Corporal Bobby G. Anderson R.I.P.

Corporal Bobby G. Anderson R.I.P.

            By Old Uncle Gib - Chronicle correspondent The Crossville Chronicle CROSSVILLE [TN]  

We're almost moving into a new year. Can you believe it? It's time to complete the project begun a few months ago to remember those men from Cumberland County who gave the supreme sacrifice for our country during the Korean War. The Crossville Chronicle of June 7, 1951, carried the notice that “Staff Sergeant Winfred D. Morgan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Morgan, of Crossville, Big Lick Route, was listed as one of seven airmen missing in action when two US twin-engined C-119 (Flying Boxcars) Packets were shot down Sunday, June 3, by Allied artillery while trying to drop supplies to UN ground forces on the Eastern Korean front. Far East Air Forces in Tokyo said three men survived the 'tragic error.' Both planes of the 314th Troop Carrier Group had gone to the combat area from Sewart Air Force Base, Smyrna. Morgan was radio operator on one of the planes. He had been in the service for approximately ten years.” Staff Sgt. Morgan was listed as, “overseas decedent returned from Korea,” and his remains were buried November 24, 1953, in a common grave, in plot #D-1439, at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Basil Anderson of Highland Lane, Homesteads, received the official message of the death of their son, Bobby G. Anderson, on July 14, 1953. Bobby was with a medical detachment of the 17th Infantry, and had spent many days on the front lines. He had written of being at the front for 72 hours, without rest of any kind. He was due for discharge soon. Bobby died at age 23, on July 9, 1953, at the infamous battle of Pork Chop Hill in North Korea. The 17th Infantry lost 31 men in this series of battles. On July 6, 1953, the Chinese again attacked Pork Chop Hill, at that time held by the 17th Infantry. Within an hour of the attack hand-to-hand combat was reported in the trenches. The battle was fought in monsoon rains for three days, which would have included the date of death for Bobby Anderson. In eighteen days, on July 27, 1953, the war was ended. The September 10 and 17, 1953, Chronicle both carried articles detailing the funeral of Corporal Bobby Anderson at the Homestead Baptist Church and his burial in the Crossville City Cemetery. He was survived by parents, three brothers, Roy, Ralph, and Bill, two sisters, Betty and Faye, fiancee, Lula Jo Pugh, and both sets of grandparents. Before we move on into a new year, it is good for us to remember those times that have gone into history. The peace that we have enjoyed as a nation has been built upon the sacrifice of those who have gone before us. It is supported today by those who are serving in all volunteer armed forces. Be grateful to those serving today, and always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. May you have a Happy New Year in 2014.

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