In the Spring of 1951, after surviving a brutal winter at Chosin Reservoir, all was finally quiet along the Kansas Line – the line that separated the Chinese from the United Nations’ forces near the 38th parallel on the Korean peninsula.
Just before midnight on April 24, Chinese soldiers stormed the U.S. camp in never-ending waves. Out gunned and out manned, the U.S. forces fought until they had no choice but to withdraw. Those who could not escape were taken prisoner. Among those American soldiers captured by the Chinese were best friends Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura and Joe Annello.
During the attack, Miyamura heroically fought against the Chinese forces, allowing for his squad to safely withdraw as he and Annello were taken prisoner. Miyamura suffered painful wounds, but none so bad as Annello’s – the blast from a grenade had injured his spine and he was unable to walk. For miles, Miyamura carried Annello as they marched until the Chinese soldiers forced Miyamura at gunpoint to leave Annello on the side of the road to die. There, they said what they thought was a final goodbye. Thankfully, it was not.
In three years, the Korean War took the lives of more than 36,000 Americans and another 100,000 more were wounded. In total, 1.5 million young Americans left to fight in a remote country far away from the comforts of home. They served for the simple reason that their country called.
On the 65th anniversary of its Armistice, the nation honors these proud Veterans – those still with us, those who lost their lives in what was once called our country’s “forgotten war.”
PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert will honor Annello and Miyamura’s friendship, endurance and heroism through horrific ordeals. Watch on your local PBS station Sunday, May 27, 2018, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
About the author: Capital Concerts is the nation’s leading producer of live patriotic television shows, including PBS’s highest-rated performance specials: National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth, the premier celebrations of America’s most important holidays broadcast from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. For more than 35 years, these two award-winning productions have become national traditions, bringing together Americans to celebrate freedom and democratic ideals and to pay tribute to those who defend them.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Army Veteran Malika Montgomery says one of the things that helped her live her best life with multiple sclerosis was surrounding herself with positive people.
Acknowledging the issues that Veterans face and working toward solutions is crucial for ensuring they have the support they need to thrive in civilian life.
Last year, Move United hosted 26 adaptive sports competitions in 22 states for 1,537 individual athletes. This year, that number is increasing to 35 events in 24 states for even more Veteran athletes.
I just read the above story and was touched by it. But I was left hanging. The story didn’t explain how Annello survived and how the two friends got back together. It’s a compelling story.
DCA
Dale Gefre, I have no idea where you live, but it is an election year! Your congressmen/women are looking to get elected and want your vote in this unsettled time. I suggest contacting them and strongly “encourage” them to get on the ball with your cause as it has been over three years! Just my advice. I had a brother wounded in Korea, two brothers and a brother-in-law in WWII and a father in WWI. My brother-in-law was not only in WWII, but also in Korea and Vietnam. I was with 1/9 in Vietnam in 1969.
my room mate William R. Dixon was a korean war veteran . I was the administrator and power of attorney for his estate in the final year of his life.( he passed away on January 23, 2015.) He was entitled to the standard $5000.00 veterans insurance policy he paid into during his time of service and also his Veteran Memorial Flag and Letter of commendation form the the President. I have received nothing as of this time. (3 years later) V.A doesn’t have a clue where to direct me. since i am entitled to the above mentioned items. Does anyone on this web site have a clue as to where i inquire??..also, he was right in the middle of a hearing loss disability claim at the time of his death. Can i still pursue this claim also?? The VFW and DAV, which he was a member of, told me his disability claim is still valid. And since i was the administrator of his estate , i would be be entitled to all of the above mentioned. Thanks to all.
CONTACT SOMEONE AT THE REGIONAL OFFICE NEAR YOU..O.R SOMEONE AT DAV AND ASK FOR A SERVICE OFFICER…WRITE TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN…
HERE ARE SOME PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES
1 800-827-1000
http://WWW.VA.GOV
HTTPS//IRIS.VA.GOV
http://WWW.EBENEFITS.VA.GOV
GOOD LUCK
CHRISTINE MCKINNEY
IF I CAN BE OF ANY FURTHER HELP
ONE MORE THING
CONTACT THE VA HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER AT 1-877-222 VETS (8387) FOR ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Contact your Senator, if that doesn’t work contact your local tv station for advocacy.
Good luck and God Bless.
All I won’t to no is why it has taken so long for this country to honor those brave men and woman in admitting this was a war and not a confilck think you all for your Service and God bless you