CALIFORNIA STATE MILITARY MUSEUM ARCHIVES 2814 B Street

Sacramento, CA 95816

140th Tank Battalion Francis X. O’Leary Papers, 1953-1954

DO NOT REMOVE FROM MUSEUM

Historical Record – Do Not Destroy

CNCG 11 MAY 1954

Subject: Letter of Commendation

Thru: Commanding General 40th Infantry Division

APO 6, US Army

To: Lt Col F. X. O'Leary 40th Infantry Division APO 6, US Army

1. I desire to commend you as Commanding Officer of Special Troops for your work in preparation for farewell Division Review on 8 May 1954.

2. The appearance of your officers and soldiers in this formation, their alertness, and precision with which all phases of the review was conducted, is indicative of thoughtful and thorough preparation. Conscientiousness and sincere effort went into the planning and implementation of the review resulting in an outstanding display that brought forth most favorable comments by all spectators.

3. Please accept my deep appreciation for a spending review. The display of "esprit" of your organization is in keeping with the highest standards of Ure military service.

4. Please convey to all who assisted you on this memorable occasion my congratulations for their outstand ing success .

S. T. WILLIAMS Major General, United States Army

Commanding

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.. 1, l ,(l~B-b·e 1;1() ~fl~ ~ O~l'tdat.~jt' . l"er't-z- ·to:. th .. ;;,., .. M of the • O~•x>. ~ 'lll'll but <>Ji• way t~t ~ port!Qn t>f th• don 1"11\viev oould be a tl1leees.s; t!lroug) t:ne uttitlf:isn efforts

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. ...... 2, N() o:q41 QJ,t't,sic:li,t of the-- :01:vidon OS,\\ 'Pl',1idblJr reali111e pi, u~d&l'atand the &'l!Qu~t ot wrk and co.ol"d1:natfon that ;:es roquir,ed to aoeompllsb a ta111tioa1 relief on 5 May- am put ot1 a f:brlshed r-ev·ielt on 8 ~,.,; · !• as 1our e~lrler G fully a-ware of what it took to bri:rig y4aur troop$ to this deg.Nte of e::iceelleneei in suob , . short t::tme• buet as you were by preaa,;re from above, and interfere11oa f'rOlll all aides,

3. l vant tc extend to yon atrl your Nlgitt:-ent 'll'fJ' haarM.eat c.~~tulatioQ f<:>r another l/ilple:ndid perf'Ol"JMl!tee, You helped to lilaktt the final rev:htv or the 4oth Infantry Division e ll!elllOrable Of,lll.

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W • J • BRADLE'.t' '.Brig Gen._ USA ~fog

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----"'--:.,.: v·iif\ii-y, Francis X. (O) 2nd Ind 040 214 ( 24 Jul 53) SUBJECT; 1etter ef .&ppreciatitn

HEAD QUARTKRS 40TH lllFANTF.Y DIVISION, APO 6, 10 August 1953

TO; tieQtenant colsnel Fumei~ x. O'Leary, 0-40214, CO!!liranding Officer 140th Tank Battali•n, 40th Infantry Division, APO 6

1. rt is with gteat pleasu.re that I forward this letter ef appreciation from the senior Advisor, 12th Republic ef K•rea Div-ision.

2. I add my !ratitude ta you and the officers aoo. men •f your battalion who have aided !l"aterially in the success 01' the 12th ROK Divisien.

3. The actions of' the 140th :rank Battalien reflect grea t credit upon its nieJDbers and upen this Divisien.

• TRUE COFY

L. D. SHIREY NOJG USA Asst Adj Gen

/ll/Ridgely Gaither /t/RlDGhl.Y GnlTHE~

Major General, USA C•!!!mand ing

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HEADQUARTERS X COm>s, uo ·,09, us ARMY,

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I _ ' 1,'hfl Cti'])I _ Cem,minder_ bat n•~•d; With plea,uu~e thf,, 1,t~er, e;f; . ~p_rec1at1en tre1r. the 'Sehitr -Ad:v-ia•r, 12th ••pu.blia ,)· •l(i le.rea_: h; ..

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Divis i en. T•amw•rk and mutttal ce1peratien auoh •• th1• did much te further the cause ef the United Jations in K•r•••

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l'RU.E COJY

L. D. SHIREY ifO.TG USA Ant Adj :sen

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i~i,,t:t.'·~IBIB . . 285

AWAr~ bF,,T~ DIB:D'GUIS;~ ~NIT CITn~~; , .'; ·; "'lli{li . . _.,,.· r.~i-;j\':·.:./ .. By i irection of . the Presiclent, under the provisions . of Execl:i~~v(~J;:,,,;, . \/i;/ :·. Order 9396 1sec I, WD Bul 22, 1943), su:t)erseding Ex~cutive Order.· 9075:<-?i'. '~'i-. ..+i,:1-;):·

?· ·_: (Sec III, WD Bul 11, 1942), a:ld P'ITSUE.nt to authority in AR 2~0-315, . ":':1.:~;.:e;:~1;.{~·: , ~'f._,:::;- 1:;e following unit is cited as pu;:,lic evidence of deserved ho_rior .8:-~;-'-/1,\ 'fjif5j;.'

,-~-:- . . aistinction. · · · .'-~·: .. \ -·,,,;v l ";·:::1; •

-~(-} ··- ' . The 14·.Jr.c'H TANK BATTALIOF, 4JTH . INFANTRY DIVISI~l'l, is cited ·ri;,:;ilif~t1j~J,;t ·.';i,;,.}~) · s'knding farf orma.r_i_c;~ of f uty a~ ~xtrn.oriinary her~ism. in actio11; a.g __ ~Jri~-~-\.:r;i1i~_·}.:· ,' :f:'.;/ . .. ·-, · the enemy in, the nc1.nity of NoJonp-Yong, K()rea dur1.!lg ·the period _:.Ir: tq·t·:··_tl?/$;'.:- · ·:· ·---~.: __ --~,-_·,h·_,; __ ;_-.. ~--,,_~_:.=:;::'. _:_-_._:;.::_:~ · .. , ·,.. 8 June and 1~ to 18 Jul/. 1?5~. Commi:t t ed t~ di!ect supi~ort ~f thft l~-~~·_'. ::J ___ iz:fa:7·.~t·.I_.

3._-;, ·. Re~,ublic of ;.,orea .Army _D1vi.s1.on, the oattal:i.:on had been ma.nm.rig tank ·.t._':'.-__ ,fs~.: ~. ;_)ositior.is on fc:.t:r· vitally stratee,ic hills. On the ni~ht of 1 June· , the ,:i•_':·;_. ·;>;-; -;;.,-

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ene.tny _ began pre:tnrat~ry tire_,f~llo~,e~ ?Y_"a_larg: seal~ attack on one·ot·,_°':?>t;~ij the hills and s~ccee.,ed 1? d_sp].ac:in6 in.1.antry e],em:m~s. Ho~e:er, i~'1.~- ... '.:"~: {'l?-iit ta.nls piatoon locat-3d in t , at sector. refu,sed to leave its positions ana / -1~-:W;,\, contin~ed valiant efforts in dcmy'ing :.:.:'. e enemy its objective. That ,- ,, : ~;>{},

. . . . .• . ' • )i

ni~ht another platoon moved up un:ier the s:i_i::;porting fires -of Company . ,\. ;. ,;,.cJ'~ '8 and Com)any C to ai>I the belea[l.Pr..d unit, and the following morning · ' ,:,: ;) . .-·; t!'lay were !eh.forc-xl by an additional pla toon •. Fierca action continued, :\~:_; throug!:10ut the remaind.0r of 2 Juna with tha tankers resolutely refusing ·. · · . ... ,:;·;,, :to ,rithdraw.· ,;,rith t 2.nks sp--.nrheciding the infantry, '3. counterattacl< was ·,./) ..... ,~:~,~ launched . on the raorninP;_ o'Z 3 June and G.lthough it_ did _not clear the hill _,;,-~·>>~, ~ it permitted tha besiegE::d tan1cs to be replaco1 with others. which, sup- · " -,:.1:;: ported by the balance of the battalion tar.ks, d0nbd the enemy access · to

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tho cre ~t. On 5 Ju..~e ComJany A, which w~s in r0serve 56 miles to the rear, was al3~ted and illoved i~ an 0xc~l13ntly coordimted forcGd .iia.rch and arriir3d in an exc3edin6ly short time to relieve Compa.Iiy B. That ·:_- i{·,/ -~ e·.~ning the hostile fO!'C3 b0gan CO!l(.0ntrated attacks On two 3.djacent . , .. ; h-llJR and gained 1 f:JW frL.,ndly OUt) OSts;hoWl;)V'6r", the ;i.nf:mtry, inspired .-~: . } by the t1nlrnrs I va.lLtnt stand, co~1,.,ter2.ttec~ca'1 an:i hurl..Jd the en3my from -:.:: . . ·_::i these lJOsitions. In th~ ra:mining dJys from 6 to 8 Jun3 the battalion _· > _ _. · _.-.-,-~ continued d0v:,.stating fir0 a.g~'.im:t hosti1 G positions, sealing off ap:?roa.-ch · , ·.'< routes 1.n:l ;ier·~'. itting fti6n4_1:- l~nes to b-3 r ,3consolid1,tGd. FiGrc0 as . ~ .. 1,..

th0so actions 1-rcru,. it '·!-~.~ r .. ;:J.izod thJ.t tl1.::°y wore but a pr-3lude tQ a. rcore mas:sfar0 ::i.tt::tck to soize the ~ntiro hill- co:n)lJX -:i.nd cl01r the uxy · . . , to t~1a · S0uth. On the nig:1t of 16 J~lly thu foe commertc0d. bn. tt-tlion- s·iia/. -'·.: %.. ~ -Al.

a·i:.t:ick s "lg3.inst two of thG hill positions• 'i'ho combined tank, ,Jrtillery.;: .;; :; ;·~;: and inf:1ntry firos·, ;_nrti.:::tl.arly fl ..,_nkinf i:i:r:,; frcra th-.3 t:-_nks · which the<'..-': t. :,-...f.. '.S ag;rossor h~i.d ;_1ot anticip:-.kd, d;.;stroy3d .on0 bc.tt:-,.lion c.::rid so . docimat6d : :-\ -::\ -i'

' •. • • . . • . . ~ • • • a1· 1 · . -' . ,+. .., t ,:10 ot~:,r tn'lt l. ~ . only· m-:.du Illl:-nor {::~ns. Th~ foJ.lo~ng night s~ :· · · Y , : :,>ff;:}~ divcrsion:u-y ·1ctions wer.'; attompt,.]d .:i.nd en t.1e 1:1orning of'·l3 July thGy >: .. . ·

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DEPARTMENT OR THB ARMX WA~EIWHO~ 25, D. 0, $0 Jut# 1954

S~CfiOll BlmQUXblHED UNIT CITAfION-Citatfon O f nnlt I_________I____ I y~$3,1l’()ElOUS UNIT COYMENDATION-Awards ____________________________ X I

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I,.&f~TINGUIStlEzD UNIT CITATION.--& authoriw? by E x m t i v e Order (SW. I, WD Bnl. 22,19431, supsrseding Executive Order 9015 (sec. III, WD 11,1942), the following unit is cited under AR M M k S in the name of the

-at of the United States as public evidence of deserved honor and dWritnc- &m. B e cltation reads as follows : ~b 140th Tamil: Battafion, 40th Ififafifrg DlMm, is dted for ont&andtng per-

forraance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the sf&& of NojonpYong, Korea, during the period 1 to 8 June and 18 to 18 July

&mmitted to direct support of the 12th Republic of Korea Amy DlvI&im, &e battalion had been manning tank positions on four vitally Strategic hiUa, &I the night of 1 Jnnr the enemy began preparatory the followed by a large

attack on one of the hills and wcceeded in displacing infantry dements. &wever, the tank ptatwn located in that sector refGsea to leave its p o a i t i ~ ~ and continued Valiant efforts in denying the enemy its objective. That night anather platoon moved up under the supporting flres of Company B and Conr pans 0 to aid the beleaguered unit, and the following morning they were rein- forced by an additional platoon. Fierce action continued throughout the remainder of 2 June with the tankers resolutely refusing to withdraw. with tanlrs spearheading the infantry, a counterattack was launched on the morning af 8 June and although it clid not clear the hill it pe.rm.itted the besleged tanka to be HpLaced with others which, suppor?A by the balance of the battalion tanlrs, denied the enemy access to the crest. On 6 June, Company A, which was In reserve 56 mfles to the rear, was alerted and moved in an t?rfellentlg Cooral- ryated forced march and arrived in an exceediqgly short time to relieve Company B. That evenlng the hostile force began concenfmted attaclre on two adjacent bills and gained a few friendly oatposts, however, the infantry, ingpirea by tblt hnkers’ valiant stand, counterattacked and harIed the enemy fmm tbulesce W ibm. In the remaining days from 6 to 8 June the battalion eontinoEld damtat- iw fire against hoetlle positions, sealing off approach routes and perm!- iriendly lines to be reconsolidated Fierce a8 these actions were, it wase reallzed that they were but a prelude to a more massive attack to seize the entire hili -ex and clear the way to the south. On f i e night of 18 July the foe cam- lnertced battalion-sbe attacks against two of the hill gositions, The combined hk, artillery, and idantry fires, particuwly flanking %e from the tank+ whfch &e aggressor had not anticipated, destroyeed one battallon and 80 decimated the

that it only made minor gains. The foflowhg &t amall dlveratosar~ W t h ~ # were attempted and on the morning of 18 JQ they begmi a &wW- &e attack against another sector. Here the aggr-veneaa, e W % de rorpe, a PrOWess of the defenders sncceeded in WrecJdrig havoc tba b&k *re& The superb gallantry of the tankers displayed in both PaSee cd thdrr

paved the way for 8 sWened defense and better c o ” t i o n and a the attacking enemy division was completely demoraIimd and eaasBd

b tiQ effective striking force, The herolam and courage exhibited W the menibgll of. h denying the enemy a vitally strategIe area M& grest C r e d i t

themselves, their organization and the miutarg serpice of the U&ed I@- [BWaZ Ordars @@, Eeadqwrters Bighth Udted H M 6 S h Y , 10 jH&j

GO 56 2

XI. MERITORIOUS UNIT GOMMEh'DdTZON.-By direetfon of the &cr&w of &e Army, =der AR 2Lo316, fhe %3eritorions Usi t Commendation i s aaplrd& to the following units of the United States Army for exceptionally maftoriem conduct in the performanee of outstanding service during tbe periods indipat& The citation? read as follows: 1. The 7th fJ&mat Company, 7th Isfantry Dlfflsiolt (fourth award), is dted im

"pt.%nnlly meritorious conduet in tbe performarm of outstanding 8erpLem In mpp02.h of combat operatrons in Korea during the period 1 October ta 27 3@3 1853. Charged with the responsibility of providing close signal mppm for the 7th Infantry Division, 8 network of eommnnications of mitical I= porknee to the effective coordination of the division with higher b e a d q n a ~ and sabrdimte units wm established and maintnlned with an exeq3tionxtyJI hlgh degree of efticiencg. Many times during the period of hostilities fleld wire mafntenanee and constructton teams worked from battalion level within tbe regiments to realize maximum effectiveness of signal operations, and on sere& ~ecasfoar~ dim&zyed great hero- by rewiring lines to division o~rvrmt9oar. p&s whicb were under intense enemy fire. Through the untiring efforts of W men in the SigDal Repair Section, 10,238 pieces of equipment were repaired ST&

mturned to rremin. The Construction Platoon recovered 5,500 milea of wlre and reelaimed 1.7% miles, thereby effecting savings of more than $1,500, Alkhongh overextended, the Radio Platoon insured positive canimunirations Irm fwr ci2xategfc divfsion obgefPation posts, the three regiments, HeadqaarWa,

Republic of Korea Dfvlslon and the control tower of the Aviation Ccmpnp. The 7dA. BklwZ Qmpwy displayed such outstanding performance in prosidlng PrfzEv important verbal and visaax ~ ~ u n i e a t ~ o ~ as to set it apart frwt and a b e othm Mi% having a similar mission. The devotion to dnty, a.g@W r b V " s s , nnd esprit de cerps d;ispt8Sed by the members of this unit 1-4 emdit an thms?3vas and the military service of the United Stales. Urdara 3% ~ ~ ~ ¶ ~ ~ s IHitkfh Unite& k%atcs Amy, 1s June f$&)

fGF

2. T h S t h aFtd SGtA BaFjngEneer Water Xank; Defac7tments and the 87tk and

in 3 e performance of outstanding services in support of combat 0pS.nc tb tm in Korea dmiw the period 1 AprU 1969 to 31 Xarch 1854, R-bk f@x %tk"U- fhe Psdtection and prevention servle to Headquarters Bighth uUitt?Q &tea Amy aad dPilian eatablIshmenta in the area, these units perform@

tasks af! fin? ikbting, estabtishing fire protection and prevention pltm% a d t2lta admWz&i.tfae sapetvision and wmdfuation of the activities of a*

DfrPtbaon, is cited far ex- f outstanding wryices in

TAG0 tlllB

3 GO 56

m r t of combat operations in Korea during the period 1 August 185s €0 81 &unary IDEL Serving all units of the 40th Infantry Division, this company mflnued its normnl functions without interruption or decrease in etflelency dnr-

three complete moves made by the dlflsion. In addition to handltng a p d g i o n s amount of &ass 11 and 1%' items, receipt, storage, and distribution of over 960 tons of winter elOthiUg and equipment was effectftx? and 6,000 quarter- M e r items were expeditiously repaired and returned to service, thereby saving the United States Government thousands of dollars In replacement st& Over gt,@Yl tons of rations were provided and handled with superior protection and acMuntabillty and 35,OOO tons of petroleum, oil and lubrieants were expeditiously &jivered to motor pools and s u P ~ l y points, assuring an adeguate snpily for trsnsportation and heating unit consumption. The three Quartermaster Truck Platcans provided excellent transportation facilities during Dividcn moves and daily operations, traveling thousands of miles every month over hazardous terrain and under adverse weather conditions. "be provision of laundry and &oaer facilities and the procuction of more than three servings of ice meam m& week for assigned nnd attached personnel were high among the man;P contributing factors in the maintenance of morale thoughout the Division, The &JtA Q~tartcrniaster Coinpang displayed such outstanding devotion to duty Zn the performance of exceUtionally dffiieult tasks as to set it abore and apatt f" other units with similar missions. The initiative, ability, and esprit de corps exhibited by the members of this unit throughout the entire period re- fleet great credit on themselves and the military service of tbe United States. (Getleral Orders 333, Headqttartcrs Bigkdh United Stated Arnw, 28 Hay 1954.) 1. The Xitrgicat Xoapita? (Afobils Army) is cited for exceptionalig

meritorious conduct in the performnnce of outstanding services in support of eomhat operations in Korea during the period 2 February to 2 Angust W. Raring the initial phase of this period an aggressive and determined training pwg" was initiated to familiarize all personnl with the intricacies, of tactical moves while at the same time providing medical support for two infantry d id- sioerr The effectiveness of the training progam was evidenced by the fact that operational activities were resumed within six honrs from the time word had been received to make a practice move. Tbis planning and foresight nroved extremely valuable when it became necessary to make three tactical moves dnr- h g a particularly critical phase of combat operations. One of these covered a distance of 120 miles and was accomplished with the utmost eBciency, per- mftffng the resumption of operations within a refatirely short time. One p h w of hemy Bgliting in the later stages of hostilities saw over 750 casualties 8dmitted and in one 36-hour period all personnel labored eontinnoasfg to care for the patents that were received. Later, the hospital was SpUt fntb three see ffans in order to more adequately discharge its responsibilitieg and d t h o W h the rneNona were widely separated from their headquarters this dLfaedlt task W a s accomplished and excellent coordination resuIted from the splendid SJ[1LFlt Of teamwork which prevailed. The 47th SurgioaZ EoEpifal ( M M b $srrtlt) wed such outstanding resoureefulnwss, compasion f o r ib pati&, and d e Potion to duty in the performance o f unusually dfffimlt tash-s as to set it f" other units with similar missions, The abiUkY and esprit de COW

hS the members of the hospltal throughout this period reflect Wt cnrdit themselves and the military servlce of the United State@. (GmWUr t?r?&f-4? fW, H e a a q ~ a ~ ~ # a Eight& United Sdetes Amy, 1% Xu@ 19%) 6. The 55th BLiZilary Police Compang (second award), is eitedtor ezheptf-

reeritorious conduct in the performance of oustanding SfEVicWr in BWW& @f

%QO 81lB

-7

GO 68 4

wb& qperat[oas in Korea during the period 1 Cktaber 1952 to 16

& Seoul, the regulation and control of traffic through the tfon of f j e ~ n l Militmy Post Cnardhonse and Military &&on, wb@&&mrted rasp& of thbse having knowledge of the excepttonal ma Ghfnese Oommrmiat and North Korean Prisonera of War were m v & wg@ h conjunction with Operations Little and Big Switch, exmlleatt

was provided, In addition, invaluable assistance was rendered fB ~~~ and pr#tecEing vital United Nations installations during the Cav& tan dacm&atims wbl& m n e d in May and June of 1953. D@Spite the mer m t edtitence of language barrkrs and divergenee of custom and of q", well coordinated and t a e w relations were maintained at all Mth -bEc of Korea dvilZan m d military law enforcement agencim. !I% gdik ~~~~ P O W Company displaced sneb outstanding de?otlon to duty in the perfomartce of exceptionally dfBZenlt taska aa to set it apart from and abme other units having similar mirestons. The initiative, devotim to ant& and -it de cow demonstrated by members of this company refleet credit OIL themselves and the military service of the United States. B O d @ s 566, Eeadquartmd Bightb U%lte& states Ambf, 11 J U M 1854.) h The 66th Ba&n%w Qmbat BattHJon, 85th Infanfry Dlv8sion (aseeond award),

i s cited for exceptronalls meritorious conduct in the performance of outshnding wmlw in snlrpDTt of combat operations in Korea during the period 1 3anranrsy to 27 July IO?% a0mmltted to the dtrect support of t h e 25th Infantry Mvkloa, mi"xs were frequently performed under extreme combat conditions and in aftaanm of the main battle @tiom The wccesspnl development and wWme tion of exarceflmt field fo'rtificationa was effected oyer an extended sector of tbe main Em? of reshtance, being brought to a rapid campletion despite the prmillng adverso combat, weather and terrain conditions. Although a unit of this &e w u not n " U y expected to maintain extensive supply route facilities, tMvl task w811 n?adflY accepted. Flood hazards were eliminated and bridges, ford% md culverts were maintained, amwing reliable &or transportation mmtasl 4dng the @MI of active hostillti@. Xu addition to the normal duties &ceoftl- @I&&, elemerh of the battalion were committed as infantry, assisted in tits c?vacniltion of wamded, and transported vitally nwded mrrnitions direct to ihe h " O W A Bars aMonal mission whose mccw was dependent on timOQy s d

Me for the mnintenancta and preservation of law and order in irhe. &e

dntieg were accomplished with such excellence as to wh

5 GO 56

training, and s n p ~ l y economy prorugrams. In addition, the effective tion of indigenous personnel for less important functionrn permitted key

ptrssannel to be placed in positions of responsibility, thereby assuring continued a ~ r a t i o n a l excellence. Not only were normal facilities provided w p p r t e d mi#, but also the important task of SUpPWng twenty-four hour senfne for t& oarions staff sections and Very Important Persons way maintained at. a eoiast&ent$ high leve1 and safe, prompt and courteous service was made avaii- abie on all occasions. The 95th T?On8POrWiW CW Company rendered such mperior performance of difficult a s S l g m " as to Set it apart from and above &her nnits having similar missions. The determination, efitcieucy, and esprit de corps displayed by the members of this company throughout this period

great credit on themselves and the militRry service of the United States. (@"+a2 Order8 $ls, Headquarters Eighth Unifed Btatea Army, EY Xay 1958,)

8. B ~ a d q ~ a r ~ ~ ~ an# Eeadqwarters Compang, S 5 h t ~ r a n ~ r ~ a ~ ~ ~ Groarp [ ~ @ J k W ~ Fronapport) (second award), is cited for exceptionally meritorloas etmdnct in the performance of outstanding serrices in support of miIitary opera- tims in Korea from 1 July to 31 December 1953. Throughout this period, per- m n e l of the organization provided effective command and administrative staff mpervision, as well as operational control over flve transportation battalions (troek) engaged in transporting supplies and personnel for Eighth Army diri- &om1 troops and varlons other elements of United Nations f o r m Its pnrpiew meompassed eWcient processing of voluminous correspondence, careful review ef all personnel requisitions, coordination of all vehicular movements of trans- p l a t i o n compananies attached to the group, trainfng of personnel and orientation d r@placements, uninterrnpted lo,Ristical support of all units, and maintenance af rehicles a t peak efpectiveness. Overcoming drtiieulties i m w e d by language barriers and dlfacnlt terrain, the headqnarters planned and snxlerp.ised numerow (*rations in conjunction with the Republic of Korea Army, accomplishing these m%lssious in a highly exemplary manner and great& enenhancing mutual coope*a- tion and good will, Eeedquarters and Headquarte+a Obmp5?bg, Sfilst !&ana- ~ u ~ ~ ~ n Group (EIghzoay Tronspwt) displayed such outstanding devotion to duty in the performance of exceptionally dttacult tasks as to set it apart from and above other units with simifar mfssione; The technical eompetf?nce, initfa- ePe, and esprit de corps exhibfted by members of this unit reflect m a t eredft

themselves and the military service of the United States. { f f m l O&ra @, Beadquartere United &fate8 A m y Fwcea, Far Baal, II June 1954.)

9. The 439th EBnglneer Obnstrzlctton Badfalion (second award), is cited for =%)tfonallg iuerltorions conduct in the performance of ou%tandb,a rrerviceg h mpport of comliat operations in Korea during the period 1 November 1052 to 8l December lW3, Charged with providing general engineer sapport to ormni- mtgtionrr of theElghtb Gnited States Army, many mafor construction WQjeCb Wen? mP1eted fn an expeditious manner, Among these were training eaMP facillti@S fot hwblic of Korea Army units, a vitally important artillery a- route ?JI &me proximity to front line positions, two surgical hospiitate, a&"M and hausing iafilities in the Chunchon area, and numerow other e ~ t " W -&ant installations necessary to the efficient functioning of United Naffom

in Korea. Although constantly handicapped by a ShorW!e Of

and hampered by a lack of necessary materials and &Pant, as- &BRd mbions were always ArlBIled wlth an &elenCY and mk93fiN d u m fannd in a comparable organization. The 489th &W"ng'iEst. 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~a~~ -%-sited such outstanding construction abilities in aM?amWhinX m@.k M- W'QWments throughout its area of responsibili& a~ to set it apart from and

TA@O SUB

GO 56 6

a m umer anits baring a similar mission. The devotion to duty, superlsr perfomanre of exceptionally diflkult tasks, and unselfish utilization of fnbem!t abflitles ;and prot&onal skill8 exhibited by members of this battalion re%?& great wedit an themselves and the miiltary service of the United States. fO&- wt Oralor8 JG$, Headqzcartws Eighlh 7 h i M States Army, 11 Juiw 1954.)

10. EmdqiiSnlei-8 an# Zeadqztarbtm Company, 448d QiturimnastPr D (then Q ~ ~ ~ t U 8 ~ ~ Bus8 Depot) (third award 1, is cited for ex meritorious conduct in the performance o f outstanding sersicw in mtlitary aperatlom in Korea durfng the period 1 October 1053 to 31 By regularly tnrnishing mpport to units located from 25 to 85 miles iram f f s ~ e ~ d ~ ~ a ~ e ~ and rendsrlng service of a distfnetly superior quality, the cumpang dev+lloped a remarkahle record of achievement. Though freqnentiy harnprrA bqr lack of enperlenced personnel, this unit effectively coordinated depot w@y aporatfaw to two bnndred and seventy accomts and monthly handfed an awr- age of kiw reqnlaltfons, sS,ooO line items and 23,ooO tons of materiale T%as &pot, ehie5y beeaurre of the excellent guidance and supervision proviaed mmpany pemxnel, waa able, during this period, to repair approximately '700 pims of equipment valued at almost three million dollars. The compng$ t"fng devotion to duty and resoureefulneas contributed greatly to the Wtfl and w W r c of frontline troops by maklng available excellent bath and laundw frtcllities, and individael and bulk clothing exchange services. Its acci?ntpli&- men& stand owt 88 one of the largest field army operations by a unit of comw mbh &e in QPlartermader history. Headquarters and Headquarters ~0~~~~

p&rmed all asipmmts in mch a superior manner, ranging to tasks o t tbe m&t &Elcult and m p l m ebantcter, as to set i t apart from and above other onits wlrpttb sEmllar mf;srlons. The initiative, ability, and esprit de cows exhibited by

of thia company reflect great credit on them&\-es and tlte militaq d c p , 11. The 6@d YsdicaZ C o m w ~ y (Clearfnp) (K'eparabs) is cited for exce@om@

~~~r~~~ d u e t in the gterfnmnnce of wtstandiug services in sapprt. cri cambat epPrations Ln 30rea during the period 1 July 1932 to 30 April 3954

in the mimlon o f evacuating, balding, and providing emergencr medierzl

z s J

m W (FeoRnfcaz ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ g ~ ~ ~ ~ is eft& the WXfarmance of outstsadbg "l

GO 66 7

mppart of military operations in Korea and Japan, from 7 September 1952 ~3 &far& 1964. During this period, members of the detachment provided the ~ ~ r ~ a ~ i o n Section, United States Army Forces, Far East, and subordinate *-de with vital and timely intelligence information, expeditimsly dis- ~ ~ n a ~ g this valuable data to all interested agencies through tbe command's 6 2 ir&ion. Displaying aggressive determination and a high degree of ea- &-, the men of this nnit consistently accomplished their dffecult and critically b g " t mission with thoroughness and precision, acquiring a comprehensive hnd of information which prored of inestimable value in the conduct of wbse- 4 ~ @ t military operatlons ln the Far East. "heir tireless research and contiau- w8 investigation resulted in an uninterrnpted flow of accurate, reliable btelllgence information which waked ntmost praise and commendaticm from all who had knowledge of their accomplishments and 8ignUIcantlg enhanced the &eetlveness of the Transportation Corps' mission in both Korea and Japan. m e 563d Transpmtation Detachment (TeelmicaZ ~ ~ ~ e Z ~ ~ e ~ c e ) dlBpIgiyed mch " l i n g devotion to duty in the performance of exceptionally dlincult tasks lls to set it apart from and above other units with similar missions, '1Tbe superior teehnieaf skill, resourcefulness, and esprit de corps exhibited by members of this detachment materially further the United Nations progression towanf wwld peace, reflecting great credit on themselves and the military service of the United States. ( C f e ~ e r a I Orders B O , Lleadquartera United Btates Brew F m e a , Far Euat, 11 June IS&#.) 13. The 5$8d Tranaportafion Traflc Repictation Detachment (third award)

tS dted for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in Korea during the period 29 July 1953 to 30 April 1954. The detaeh- intent was charged with regulating and controlling the movements of supplies and Permncl within the Eighth Arms area. This control lnclnded the evafuatioa, Itlloeation, diversion, and routing af transportation and close coordination with millftary police on matters of tx:ni-Hc control. As a result of diligent and capable rapervision by offleers and extreme competence on the part of enltsted men, thousands of troops and vast quantities of supplies and equipment were trans- ported by rail, higl way, and air. Highway teams effectlvely supemhed the large &%le re-deployment of divisional troops in forward areas, contrxbuting materially to the efficient utilization of United Nations troops. Attached air teams arranged emergency air lifts ana expedited the movement of large nnmhers ot passengers and critical cargo at major airfields throughout Korea. Durlng Operation BIB SMtch, transportation for L2,760 United Nations repatriates and T5,?99 enemy m e r s was planned, coordinated and mccessfufly aewmplished without in&- dent or Serious accident The 599d T r ~ n ~ p o T ~ a t ~ v n Trafic TWUktdon detu&- m.Ptent dtSPlayed sucb outstanding devotion to duty in the performance of ex- eptionally rlifRcult tasks as to set it apart from and above other u n i t s w&b w l a r missions. The loyalty, technical proficiency, high degree of skill, and a d @ of purpose eshibited by the members of the Detachment &e& mt credit on themselves and the military serviee o f the United States. ( @ m g orders 354, 3eadqua~fera Eiphtn Unnfted Btalea Arnw, t3 J S m 1SS.44 14. The 6$8d Engineer Ll&t Equipment Compung is cited for eXCt?@OMs$

m&tOriOW conduct in the performance of outstanding services Xn SnPQOfi Of @"at operations in Korea during the period 1 January 185S to 1

the mission of rendering sapport to I united states 00- =era consistently performed in *@metent support vas rendered all asfng unlts. Although Canstant4 b a rapid turnover of trained personnel and often

l u o 81lB

highly commendable manner and U n W W ~

epaW@t

GO 66 8

truetion project uadertsken fn qulpment U o ~ ~ a n ~ displnyed such on

e other units bavIng a similar mfsfdon. The loyalty, Mtk-

e t on themselves and the military service of the United Stettes. (~~~~ OP.slty-8 868, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ U ~ ~ ~ 8 Eigllilfb United state8 A?%/, I I June 1954.)

15. The 6G5fA Medicdl Detachme%# (LhiaZ S@rrrloe) is cited for e x ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ merltorioaar conduet in the perfrrmance of outstanding services in ~~~ at wmkt operations in Korea daring the peariod 25 January l%3 to 15 May 19%. ~~b~~ €or rendering dental support to all units in +he I United Gorp and IX United States Corps area not having established orgsnht den&ai aerviee, excellent facilities were made available despite the manz dW ~ I I ~ ~ F S which were faced. To implement the newly adopt& poUey of b14 dental s m k e to the areas of operation rather than have troops e v ~ c ~ ~ ~ b rear arms, extremely mobile teams were established and placed in kef l ~ t i ~ ~ so ria to be able to m o w to the sectors where they were mast needed as ~~~Y trad enperlitionsly as pc&bk. Prosthetics service was rendered all pemM through centralted hhratodea and mobile, roving dental vans equimed an& Dawned to provide complete service for on the spot treatment. Working wlf& aeneL.al, orthoQerfic and nmra surgeons, oral surgeons were credited with W@- vidlng "XI hundred casualties with expert treatment required to ga and prPwnt dis6mremcsnt of the face. DespIte the exkremely heavy osd warglng under ackerse conditloes of terrain and weather, the H5t

~ktnmi4At (5mfar S d m ) provided such outstanding semices as to aet it ZtW f" and &QY@ other units hetving a EImllar mission. The flna t e e m %bWt& dWOtiOn t o duty, and esprlt de corm displayed by the pewme1 of thh rslltt r&wt g m t credit on therrtselves and the mslitary service or the IBnttmi Sti%Fsi% (G~W.CSZ Ordera 8%. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a r ~ ~ 8 Biyhlh Unit& Blatea Armll. $1 Jmo I%&.)

ET 0" w ma: ~WGRSZTABY cw mi% ARWY :

hi. B. RIDGWAY, (fcnwat, U n i i J Bf'fatea APW,

ChZef of Staff.

-

January 24, 2005

Michael Popek

Richard C. Stork 1351 Blue Falls Drive

Chula Vista, California 91910 (619) 421-1875

103 Lakeview Terrace Ramsey, New Jersey 07446

Dear Michael:

I received the copies of the information you discovered in your grandfather's military records.

We have both a Battalion and a Regimental Historian, however, most of their records involve activities associated with National Guard involvement and there is limited information about the combat activities of our battalion .

I will pass these items on to our historian and they will be placed on display in our battalion display case.

Thank you again,

Sincerely, Richard C. Stork

•

Dear Mr. Richard Stork,

Enclosed in the envelope are some copies

of recently rediscovered military records of

my grandfather Col. Francis X. O'Leary. I

thought they would be of interest to the

140th Tank Battalion and of the 40th Infantry

division as a whole.

Thank you for your kindness and help in

learning about your experiences during the

Korean War and thank you for your service

to our country and to the world.

With Rega_rds,

• q;~~