate Cpl James L. Davis of St. Louis Missouri and
Lt. Harry J. Brockman of Cayahoga, Ohio.
These people were a forward observer team with him at Sang-Sak
Korea (county of Hoengsong) on feb 11th, 1951. All were injured there.
My Father's address is Joseph A. Zengel Jr.
270 108th ave apt#10
Treasure Island, Fla 33706
Keith John
reb2yank@aol.com
Hugh Watts
On Tue, 25 Feb 1997
William Watts wrote:
RT#1 BOX 863
Joplin,MO 64801
(417)673-5406
Looking for information on Hugh G. Watts from Lamar Missouri,
who died in a POW Camp abt 1953.
C Battery
On Fri, 28 Mar 1997
Valerie Deeb vdd@bdi-ae.com wrote:
115 W. La Rua St #3
Pensacola, Fl 32501
June 1950 - Dec 1950
I am helping a friend search for anyone who may have known his uncle
who was killed in action about Nov 1950. His name is:
MasterSgt Tellis Wayland Donaldson.
He also served durring WWII but we are trying to find out how and where
he died. He served with the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Field Artillery,
Battery C. Thank you!
POW Died in Camp
On Sun, 6 Apr 1997
Ronda Daugherty pdaugherty@sprynet.com wrote:
Rochester, MN
My husband and I are looking for information on his uncle, Private
Jack Zoller from Michigan. He was captured in November 1950 and
died as a POW in April 1951. Any information would be greatly
appreciated.
Kenneth F. Reese C BTRY 38TH FA
First post: Wednesday, April 16, 1997
On Mon, 3/12/99 update
Jan Mikell Email address wrote:
40 RIDGE RD
CABOT, AR 72023
Phone: 501 843-4778
Email: bmikell@flash.net
I am looking for any info on Kenneth F Reese from Gastonia, North
Carolina.
He was missing 11/30/1950. He was in the 2nd infrantry division 38
art. bat. Anyone having any info please contact me asap
More from daughter:
On Tue, 5 Aug 1997
sheliar@moon.dss.dhr.state.nc.us wrote:
Perhaps you could point me in the direction to have my Father's
medals replaced. They were loss during a flood in Boone, NC some
years ago. Also, where would I start looking to find documentation
of my Father's time in Korea. What POW camp he was any or any other
information about him.
more
This is in addition to the message regarding my Father, Kenneth F. Reese
from my cousin Jan Mikell. . His RA number is 14330669. He was reported
MIA on 11/30/50, he was 19 years old at that time. I was only six
weeks old at the time and have never been able to get any real
information on the activities leading up to his capture and/or resulting
declaration of KIA. Any information would be sincerely appreciated.
Died in Camp
On Wed, 16 Apr 1997
Maryka Sprauge wrote:
143 Orion Street
Golden, Co 80401
I Am Looking For Anyone With Information About My Brother Who Was
Killed In The Korean War. His Name Was Jerry A Thompson, He Was 18
Years Old, Died On 11/30/50, As A Prisoner Of War.
Please Contact Me If You Might Be Able To Help Me.
Somindong Nov 30, 1950
On Sun, 14 Dec 1997
Dan Baca Email address wrote:
Any information you may have regarding the 2nd Div. better yet, the
38th Inf. Reg., and the combat areas in the month of november 1950.
The village of Somindong in particular.
My brother, pvt alexander a. baca, infantry, was assigned to elements of
the 38th inf. reg., 2nd inf div. Sometime during the month of november
1950 he was declared mia, he was last observed alive in the vicinity of
the village of Somindong. Evidently hordes of chinese attacked, and
some g.i.'s were cutoff and the positions were over run, this
information cannot be verified.
I would be interested in hearing from personnel who may have been
familiar, or heard of the village of somindong, and the battle that
took place there in the month of november 1950.
Dan
tekken2@primenet.com
FO for E Company 38 IR
On Sun, 1 Mar 1998
Noahcol Email address wrote:
I am a veteran of the Korean War. I served from Aug of 52 until the
end of the war in 1953. i was in battery B 38th Field Artillary
Btn and was attached out to Company E Forward Division as a forward
observer. I was at the battles of pork chop hill, baldy mountain,
and queens.
I was on the ship to come home when the war ended. I remember one
battle on baldy mountain when we started up the mountain with 3
companies and ended up with less than one platoon coming down
alive. when i was on top of baldy, we ran out of ammo and dug up
chinese hand grenades and used them to continue fighting.
my picture was in the vfw mag about 2 years ago taken on baldy
mountain after it had been secured. any one remembering any of
these incidents, or may have fought with me, please contact me c/o
my daughter at:
Noahcol@aol.com
Rt 1 Box 237
Walton, WV 25286
Mandrell E Noel
38th regiment, 2nd infantry div company E
CURTIS J. DAVENPORT
On Mon, 27 Apr 1998
Kimberly Davenport WhitehouseEmail address wrote:
1779A lawrence rd
kailua, hi 96734
phone: 808 477-8701
dateout: nov 1950
cas: yes
I am looking for information about my uncle, Curtis Davenport. He was
killed on Nov 30, 1950. All records of his sevice were lost after my
grandmother died. I know he received several medals and am trying to
reconstruct his service and citations.
Any information would be very helpful.
Thank you
Capt Kimberly Davenport Whitehouse
USMC
(I am changing duty stations soon but can always be located
at the following number 1 800-868-1044)
Burton - POW
On Sat, 11 Jul 1998
John Burton Email address wrote:
My Father died in 1994. He was a career soldier (30 years), and was a
POW in Korea for 3 years. He was with the 38th FA Bn, wounded and
captured in Nov/Dec 1950. I've got the official dates, details, etc in
his military records, as well as information he shared with me.
If anyone is interested in this information to post, I know my Father
would have appreciated it, and I'd gladly share the information. I'm a
Vietnam veteran and we are almost as forgotten these days!
Also, do you know of any 38th FA sites or groups of veterans?
Thanks
John Burton
South Dakota
Thomas P Reiley-SFC
On Sun, 12 Jul 1998
John P Reiley Email address wrote:
i have been searching for information on my uncle for years and promised
my late father i would try to confirm his fate.
Thomas P Reiley-SFC 2nd Div-ARTBN 105mm captured 11-30-50.
I am a retired det. from the Metropolitan Police boston, Ma and have
searched for a long time--my knees buckled when i saw his information
on your site--i can't thank you enough for your effforts.
i am myself a vietnam vet(S/Sgt USAF--633rd Spec. Ops Wing, PLEIKU
'69'-70), and remember my fathers admoninition on the eve of my
departure for 'nam to never let them take me.
Thank you again
John P Reiley
