24 WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN HunibQldt touhty' lerôes' Fallen Servicemen of the! - Gone í but not Forgotten ßy Jeremiah Scott Jr. Phiotos courtesy of family members of tlie men featured in this article

Humboldt County members of Honor Platoon Company B pose for a picture during advanced infantry training at Fort Ord, . They are (from left) George Hardin, Jim Dilling, Ray Ghilarducci, Roy Lancaster, Ellis Hemenway, and Earl Gay. George Hardin and Roy Lancaster were two of twenty-four Humboldt men killed during the Korean War.

WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN 25 ^'()ung Humbolcit County men joined the American armed torces sent lo

1. Second Lieutenant Robert L. Baltz, 17th Infantry webster's Dictionary contains the following definitions: Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Army, 1930-1952 "Courage: The attitude or response 2. Private First Class William G. Beaudoin, 9th Infantry of facing or dealing with anything recognized Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Army, 1929-1951 as dangerous, difficult or painful; 3. RDI Robert Eugene Bertain, USN Fleet, Navy, the quality of being fearless or brave; valor." 1925-1951 "Valor: worth, hence courage; fearlessness, 4. Second Lieutenant Ralph E. Curtis, 15th Artillery bravery, especially in battle." Batallion ( 105mm), 2nd Infantry Division, Army, 1924-1950 "Hero: any man admired for his courage, 5. Private Richard Fleischer, 64th Artillery Batallion nobility, or exploits, especially in war." (105mm), 25th Infantry Division, Army, 1932-1950 6. First Lieutenant Edward D. Fleming, 51st Fighter These character traits were exemplified by Humboldt Interceptor Group, Army Air Corps Pilot, 1925-1951 County men who served in the Korean War, but never retumed. 7. Private First Class George E. Hardin, 23rd Infantry By displaying these traits, twenty-four Humboldt heroes gave Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Army, 1929-1951 their last full measure of devotion to their country. 8. Private Otho L. Haughn, 21st Infantry Regiment, Fifty years have passed since the start of the Korean War. 24th Infantry Division, Army, 1929-1950 On June 25, 1950, Communist North Korean Army forces 9. Private Lester G. Ivancich, 8th Cavalry Regiment invaded the Republic of Korea when they crossed the 38th (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division, Army, 1929-1951 parallel. Within days, the South Korean Army was in retreat 10. Captain Wilbur Dean Jensen, Squadron AF Wing and millions of South Korean refugees were homeless. Group, Air Force, 1923-1953 An immediate session of the United Nations was called, 11. Sergeant Eiden C. Justus, 57th Artillery Batallion resulting in a unanimous vote ofthe Security Council to help (105mm), 7th Infantry Division, Army, 1927-1950 South Korea. 12. Corporal Eldred H. King, 8th Cavalry Regiment All Allied forces were placed under the command of the (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division, Army, 1923-1950 United Nations with American General Douglas MacArthur 13. Private First Class Roy A. Lancaster, 5th Cavalry as supreme commander. Nations joining the Republic of Ko- Regiment (Infantry), 1 st Cavalry Division, Army, 1928-1951 rea and American combat units included contingents from Aus- 14. Private First Class Louis J. LaVasseur, 38th Infantry tralia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Columbia, Ethiopia, Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, 1914-1951 France, Britain, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the 15. Corporal Glen V. Marchant, 5th Infantry Regiment , South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey. Denmark, CBTTM, Army, 1929-1950 India, and Sweden sent medical personnel. 16. Private First Class George W. Miller, 57 Artillery Assisting and supplying North Korea in armaments and Batallion (105mm), 7th Infantry Division, Army, 1931-1950 personnel were China and the Soviet Union. 17. Private First Class Harry V. Miller, 38th Artillery Within days, two American infantry divisions moved from Batallion (105mm), 2nd Infantry Division, Army, 1929-1950 Japan to defend South Korea. The military draft of American 18. Ensign Conrad LeRoy Neville, USN Fleet, Navy young men was increased. The 40th Infantry Division (Cali- pilot, 1930-1952 fomia Army National Guard) consisting of 15,000 soldiers 19. Private Chester F. Reas, Jr., 179th Infantry Regiment, was mobilized. 45th Infantry Division, Army, 1931-1952 During the three years of the war—1950-1953—some 20. Corporal Lloyd G. Smith, 7th Cavalry Regiment 5,720,000 Americans served in the armed forces of Army, Air (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division, Army, 1928-1951 Force, Marines, and Navy. Of this total, 33,651 Americans 21. Private First Class Frank L. Stevens, 21st Infantry were killed in combat in Korea. All branches of our armed Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, Army, 1933-1951 services were affected: Army, 27,709; Air Force, 1,198; Ma- 22. Private First Class Delmer Eugene Strawhorn, rines, 4,269; Navy, 475. In addition, there were 3,262 non- 1st Marine Division, Marines, 1930-1951 combat deaths, for a total 36,913 American deaths in Korea. 23. Sergeant John E. Sumrall, 29th Infantry Regiment, Young American men in Humboldt County volunteered 24th Infantry Division, Army, 1922-1950 for military service or were drafted into our armed forces and 24. Private Grover C. Towry, 28th Infantry Regiment, sent to Korea. The mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, 2nd Infantry Division, Army, 1930-1951 and children of these local patriots waved good-bye to their loved ones. After serving our country, most of our local Hum- Every Humboldt County man killed in Korea in some way boldt County men returned home. Some were crippled and exemplified courage, valor, and heroism. Their families and maimed as a result of their military experiences. Twenty-four loved ones, Humboldt County, and our nation suffered from Humboldt men failed to return. A list of those who died in their loss. On the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean action in the Korean War follows: War, it is only appropriate we remember them.

26 WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN Ensign Conrad L. Neville North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces, on 17 September 1952. Ensign Neville ... located and destroyed two rail cars, a large Conrad was bom in Scotia on December 11,1930. He was truck, four boats, and two oil storage tanks. He also set fire to an the son of Harold E. "Doc" Neville and Mabel East Neville. enemy supply dump and damaged three boats. Pressing his attacks to a low altitude, in the face of intense enemy antiaircraft fire, he Doc was personnel manager of the Pacific Lumber Company. inflicted such damage on the enemy that he made a significant con- Mabel was a member of the Humboldt pioneer East family. tribution to the night interdiction effort of the United Nations' forces Conrad attended Scotia Elementary School and graduated from in Korea. The exceptional skill, aggressive spirit, high personal cour- Fortuna High School in 1947 at the age of sixteen. He attended age, and devotion to duty exhibited by Ensign Neville reflects the Humboldt State College two years and majored in engineer- greatest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest ing. While at Fortuna High, he participated in track and was a traditions of the United States Naval Service. member of the Fortuna championship basketball lightweight team for two years as a starting guard. He was also president On July 22, 1952, he received the Distinguished Flying of the junior class. Cross. The citation states as follows: The news of the Korean War came in June 1950. Conrad volunteered for duty and entered the Naval Pre-flight Program On 20 June 1952, Ensign Neville as pilot of a fighter plane, par- at age nineteen. He received his naval wings and was commis- ticipated in an aerial strike of forty carrier based aircraft against valuable and heavily defended Communist held facilities in the city sioned as an ensign in the . In May 1952, of Chigyong, North Korea. Ensign Neville's primary assigned tar- Conrad was assigned as a fighter pilot of a Corsair and was get in this strike was an important North Korean and Chinese Com- assigned to Fighter Squadron 192, based on board the aircraft munist Headquarters Building. Proceeding over the target area and carrier USS Princeton. In July 1952, he was awarded the Air into his bombing run, despite intense and accurate antiaircraft lire. Ensign Neville exhibited such courage and out- standing bombing skill in pressing home his at- tack that he destroyed the Headquarters Build- ing by scoring a direct hit with his one thousand Conrad Neville volunteered pound bomb, and rendered the building com- for duty and entered the pletely useless to the enemy. In the second at- Naval Pre-flight Program tack by the strike groups. Ensign Neville was at age 19. assigned an actively firing 37-millimeter gun position as his target and notwithstanding the lethal and desperate antiaircraft fire from the enemy, he skillfully dropped a 250-pound frag- mentation bomb directly on the position to kill or injure the enemy gunners and allow the fol- lowing aircraft to conduct their attacks without danger of antiaircraft fire from that position. Thereafter in a strafing and bombing attack on an enemy barracks building, he scored a direct hit with his remaining 250-pound fragmenta- tion bomb to achieve maximum destruction on Medal by the Secretary of the Navy. The citation states in part: the enemy with every bomb dropped. This extraordinary skill and For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter bombing accuracy exhibited by Ensign Neville, coupled with his Plane in Fighter Squadron One Ninety Two, based on board the great personal courage, aggressive spirit, and devotion to duty in USS Princeton, during operations against enemy aggressor forces the face of danger to himself contributed directly to the success of in Korea from 2 May to 11 July 1952. Completing twenty missions the entire strike mission against the enemy and reflects the highest during this period. Ensign Neville carried out daring attacks against credit upon Ensign Neville and the United States Naval Service. enemy troop concentrations, power plants, gun positions, supplies and transportation facilities in the face of hostile antiaircraft fire. On October 7, 1952, while in close support of American By his skilled airmanship, courage and loyal devotion to duty ground troops fighting against Communist attacks, Conrad throughout, he contributed materially to the success achieved by Neville's Corsair airplane was hit with antiaircraft fire. He died his squadron in the infliction of extensive damage upon the enemy in the plane crash. His squadron commander. Lieutenant Eric and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Schloer, wrote a letter, dated November 1, 1952, from the USS Service. Princeton to Conrad's parents. It reads: In September 1952, Conrad was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor with a citation which states in part: Dear Mr. And Mrs. Neville: It is in deepest sympathy that I write you in regards to the loss of For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight your dear son, Conrad ... Conrad was an excellent pilot as well as an ... as pilot of a fighter plane on a night combat mission against the outstanding young Naval Officer. He loved to fly and made an ex- Conrad ... atte^nded Humboldt State College two years and majored in engineering.

WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN 27 Bob ... attended Eureka High and was active in football and track as a pole vaulter. tremely good showing for himself while flying combat sorties against 7:40 a.m. the ship hit a mine in a Korean harbor. He was killed the enemy. I was flying with him on the day he was shot down. instantly. Altogether there were twelve of us who took off from the car- On July 3,1951, Commander Marshall F. Thompson, com- rier on a close air support mission, in support of our ground troops manding officer of the USS Walke, sent a letter to Bob's fam- on the front lines ... We were assigned a target and were told to ily. It reads in part: proceed with caution as it was a "hot spot'" loaded with all kinds of enemy troops, antiaircraft guns, and artillery pieces ... It was the job The ship was damaged at 7:40 a.m. on 12 June. We had no warn- of the eight Corsairs to hit this ridge with our bombs, rockets and ing of any attack, saw no sign of a submarine or of a floating mine, bullets so as to help out our men fighting on the ground. I was just and therefore were unable to give the men any warning. The explo- pulling out of my run when I heard someone call on the radio that a sion blew in the side of the hull and made a hole about 35 feet wide Corsair had been hit in the wing and that it was spinning down out and 25 feet high. The Engineers berthing compartment and the Op- of control ... The plane immediately went out of control and ex- erations Division compartment were almost totally wrecked. ploded upon impact with the ground. At such a low altitude there was very little opportunity to bail out. Bob had been on watch from midnight until four a.m. He was in his bunk on the port side of the compartment when the explosion We all thought the world of Conrad—as a squadron mate, pilot occurred. and Naval Officer there was none better. I will always remember In the death of these twenty-six men, we lost good friends. 1 him for his sincerity in all that he did and for the high standards of knew Bob well and admired and respected him. He was one of the character which he displayed. finest persons I have known. Most sincerely, Eric Schloer. Sincerely, Marshall F. Thompson Conrad was just twenty-one years old when he gave his Commander, U.S. Navy life for his country. Today his lives on in the memory of his sister. Penny Schoop, and her family of Loleta, and a brother, Bob served his country in two wars. He left surviving his retired Eureka Municipal Court Judge Harold E. Neville Jr., widow, now Rita Waters Bertain Hunt, and sons Michael and and family of Eureka. Jerry, of Reno. His sister. Donna Bertain Mendes of Redway, Vic Bertain Jr. of Eureka and Haley Bertain of Santa Rosa, as Radar Specialist Robert "Bob ' Bertain well as several cousins in Humboldt County—including Colette Daggett of Scotia and Bill Bertain of Eureka—also Bob was born in Scotia on May 29, 1925. His grandfather, survive. Lewis Bertain, started Bertain's Laundry in Eureka in 1904, which was later expanded to the Bertain Scotia Laundry in Private Lester G. Ivancich 1920. His father, Vic Bertain Sr., and uncle, George Bertain, became owners of Bertain Laundry in 1928. Lester was born in Eureka on January 11, 1929, the son of Bob was the son of Victor Sr. and Mary Hayley Bertain. John and Mathilda Ivancich of Eureka. Les attended Eureka He attended Eureka High School and was active in football High where he was a star halfback on the football team and and track as a pole vaulter. He would have graduated in the was a sprinter on the track team under Coach Jay Willard. Eureka High Class of 1944, but instead answered his nation's During high school and summers. Les worked on the Eureka call, quit school, and volunteered for Navy duty in 1943. fish docks for A. Paladini & Co., unloading fish from boats. He served as a radar specialist, seaman first class, in the South Pacific, 1943-1945. Upon his discharge from military service in 1945, Bob be- came a partner in the Henderson Center Sporting Goods store on E Street. Bob and Rita Lou Waters of Arcata were mar- ried at the Presbyterian Church in Eureka in 1948. They had one son, Michael Bertain. Rita was ex- pecting their second child, son Jerry Bertain, when the Korean War began. Boh Bertain had Joined the Bob had joined the Naval Reserve between Naval Reserve between World War II and Korea, and was recalled to ac- World War II and Korea, tive duty as a radar specialist. He was assigned as and was recalled to active a radar man on the vessel, USS Walke, a duty as a radar specialist. escort assigned to Korea. He was assigned as a radar On June 12, 1951, Bob had been on watch man on the USS Walke. from midnight to 4 a.m. He went to his bunk on the port side of the vessel and was asleep when at

28 WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN played a picture of Les' sister, Mary E, Ivancich (now Walsh), receiving the post- humous Silver Star on behalf of her brother. The Hutnboldt Standard quotes the citation accompanying the Silver Star in its news After basic and advanced infantry story as follows: training. Les Ivancich was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Major General Milton B. Halsey, deputy Division en route to Korea. Les commanding general of the Sixth Army, is shown presenting the Silver Star won by Pvt. Lester G. was a rifleman at the Battle of Ivancich to his sister. Miss Mary E. Ivancich, 817 Il i. Heartbreak Ridge and was Humboldt Street, Eureka. A member of the Com- awarded the Silver Star for his pany E, Eighth Cavalry regiment, Eirst Cavalry bravery. Division, Ivancich was killed in action in Ko- rea. The citation accompaning [sic] the posthu- mous award stated that Pvt. Ivancich was "cited for gallantry in action against an armed enemy In the 1940s, Humboldt County didn't have television. The on October 9, 1951, near Homang-ni, Korea. During an assault on only radio station was KIEM, which carried the 1947 Arcata- the enemy-held hill 347, the ammunition supply became danger- Eureka championship football game at Redwood Bowl. Foot- ously low, and Private Ivancich volunteered to go to the rear and ball fans throughout Humboldt County listened to the game replenish the supply ... While retuming he was subjected to intense with enthusiasm, rooting for their favorite team. In the fourth hostile automatic weapons fire and a few yards short of his position quarter, Arcata was ahead 12-7. Eureka High fans were over- was mortally wounded. joyed to hear the radio commentator report that Eureka's fleet The magnificent courage and devotion to duty displayed by Pvt. Ivancich provided the needed ammunition and was a source of halfback. Les Ivancich, had broken loose and was speeding great inspiration, reflecting highest credit on himself and the mili- down the sidelines for a 70-yard touchdown run to win the tary service." game for Eureka. The joy was short- lived, however. Soon the radio commentator announced the referee had ruled Ivancich Sisters in Humboldt County, Mary (Mrs. Jack) Walsh and had stepped out of bounds. Tbe touchdown was called back, Helen (Mrs. Jack) Cloney, and several Cloney and Walsh nieces and Arcata won the championship game 12-7, and nephews are his surviving relatives. After graduating from Eureka High School, Les expressed Two other Humboldter's stories also took place at Heart- a desire to be a teacher and athletic coach. He attended Santa break Ridge, Rosa Junior College for two years on a football scholarship where he was a starting halfback on the football team. Les Private First Class George E, Hardin then transferred to Humboldt State College and was taking classes to become a teacher and coach. His education was in- George was bom May 30, 1929, at the Scotia Hospital to terrupted by the start of the Korean War. Les volunteered for Harry and Ruby Patmore Hardin. The family lived in the South active duty in the Army. After basic and advanced infantry Fork Eel River area, where George's father was a woodsman, training, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division en route George attended Fortuna High School, graduating in 1946, to Korea, After high school, he lived in Redcrest with his parents and In September 1950, General MacArthur led the United Na- drove a gas delivery truck at South Fork and a tanbark truck at tions Forces in a brilliantly successful amphibious landing at Bull Creek and Rainbow Ridge. One of his favorite activities Inchon Harbor, which was followed by a major offensive into was skiing in the snow at Rainbow Ridge. North Korea, The United Nations offensive was successful In 1950, George was drafted into the U.S. Army. He left until they approached the Chinese border. In November 1950, for military service from Weott on a Greyhound bus. Joining the Chinese armies crossed the Yalu River and attacked the George at basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord, U.S., British and South Korean armies. The American Army Califomia, were Humboldt County residents Earl Gay, Jim was placed on the defensive, retreating southward. Several Dilling, Bob Gillie, Ray Gillarducci, Roy Lancaster and Ellis memorable battles in North Korea followed. One famous battle Hemenway. George was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Regi- occurred at a place known in history as Heartbreak Ridge. This ment, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, and served in Korea battle took place during September and October 1951, In thirty during the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. days of fighting the Allies suffered 3,700 casualties. Commu- On September 28, 1951, fifteen days before his death, nist losses were estimated at 25,000 killed or wounded. George wrote a letter to a family friend from his foxhole on American National Red Cross stationery. It reads in part: Les was a rifleman at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge and was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry and bravery. On Japan is sure a picturesque place and I'd liked to have .seen more April 8, 1952, the front page of the Humboldt Standatd dis- of it but like the way of all good soldiers, I finally came to Korea. After from Eureka High Scliool, Les expressed a desire to bt^ a teacher.

WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN 29 The Southem part of Ko- when they start rea makes for pretty good blasting away. It's scenery, too, from Pusan George Hardin was drafted into tin hardly safe to get and Tonjut, but north of U.S. Army in 1950. He was assigned to out and take a leak, the 38th is strictly the end the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd we usually keep a of the world. Infantry Division, U.S. Army, and can handy and bail Don't spread this served in Korea during the Battle of it out over the side. around so anyone from On the way up one Heartbreak Ridge. up home will know, but I kid all messed up am right in the thick of lying on a stretcher battle and even John said to us, "What Wayne's movies haven't ever you do fellas, lived up to the horror of stay in your fox- front line fighting ... I re- hole. I just stepped ally got broke in but good out for a second." the first night I hit the I've been playing it front. We left the rear area cool and following about 12 noon and by the his advice and only time we climbed to the top of these mountains it was almost dark. In getting out when necessary. When we first got here there were trees this part of the country almost all the mountains are over 1,000. all around, now we're among a bunch of snags and trash. This outfit some guy said. Whether it (is) true or not 1 don't know, but we're is (supposed) to go in reserve soon for a few weeks, so I'm counting sure among some big peaks. The trail was straight up for miles it on that. What with the peace talks going on this damn war could seems and all the way along it dead soldiers were scattered here and end in three (or) four weeks. Maybe by the time you get this I'll be there. We kept passing (litter) bearers with bloody wounded sol- in the rear area I hope. I should be griping already? Some of these diers moaning and once I got so sick I had to sit down. I think 1 was guys have been on line for 80 days straight, but most of that was more afraid I'd be a coward than anything but some way I've made during the first peace talks and everything was quiet. I guess I hit it it and although I get scared it's not a cowardly fear anymore. All on one of the roughest parts. along the trail, mortars kept blowing up around us and we kept ex- Boy, I wish you were flying over here, these boys really have a pecting any minute to get one right in the middle of us. After we got time for themselves, napalming and strafing these hills. When we to our company, they issued us grenades and ammunition and said hear the planes coming everyone's morale jumps a 100 per and the they expected an attack that night. We had no sooner gotten settled Koreans catch hell, believe me. The planes come in groups of four when artillery and mortars started whistling in and if you ever want and hit a hill making like a ferris wheel, sort of, just going around a (thrill) dig yourself a hole, make yourself about as big as a marble and round until all is empty and they have plenty to fire, too. The and roll in one comer while someone drops bombs one after another napalm sounds like a jet when it's fired and it burns like gas spread- all around it. Believe me it's no lie when they say guys see the light ing every place. On clear days there is a .steady drone of planes and in a foxhole, my prayer bones are still aching. They kept hitting all how these (Koreans) can take it, I don't know. At night, the bomb- around our hole. Dirt, limbs and smoke were flying every place and ers come over again and again, keeping the sky lit up for 5 minutes every time one came screaming at us, I'd wonder if this was it. Ev- at a time. It's sheer poetry to watch these planes maneuver around ery day since the same thing has happened, but now I've got that these mountains. That's one time I can't resist sticking my head out "you'll get it when your time comes" feeling and it helps plenty. watching them swoop and dive. I imagine "old Joe" has his head as After that first mortar attack just at dusk the sneaky varmits started low as possible at those times though. You can hear them firing crawling up the hills after us and what a hell of a feeling fighting their little "burp guns" at the planes. I guess that's all the protection something you can't see. We just slammed hand grenades at every they have and that's a chance in a million of ever hitting a plane. little noise and kept blasting into the dark with our rifles. Towards Write and tell me all the scandal and take care of yourselves. morning they overran part of the hill and they took one of us from All my love, George each foxhole to go get it back. What a mess it was there, every- P.S. Have you read about Heartbreak Ridge in any of the pa- where guys were screaming "medic," some were dead and guys were pers? We just read a Stars and Stripes and found out that's what getting hit all around me. they call the ridge we've been on. We don't know anything about We loaded ourselves with grenades and started pitching. I think the war, heard something about the peace talks again, what's new old Dizzy Dean himself would have envied. It didn't take very long about them—I hope ... I'll mail this now before it clouds up again. to scare them back with that blasting and I spent the rest of the night George in a foxhole with a dead Korean, waiting any minute for a grenade to drop in. That's what scares me, it's not these (North Korean sol- diers) but grenades and mortars. We held them off that night and George's infantry company had experienced several days since then there hasn't been any big attacks, except with mortars. It of hand-to-hand combat with the Communist Chinese. His unit seems they plan things so every time 1 get a can of rations opened was given a few days off for rest and was being transported to they start blasting away and dirty up our food with their stinking the rear for a shower, sleep, and a hot meal. While he was a soil. passenger in an Army vehicle, the truck hit a land mine, kill- I'm sure a dirty mess, haven't washed since I've been up here because water is so scarce we only get two glasses full a day. We ing George instantly. He was killed on October 13, 1951, four sure get dirty wallowing around in this hole but it seems like home days after fellow Humboldter, Les Ivancich. After high school. George lived ... with his parents and drove a gas delivery truek.

30 WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN Roy ... met Leola June Tripp ot Arcata, and tliey were married m Sc^picnil)er 1950.

George's sister, 1 -irst Lieutenant Gayle Hardin Fishet. Edward D, and brother, Pat Fleming Hardin, both of Red- crest, as well as sev- Edward was the eral nieces and neph- January 1951, Roy Lancaster son of John and Kath- ews in Humboldt was drafted into the U.S. Army. He erine Fleming of Eu- County, survive him. left Arcata for service at Ford Ord, reka. His father, John, leaving behind his pregnant wife. was a draftsman with Private First the California Divi- c;iass Roy A. sion of Highways. Ed Lancaster was born in Fresno on December 25, 1925, Roy was born in and moved with his Arcata in 1928, the family to Eureka in son of Roy and Margaret Lancaster. Roy's father was a yard 1936. Ed graduated in 1943 from Eureka High School, where foreman at the California Barrel Factory. As a student at Ar- he was active in track and football. After graduation, he joined cata High School, Roy was a member of the basketball and the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in pilot training in baseball teams. During his senior year in 1946, he volunteered Texas. He became a fighter pilot and was discharged in 1947. for service in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He served for three Ed returned to Hutnboldt County where he attended Humboldt years until 1949 and returned to Arcata, then went to work for State College for one year. In 1948, he rejoined the U.S. Army the California Barrel Factory and played in the Arcata Men's Air Corps and received flight training as a jet pilot. Softball League as a third baseman. He met Leola June Tripp While stationed at Hamilton Field in Marin County, Ed of Arcata. and they were married in September 1950. met and married Claire Hadfield. In 1949, he gave many Hum- In January 1951, Roy was drafted into the U.S. Army. He boldt County residents their first sight of a jet plane by mak- left Arcata for service at Ford Ord, leaving behind his preg- ing flights over Eureka. That year he also returned to Arcata nant wife. In May 1951, Roy received orders he was to go to as a member of Korea with the Army 1 st Cavalry Division as an infantryman. the Hamilton His wife was staying with her family in Merced, Califomia, Field Flyers and on May 27, 1951, gave birth to their son, Merl Roy football team, Lancaster. competing Roy received a three-day pass, took a bus to Merced where against the he visited his wife and newborn son at the Castle Air Force Humboldt Base hospital. State Lumber- He would never see his wife and son again. jacks, The battle at Heartbreak Ridge claimed its third Humboldt In Decem- hero on October 17, 1951, nine days after Les Ivancich and ber 1950, Ed four days after George Hardin. was assigned Roy's sister, Shirley (Mrs. Charlie) Beauchamp, recalls re- to Korea as an ceiving several letters from Roy while he was in Korea. She F-80 Shooting recalls Roy's letters as stating, "it looked like there were mil- StarJet fighter lions of them. They just kept coming and coming ... It was pilot. In Janu- cold and freezing weather." ary 1951, he Shirley remembers Roy expressing in his letters that he received the missed and wanted to see his wife and son, and asked his Air Medal. brother-in-law, Charlie Beauchamp, to take care of his family. The citation Roy's widow, June Beauchamp Ness, now resides in Penn reads in part: Valley near Grass Valley in California. In December 1950, Ed Fleming was Their son, Merl Roy Lancaster, is working for the city of First Lieu- assigned to Korea as an F-80 Shoot- Vernon. Roy is also survived by his two sisters, Shirley tenant Edward ing Star jet fighter pilot. In January Beauchamp, who lives in Eureka, and Margery LeFevre of Dennis Fleming 1951, he received the .\ir Medal. distinguished Arcata and Creswell, Oregon, as well as several nieces and himself during nephews. the period 29

WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN 31 Ed graduated in 1943 from Eureka High, where he was active in irack and football.

December 1950 through 5 January 1951 by successfully complet- and son Jack. ing ten combat mission against the enemy over Korea as a pilot of In January 1950, Eldon was transferred to Fort Carson, an F-80 type aircraft. Flying at a very low altitude. First Lieutenant Colorado. In June, the Korean War started. In September, Eldon Fleming strafed and rocketed enemy tanks, trucks, troops, and artil- was assigned to Korea as the battery sergeant in a 105 mm. lery in the face of concentrated enemy ground fire. Howitzer battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Ruth and the two children moved to Arcata to be near Eldon's mother, Lois. On February 4, 1951, while supporting American ground While in Korea, Eldon wrote a letter to his two young chil- troops, his jet was struck by enemy fire, crashed, and the first dren (see the letter on the next page). Humboldt County fighter pilot was killed. Lieutenant By November 1950, the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Division Fleming's daughter, Kathleen, was eight months old at the time and the 1 st Marine Division, along with British marines, had of his death. advanced far into North Korea near the Yalu River. On No- Edward is survived by his wife, Claire (now Swalley) of vember 27, two massive Red Chinese armies attacked the Army Novato, and daughter Kathleen Fleming of Sonoma. He is also and Marines near the Chosin Reservoir. The Chinese and U.S. survived by sisters Rose Dinsmore of Eureka, Kathleen Nevers Army and Marines fought for one month under record icy and of Eureka, Juanita Yates of Fortuna, and brother David sub-freezing temperatures. Fleming, who lives in Rohnert Park. Under constant attack. United States troops were forced to withdraw 75 miles to the Harbor of Hungnam where Ameri- Sergeant First Class Eldon C. Justus can Navy ships were waiting to evacuate the exhausted and wounded men. Eldon was born on August 19, 1927, in New Mexico. In Eldon and his artillery battery of 105 Howitzer, were among 1932, upon her husband's death, Eldon's mother, Lois Justus, members of the 7th Army Division called on to cover the moved with her two children to Arcata. Lois worked at the American withdrawal. Many soldiers and Marines suffering Califomia Barrel Factory in Arcata. Eldon attended Arcata from frostbite or serious injuries were unable to complete the High School where he had an aptitude for math. During the march. Fourteen miles from the start of the retreat, engineers summers, Eldon worked on the Korbel railroad. He graduated built an emergency air strip near the town of Hagaru-Ri. from Arcata High School in June 1945, and the following Oc- On December 6, 1950, servicemen unable to walk were tober joined the U.S. Army. He was assigned to artillery train- evacuated by airplane. The remaining American forces ing at Fort Sill, marched the entire 75 miles to the waiting American Navy Oklahoma. In ships. January 1946, The 1st Marine Division started with 15,000 men. More Eldon Justus, seen here with he joined the than 2,000 of these men died and over 4,000 were wounded. his wife, Ruth, was assigned to 33rd Field Ar- More than 3,000 from the 7th Army Division were killed or artillery training at Fort Sill, tillery Unit in missing. The Chinese Army numbered 300,000, with losses Oklahoma. In January 1946, Darmstadt, exceeding 35,000. he joined the 33rd Field Artil- Germany. He Sergeant Eldon Justus was last seen directing his battery lery Unit in Germany. served in a 105 guns directly at the attacking Chinese, covering his fellow tnm. Howitzer soldiers' withdrawal. He was reported missing or dead. battery and Eldon is survived by his widow, Ruth Justus (McCardie) was soon pro- of Hoopa, daughter Lois Justus Hyman of Arcata, who is the moted to bat- principal at Captain John High School in Hoopa, son Jack tery sergeant. Justus of Eureka, and sister Edna Smith of Eureka. While in Among the surviving Marines that Eldon protected was Germany in Ray Cesaretti of Eureka, a retired school teacher. Cesaretti 1946, he met suffered frostbite, a concussion, shrapnel wounds to the leg and married and chest, and two fractured vertebrae in his back during the Ruth Boensel, battle near the Chosin Reservoir. a native of Germany. El- Summary don and Ruth, while in Ger- The Korean War continued until a Peace Armistice was many, wel- signed on July 27, 1953. The twenty-four Humboldt County comed the soldiers, sailors and airmen killed in Korea will never be for- addition of gotten. They exemplify the American "citizen-soldiers" who daughter Lois in every American war answered their call to duty. Each man

WINTER 2000 / HUMBOLDT HISTORIAN 32 £Wo/j Justus wrote this letter to his children when he was serving during the Korean War. 57th FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION-*^ CAMP CRAWFORD Hokkaido Japan

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was taken in his gray line has never youth. Each left fam- tailed us. Were you to ily and friends who do so, a million ghosts will never forget in olive drab, in brown them. Each possessed khaki, in blue and gray, character traits of would rise from their white crosses thunder- courage and valor and ing those magic were true Humboldt words—duty, honor, County heroes. ^'•-^''^-C'---C'Ö-'u«-"*u » country. The devotion to duty, courage, valor and sacrifices of these About the Author: Humboldt men are Jeremiah R. Scott Jr, best described by the is a past president of words of their com- the Humboldt County manding officer. Gen- .U

Humboldt County soldiers, sailors, and airmen killed in Korea vv'ill never be forgotten.

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