HOW MANY AMERICAN LIVES DID THAT SAVE?
After having served with the 101st Airborne during WWII, my father rejoined the Army in 1949. He sure didn’t plan on going to war again. I read that in one of his letters! But he was in Korea during the entire year of 1953.
Dad was 1st Sgt Leo Martin and was awarded a second Bronze Star designated by a small oak leaf cluster on ribbon for meritorious service in the Korean War.
He won his first serving with the 101st Airborne, 502nd PIR defending Bastogne at the Battle of the Bulge. With little food, low supplies and ammunition in Dec 1945 the 101st managed to hold off the Germans until re-enforcements were able to get thru. When asking my father about that time (he rarely talked of his WWII service) his comments were “It was very bad, freezing, had to scrounge potato peels to eat”.
With this in mind fast forward to 1953. Sgt Martin had re-enlisted in 1949 after 4 years of civilian life. As a combat experienced paratrooper he served with the 82nd Airborne but in 1953 was sent to Korea as part of 5th Infantry Regiment with a supply company. Some comments from his Bronze Star Citation:
“His superb leadership and vast experience were highly important factors in successfully delivering needed ammunition to the front line troops. During the absence of the platoon leader, Sgt Martin became responsible for an unfailing ammunition supply and an improved road network within the battalion. Though hampered by rugged and hazardous terrain, Sgt Martin allowed no obstacles to interfere with the construction of the various roads essential for transportation and unfailing ammunition supply!”
How many American lives did that save? Did his WWII experience affect this? Absolutely! He was not going to let any soldier in combat run low on ammo if he could help it!
The documents for this award were found after his death in 2011 in a “pile of Army papers” dating from 1944 all the way through his twenty year career ending in 1966 at Ft Bragg, NC. I had noticed the oak leaf cluster on his bronze star ribbon but never thought to question its meaning. Leo Martin was never one to talk or brag of war exploits and chastised those who did. He never told me or anyone in his family of the Korean war and his citation. I know he thought it was no big deal and he was just doing his job.
But his commander thought otherwise…
~ Gary L. Martin
We are very grateful to Gary for honoring his father’s service and sharing his story with https://www.facebook.com/ComesASoldiersWhisper/
We invite you to share your family photos &/or stories of those who served.
God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.
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