Photo By Sgt. Von Marie Donato | Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Ford, senior enlisted adviser for 2nd Engineer Battalion,...... read more read more
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Throughout history, thousands of courageous men and women have made the decision to wear the uniform to defend our country, without ever knowing if they will be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.
In late November 1950, during the Korean War, Soldiers assigned to 2nd Engineer Battalion, who were attached to 2nd Infantry Division under the command of Eighth Army, were ordered to perform a rearguard action against advancing enemy troops to enable their relocation to the south.
After three days of heavy fighting and defending themselves against Chinese snipers and enemy mortar fire, the 2nd Eng. Bn. was the only unit left to fight the assault.
As time escaped them, the battalion commander ordered all their equipment, colors and combat streamers be destroyed to prevent the Chinese from capturing them as a war trophy.
As a reminder of the valiant battle, Soldiers assigned to 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, host an annual nighttime Burning of the Colors ceremony at Bulldog Field to honor and remember the Korean War battle of Kunu-ri on November 30, 1950.
“This ceremony is held to commemorate the burning of the colors for the 2nd Engineer Battalion and to honor the Korean War veterans and those killed in action during the battle of Kunu-ri specifically,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy J. Chapman, commander, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
The Nov. 19 ceremony served as an excellent opportunity for young Soldiers to reflect and learn about their battalion’s history.
“I think the Soldiers get a lot out of it because they get to interact with the Korean War veterans who fought with the unit that they are now part of,” Chapman said.
“I am glad that we are honoring our military heritage and honoring the Korean War Veterans,” said Sgt. Kasey S. Hartlieb, combat engineer, 2nd Eng. Bn., 3rd BCT, 1st AD. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to be part of this ceremony. As Soldiers, we change duty stations very often, so it’s special to be a part of something as historic as this is.”
The battalion was honored to have Korean War veterans travel from around the U.S. to attend the ceremony.
“I am honored to be part of the commemoration ceremony and to honor those who fought and gave their lives,” said retired Maj. Arden Rowley, an 85-year-old Korean War veteran and prisoner of war, who served with 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion at the battle of Kunu-ri in 1950.
Rowley was one of roughly 300 Soldiers who were taken prisoner. He was held captive for 33 months.
“This battalion has a colorful history and it is an honor for me to be part of that. Every sacrifice we made was worth it,” Rowley said.
“It’s very humbling to meet them and listen to their stories,” Hartlieb said. “It’s unbelievable what they survived through. It’s an honor to thank them for their sacrifice.”
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2016 16:54 |
| Story ID: | 210758 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 158 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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