[Winona Online Democracy]
Winona County Historical Society
160 Johnson Street
Winona, Minnesota 55987
James R. Miller and a panel of Korean War veterans will present, "Korea, the
Forgotten War: A View from the Bottom of a Foxhole" in the May Murray
Education Center of the Winona County Historical Society on Wednesday June 27
at 12:05 p.m.
The presentation will include a brief history of the war, personal reminisces,
and a display of posters, photographs, weapons, and maps. This presentation
is part of a three-year project sponsored by the Department of Defense to
identify, thank and honor the veterans of the Korean War; and provide the
American public with a clearer understanding and appreciation of the lessons,
history, and legacy of the Korean War.
Jim Miller is Chairman of the Korean War 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Committee He was renowned for his skill and creativeness in designing and
digging foxholes in the Korean peninsula. Miller joined the Army in 1948.
After basic training he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division that made the
first amphibious landing of the Korean Conflict on July 18, 1950 at
Pohangdong, South Korea. This landing helped stop the rapidly advancing North
Korean Army and established the Pusan Perimeter. On September 16, one day
after the landings at Inchon, the Eighth Army, including the 1st Cavalry
Division broke out of this defensive perimeter and went on the offensive.
President Truman authorized General MacArthur to send his forces beyond the
38th parallel provided there was no indication that Soviet of Chinese
Communist forces would enter the war. As United Nations troops moved north
warnings of Chinese intervention increased. By October 25 UN forces met
strong opposition almost everywhere across their front. As the 1st Cavalry
Division moved beyond the 38th parallel into North Korea and began to approach
the Yalu River they were informed they were pursuing "fanatic North Korean
Communists armed with pistols and swords." On November 1,,1950 the 1st
Cavalry just 40 miles from the Chinese border came into contact with a Chinese
Communist Army of over 16,000 heavily armed troops equipped with mortars and
rockets and accompanied by T-34 tanks. One of the soldiers with Miller
remarked sardonically, "That's a Hell of a big pistol." This was the first
attack by the Chinese Army in force and was a disaster for the 1st Cavalry.
Out of the 120 men in Miller's Battery only twenty survived. The "Police
Action" that had become an entirely new war ended with a truce signed July 27,
1953. American losses included 33,686 killed and 103,284 wounded.
Miller earned the Korean Service ribbon with five battle stars, the Republic
of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Gold Bravery Medal of Greece. He
taught and coached in the Winona Public Schools for twenty-eight years. He
taught American History and English at Central Junior High, Winona Junior High
and Winona Senior High.
The public is invited to bring their lunch or to order a Blue Heron Coffee
House box lunch through the society. Call 454-2723 before Noon Tuesday June 26
for selections and prices.
For further information contact: Dr. William L. Crozier, Museum Educator
507-454-2723
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
William L. Crozier, Ph.D.
professor of history emeritus
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #54
Winona, MN 55987
Museum Educator
Winona County Historical Society
160 Johnson Street
Winona, Mn 55987
phone: 507-452-9690
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