In November and December of 1950, U.S. 1st Marine Division engaged in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. This particular battle was the Chinese's attempt to get the United Nations out of the area and back to South Korea.
The Chinese were successful in pushing the Marines out of North Korea. But the Marines made their way through treacherous terrain to reach the coast. Transport ships were there waiting.
The bunkers in the Chosen Reservoir area were deep foxholes dug by explosives and bulldozers, because the earth was frozen. Many soldiers on both sides lost their lives due to the bitter cold, and minor injuries that became fatal with the help of the conditions.
One of the Marines was Corporal Charles Gene Abrell. He deployed with the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division to the Korean Peninsula. He fought in many battles throughout the war including the Battle of Inchon, Battle of Seoul and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Marine Gives His All
While in the middle of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, his team came under heavy fire. According to his medal citation, they were "pinned down by intense and accurate automatic weapons fire" from the enemy. Abrell was wounded.
He decided he would charge the opposing bunker, getting two more wounds in the process. He grabbed a grenade, pulled the pin, and hurled himself into the bunker.
He destroyed both himself and the bunker with his efforts. His actions led to the success of his teams mission.
Posthumous Recognition
President Harry S. Truman awarded Abrell the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to his mother from Secretary of Navy Dan Kimball and General Lemuel Shepherd, Commandant, USMC.
In the Vigo County Historical Museum military exhibit on 6th and Washington there is a display case with Abrell's story and the medal's he received throughout his years of service.
There is also a bronze statue of him looking over the courthouse lawn and the Vigo County Korean War memorial.
Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Tribune-Star, & Britannica
So, Obama & Pelosi will TRASH him. MMCS(SS), I will back Marines all the way.
Me too. My brother was a Marine.
Your headlines are very disturbing! In today’s sad circumstances with all that is happening in politics a 1950 headline is horrible. All you are seeking is sensationalism. I will never open another notice from you. Sick, sick, sick!
Go to where even the flies don't land.
It doesn't matter if yesterday or 71 years ago. This Marine, like so many other warriors gave his life. Shame on you.
Dear Sally Wall,
I'm sorry to hear that you are offended by reading the story of this brave Marine who gave his life not only for the cause of freedom, but for you and I.
There is never a "right time" to hear stories of war and death. Then again, life is not always a bed of Roses and being reminded once in a while of the blessed freedom we enjoy as Americans for me, is a welcome reminder of how good we have life in the United States of America. If you are/were a spouse or girlfriend of a fallen Service member, my heart goes out to you.
If you have never served in the U.S. military or have never been a girlfriend/spouse or even a friend of someone who died in war, you may want to talk to surviving members of a fallen Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Coast Gaudsman or Marine. I'm sure hearing their side will bring understanding to a subject that troubles you.
In times like these where we see the corruptive deeds of our own politicians who order our Service members to engage in war, it is a solemn reminder that freedom is not free and there are only a very few Americans willing to die to protect our precious freedom and way of life.
Dump a CRAPS will take down that statue some day. We should ALL be very proud of HEROS like him !!
Thank you to this young man who sacrificed it all.
My father was killed in the Korean war Sept. 24,1950. I was only 2/1/2 years old & I don’t remember him. There were so many who sacrificed it all . God bless them all.
A story of a true hero
God bless him. The ultimate hero.
as we know there are countless military heroes to which we owe our freedoms. We all need to thank those in service and those who have served every time we have the opportunity. If it weren't for our brave military men and women we would not have the free country that we are blessed to live in. remember; FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
Thank you sir for your brave sacrifices. Saving your brothers. You will be remembered alway. Hod bless you. Rest In Peace brave marine
Hate to do this, but it is the MEDAL OF HONOR! Congress has nothing to do with it.
ETR2 Danny E. Ward USN 1970-77.
War is hell and people are trained to do a job without thinking.
And that's the truth. You train and train and train for as many circumstances as they can think up, and remember from the past. I often wondered what I would do if................................
Yes, Mr. Ward, war is hell. But for your sake, we're not trained to do a job without thinking, sir. We are trained to prompt the warriors within ourselves to develop. As such, as we go into battle, we think of all that is behind us which we are protecting from the evils our adversaries. We also think of our respect for those adversaries as we allow them to become heroes in their own right, becoming posthumously awarded their own recognitions.
My teams on our ships had to hold back from abandon ship in "shallow water destruct team" to destroy any manuals that were classified as well as our equipment. I explained to my teams that we could just bend over and kiss out butts goodbye since almost all or our communications, radar and associated equipment, no if's and's or but's about it. My air search radar had 25 units and 15 manuals. The Crypto communications equipment had a special room for their equipment. Then the Electronic Warfare group had their hut and a special hut for the power. So, yes we were trained and knew that we would be giving up our lives.
A real hero.
There must be a special place in heaven for such a man that gave his all for a righteous cause. Our young people are not being taught to honor American heroes. They get a distorted view of America in today's hate-filled news and education.
Semper Fi Marine
Amen...Bill and old marine
My head is and was with them, though my body wasn't!
I found the story to be an inspiration for those who hold life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness to be inalienable rights. And for those of us who, since the inception of this Republic, find the necessity to preserve and protect its interests, moral, holy, and civil in selfless service to it, I salute you all.
And to you, Schmucatelli, Semper Fi!
Hotel Company 2/9, Weapons Platoon
(0331), 3rd MarDiv ; the hawgs!