[May 26, 2023] In two weeks, I will be at the memorial and military funeral service for a U.S. Army Soldier who died during the Korean War. His remains were recently identified and are now being returned to his home in Mays Landing, NJ, just a short drive from my home. I was asked to say a few words. Here is a draft of what I will say that day. Comments are welcome on how to make it better:
The Korean War is commonly known as the “forgotten war” or the unknown war,” and that is so for some complex and unusual reasons. The war began with the invasion of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) by the Communist forces of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) on 25 June 1950, less than five years after WW2 ended and nearly 73 years ago. At the end of major military operations, more than 3 million had died, more than half of them civilians. To this day, the official position of the North Korean communist government is that it was South Korea that started the war. This is, of course, absurd.
The United States was wholly unprepared for war; in equipment, leadership, fighting skills, tactics, and manpower. And the stories from that time tell us of the Herculean efforts to put tanks, bazookas, riflemen, junior leaders, and the morale necessary to ensure our troops could push back the brutish communist hordes. The North Koreans were ready. They had been planning the invasion for many months.
In the small Louisiana town I was raised, I got to know many young men who returned from that war. They were open and brutally honest about their experiences. As a little boy, they frightened me, but they helped make my brother, my friends, and I who we are today. They taught us how to overcome fear. Fear is always present, they would tell us. We had to be brave to be a man. They taught us how to be comrades in arms, the strength of brotherhood, believe in God, and be truthful and honorable. And they showed us how to clean our rifle and stay warm properly. They were good citizens.
Today, Private First Class Harry Hartmann, Jr. will be laid to rest. It is time to bring him home and to be near his family. It is time to bring them all home. There are approximately 7,700 Americans still missing in action, with an estimated 5,300 remains still believed to be in North Korea. They are there awaiting us to find them.
Special thanks to the forensic scientists and the teams of military and civilians from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency who, thru their meticulous works, were able to identify PFC Hartmann. Thanks to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Police and local Law Enforcement agencies for safely escorting Hartmann’s remains. And lastly, my sincerest condolences to PFC Hartmann’s family.
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Please read my books:
Sir, keep us updated informed and be sure to speak of the deceased soldier as if he were with us. Of course, he is.
Not long before you see the family. Please let us know how it went.
Great article. Let us know how the funeral went, Gen. Satterfield and pass along our condolences to the family of PFC Hartmann.
General,
Not important what you will say.
WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
To Their Brothers/Sisters They Served With?
Th The Still Grieving Family Members?
Bob Reilly
Amazing find. Thank you Gen. Satterfield for highlighting this ongoing problem finding these heroes. We never leave anyone behind — unless you are Pres Biden, Secdef Austin or Chief of Staff Milley (all do not care about our service members). Shame on them.
Milley and Austin are traitors. Biden is brainless. BTW, who is running the country right now? It sure ain’t Biteme.
got that right ,, need some butt kicking
See previous article: U.S. Korean War Soldier PFC Harry Hartmann
https://www.theleadermaker.com/u-s-korean-war-soldier-pfc-harry-hartmann/
If you want more info, this article gives some details. Also see link to the funeral home that gives Hartmann’s unit.
Thanks Greg. ✔
Thank you Gen. Satterfield.
Rare to have a Korean War soldier found and returned home. At least any more. Thank you Gen. Satterfield for helping the family find closure.
Right. Here is another example,
“Remains of US soldier Tommie Hanks identified after 72 years”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63601136
Yes,and note that most of these that are found and identified today come from the 1950s shortly after the war began and the chaos left them behind. Sad day for America that the Korean War did not eliminate the communist north that continues to suppress its peoples and threaten the world.
Interesting.
😎😎😎😎😎
Good luck and condolences to the Hartmann family.