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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 12, 2015 10:11 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Harry Readshaw and Rep. Dom Costa |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | CONDOLENCE Resolution: Sergeant John McLaughlin (1930-1950) |
In the near future, we will be introducing a Condolence Resolution to honor the life of Pittsburgh native Sergeant John McLaughlin, United States Marine Corps, Company D, 32nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, who died at the age of 19 on December 7, 1950, at The Battle of The Chosin Reservoir. Sergeant McLaughlin was a rifle squad leader near Haguru-ri, Korea, at The Battle of The Chosin Reservoir, one of the most significant battles of the United States Marine Corps history. The Battle of The Chosin Reservoir was a brutal 17 day-battle in freezing weather lasting from November 27, 1950, until December 13, 1950, when 30,000 United Nations Troops, mostly United States Marines, nicknamed “The Chosin Frozen”, were encircled by 67,000 People’s Republic of China and People’s Volunteer Army 9th Army troops. In his Bronze Star Citation, the Vice Admiral of the United States Navy, Commanding the Far East Forces, C. T. Joy, wrote: “For heroic achievement while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in Korea on 7 Dec 1950. Sergeant McLaughlin was serving as a rifle squad leader when his company was deployed in defensive positions on a snow covered mountain in sub-zero temperatures near Haguru-ri, Korea. When the company was subjected to a strong attack by approximately one battalion of enemy troops, he fearlessly exposed himself to heavy enemy machine gun and grenade fire to move among his squad’s positions to insure that the defense was adequate, and to give aid and encouragement to his men. In the face of the numerically superior enemy force which was threatening to overrun the company’s positions, he continued to move from position to position, directing accurate and effective fire upon the onrushing enemy. During this action, he was fatally wounded by enemy grenades. His aggressive actions and unerring devotion to duty were an inspiration to all members of his company. Sergeant McLaughlin’s initiative and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” Sergeant McLaughlin was originally buried in a mass grave on the battlefield and several years after the War, he was part of an exchange of war dead with North Korea. He was returned to the United States and was buried as an unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii for 58 years. Sergeant McLaughlin’s remains were recently identified due to the ongoing efforts of the Korean War Project: Finding the Families from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, by using DNA samples from a family member to identify remains. Without this project, Sergeant McLaughlin and others would continue to be unidentified. Sergeant McLaughlin was returned to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in April 2015, after six decades, and will be laid to rest on June 6, 2015. Sergeant McLaughlin is an example of the determination and resolve of our Commonwealth and our Country to identify and return our brave souls who serve and protect our freedoms and, thereby, standing by the American Military motto dating back to 1756, “Leave No Man Behind”. Please join us in welcoming Sergeant McLaughlin home to the Keystone State and to honor his ultimate sacrifice to his Commonwealth and his Country. Thank you. Harry Readshaw and Dom Costa |
Introduced as HR351