By Art Lajeunesse Here are two more brothers who lost their lives in the <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>War</strong>, James Thomas and Kenneth Carroll Hamilton, from Amarillo, Texas. James was born January 15, 1930; Kenneth on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 26,1932. James attended West Texas State College in 1949-1950, where he was on the boxing team. James and Kenneth enlisted in the USMC in January 1951. In Korea, James served with Company F, 2nd Bn., 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was killed in action while assaulting Hill 812 during the battle for Kanmunbong Ridge, on <strong>Sep</strong>tember 17, 1951, only five days after his brother died in combat. For his leadership and valor James was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the <strong>Korean</strong> Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>War</strong> Service Medal. The 5th Marines suffered 250 casualties taking Hill 812. While in Korea, Kenneth Brothers In Death Pfc. James Thomas Hamilton Pfc. Kenneth C. Hamilton The Battle for Kanmunbong served with Company C, 1st Bn. 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was killed in action <strong>Sep</strong>tember 12, 1951, while assaulting Hill 673 during the battle for Kanmunbong Ridge. Kenneth left his position to carry ammo to a machine gun. From there, he joined an under-strength rifle squad to help in the final assault on Hill 673. He was mortally wounded on this final assault. Four members of his company wrote Kenneth up for the Navy Cross for his actions in this final assault. Kenneth was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the <strong>Korean</strong> Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>War</strong> Service Medal. This battle for Kanmunbong Ridge and the Army’s 2nd Inf. Division battle for Bloody Ridge and Heartbreak Ridge in <strong>Sep</strong>tember and <strong>Oct</strong>ober 1951 were the last major offensives in the <strong>Korean</strong>’ <strong>War</strong>. Thanks to the Hamilton family for providing the photos of James and Kenneth. 72 Death Notice of a Member of KWVA The following notice is submitted for publication: Name of deceased ____________________________________________________ Date of death ________________________________________________________ Department/Chapter __________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ Army Navy Marine Corps Air Force Coast Guard Other ______________________________________________________________ Primary Unit of service during <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>War</strong> Submitted by ________________________________________________________ Relationship to deceased________________________________________________ Send to: Membership, P.O. Box 101238, Arlington, VA 22210 “Why Is My Magazine Late?” We have received several inquiries recently as to why the two most recent issues of The Graybeards have been later than usual. The answer is simple: we made an executive decision to delay them to make sure you received the latest news from the Arlington and Louisiana Executive Council meetings, rather than make you wait months for minutes, revised by-laws, etc. We will be back to the regular schedule with the November-December <strong>2005</strong> issue. Thanks for your patience. <strong>Sep</strong>tember - <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2005</strong> The Graybeards
The Graybeards <strong>Sep</strong>tember - <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2005</strong> 73