Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments WASHINGTON - The Navy has posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit with a Combat "V" device to Herbert G. Claudius, 72 years after it dismissed his claims that he and his crew sunk a German U-boat off... WASHINGTON - The Navy has posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit with a Combat "V" device to Herbert G. Claudius, 72 years after it dismissed his claims that he and his crew sunk a German U-boat off the coast of Louisiana during World War II.
The elder Claudius has finally been recognized for his actions on July 30, 1942, when he led the patrol ship USS PC-566 into battle against a German submarine that had been attacking American vessels.
The elder Claudius has finally been recognized for his actions on July 30, 1942, when he led the patrol ship USS PC-566 into battle against a German submarine that had been attacking American vessels.
The elder Claudius has finally been recognized for his actions on July 30, 1942, when he led the patrol ship USS PC-566 into battle against a German submarine that had been attacking American vessels.
Minutes after the passenger ship SS Robert E. Lee was torpedoed and sunk by U-166 45 miles south of the Mississippi River Delta, Claudius' crew spotted a periscope in the area. After Claudius ordered depth charges fired, the crew saw an oil slick in the area where the weapons were dropped, according to historical accounts of the incident. This was strong evidence that the submarine had been severely damaged or destroyed.
But when Claudius submitted his after-action report, the Navy doubted his account because he and his crew had not yet received anti-submarine training, according to National Geographic, which is making a documentary about the affair.
The Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare Assessment Committee even admonished the crew for a poorly executed attack, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Claudius was removed from command and sent to anti-submarine warfare school.
"Claudius was shafted," U-boat expert Richie Kohler said, according to National Geographic. "He should have returned home a hero, but he was humiliated and sent back to school."
But the Navy has since come around. Nearly 60 years after the fact, an oil company discovered U-boat wreckage very close to where the battle occurred. Last summer, oceanographer Robert Ballard explored the site with remotely piloted vehicles and conducted high-resolution mapping to try to figure out what happened. The evidence suggested that U-166 had in fact been destroyed by a depth charge.
After concluding its own historic and archeological assessment, the Naval History and Heritage Command recommended the service credit PC-556 and Claudius for sinking the U-boat and give them the appropriate recognition.
Mabus acknowledged that the Navy made a mistake. MoreHide
Chain of Command PARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded during four WESTPAC tours. The PARKS was now involved in the Korean Conflict. The ship performed superbly in conducting shore bombardment and blockade duties in the Bay of Wonsan, North Korea. Captain Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B"
Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star.
Communist China Spring Offensive1951: 11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star.
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951: 11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star.
Commander Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Other Memories
USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD 884), APRIL 1949 TO DECEMBER 1951, COMMANDING OFFICER CDR HERBERT G. CLAUDIUS. AWARDED THE LEGION OF MERIT DURING THE KOREAN WAR.
In April of 1949, PARKS proceeded to Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California for overhaul. Upon completion of the yard period, PARKS steamed to San Diego, where she conducted local training exercises until October of 1949. On 16 July CDR Herbert G. CLAUDIUS, USN, relieved CDR NICHOLS, thus becoming the fourth Commanding Officer of PARKS. The ship left for her third tour of duty in the Far East, arriving in Japan in November of 1949; this tour lasted almost eight months. PARKS visited the Philippine Islands, China, Malaya, and crossed the Equator on a voyage to the South Seas and Singapore.
She returned to San Diego on 12 June 1950. When hostilities broke out in Korea, PARKS steamed to Hawaii and remained in a stand-by status prepared to assist the Naval units in the WESTPAC area. In September she returned to San Diego and soon proceeded to San Francisco for her regular overhaul.
PARKS deployed on the morning of 19 February 1951. After a logistics stop at Pearl Harbor, PARKS set course for non-stop trip to Sasebo, Japan. After steaming across the International Date Line, however, she was forced to backtrack to Midway Island with a seriously ill seaman. After transferring the patient and fueling, PARKS set her course once more for Sasebo. After again crossing the 180th she was once more compelled to return to Midway with another patient. On 7 March PARKS crossed the Date Line for the fifth time in three days and finally arrived in Sasebo on 13 March without further incident.
PARKS joined Fast Carrier Task Force 77 on 17 March to assist in screening the larger ships and commenced a month tour in support of anti-communist air operations off the east coast of North Korea. Enroute to TF 77 a floating mine was sighted close aboard and exploded by 40 mm fire. The incident had its amusing side; the Junior Officer of the watch, who sighted the mine, remarked only a few minutes earlier that PARKS was "too far at sea to have to worry about such things as mines".
After a week of upkeep in Yokosuka, PARKS proceeded to Wonsan, North Korea, for Naval Gunfire Support Activities. At Wonsan on 30 April 1951, PARKS encountered gunfire from enemy shore batteries for the first time; after a two hour battle, she silenced them. During here stay at Wonsan she was responsible for saving the lives of two pilots who were forced to ditch their planes in the harbor. PARKS fired 6,569 rounds of five-inch projectiles in interdiction, harassing the counter battery fire during her first 29 day tour of shore bombardment duty.
When PARKS returned for her second tour of shore bombardment duty at Wonsan, she encountered increased enemy resistance. Enemy shore batteries opened fire on the ships in the harbor six times in six days. PARKS was straddled three times, and on another occasion received seven near misses, but successfully answered and silenced the enemy fire without damage to herself.
During this tour PARKS was responsible for coordinating the rescue of six more United States pilots. In, addition, PARKS worked with Air Force and Navy planes designating targets for day and night bombing, rocketing and strafing attacks, and in turn, received spotting assistance from the aircraft.
Twice PARKS provided a shore fire control party for several days on Hwang To-Do Island just 3,000 yards from the enemy's shore. Using this party and a U. S. Marine party, PARKS was spotted onto numerous lucrative targets. At one time her illumination and gunfire broke up an attempted invasion of Hwang To-Do by communist sampans. PARKS provided fire support for mine sweeps conducting close-in operations and more than once silenced opposing enemy guns.
On 22 September PARKS was relieved and sailed from Wonsan with her guns firing counter battery fire. The damage done to the enemy at Wonsan will never be fully known, but the destruction on warehouses, ammunition dumps, gun emplacements and railway and highway facilities was very heavy.
PARKS spent a total of 60 days in the enemy harbor at Wonsan participating in the longest siege in U. S. Naval History. It is believed that she spent more time there than any other U. S. Warship. A total of 12,307 rounds of five-inch projectiles fired at the Korean Operations. On 15 December 1951 CDR CLAUDIUS relieved by CDR John J. FOOTE, USN.
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments PARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded for a second WESTPAC tour. The PARKS was now involved in the Korean Conflict. The ship performed superbly in conducting shore bombardment and blocka... PARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded for a second WESTPAC tour. The PARKS was now involved in the Korean Conflict. The ship performed superbly in conducting shore bombardment and blockade duties in the Bay of Wonsan, North Korea. Captain Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" with combat "V" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Commander Herbert G. Claudius, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884), in Korea, from 19 March to 16 May 1951. (Commander Claudius is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)
General Orders: All Hands (July 1953)
Action Date: March 19 - May 16, 1951
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Description USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B"
Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Ba... USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B"
Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star.
Communist China Spring Offensive1951: 11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star.
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951: 11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star.
Commander Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B"
Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Ba... USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B"
Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star.
Communist China Spring Offensive1951: 11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star.
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951: 11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star.
Commander Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description Korean Service
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951
16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star
Communist China Spring Offensive1951
11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951
11-Jul.- 51 ... Korean Service
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951
16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star
Communist China Spring Offensive1951
11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951
11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description Korean Service
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951
16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star
Communist China Spring Offensive1951
11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951
11-Jul.- 51 ... Korean Service
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951
16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star
Communist China Spring Offensive1951
11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star
U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951
11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star. MoreHide
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Description As 1951 drew to a close, a lull had settled over the battlefield. Fighting tapered off to a routine of patrol clashes, raids, and bitter small-unit struggles for key outpost positions. The lull resultAs 1951 drew to a close, a lull had settled over the battlefield. Fighting tapered off to a routine of patrol clashes, raids, and bitter small-unit struggles for key outpost positions. The lull resulted from Ridgway's decision to halt offensive operations in Korea, because the cost of major assaults on the enemy's defenses would be more than the results could justify. Furthermore, the possibility of an armistice agreement emerging from the recently reopened talks ruled out the mounting of any large-scale offensive by either side. On 21 November Ridgway ordered the Eighth Army to cease offensive operations and begin an active defense of its front. Attacks were limited to those necessary to strengthen the main line of resistance and to establish an adequate outpost line.
In the third week of December the U.S. 45th Division, the first National Guard division to fight in Korea, replaced the 1st Cavalry Division in the I Corps sector north of Seoul. The 1st Cavalry Division returned to Japan.
In the air, U.N. bombers and fighter-bombers continued the interdiction campaign (Operation STRANGLE, which the Far East Air Forces had begun on 15 August 1951) against railroad tracks, bridges, and highway traffic. At sea, naval units of nine nations tightened their blockade around the coastline of North Korea. Carrier-based planes blasted railroads, bridges, and boxcars, and destroyers bombarded enemy gun emplacements and supply depots. On the ground, the 155-mile front remained generally quiet in the opening days of 1952. Later in January the Eighth Army opened a month-long artillery-air campaign against enemy positions, which forced the enemy to dig in deeply. During March and April Van Fleet shifted his units along the front to give the ROK Army a greater share in defending the battle line and to concentrate American fire power in the vulnerable western sector.... More
Memories PARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded during four WESTPAC tours. The PARKS was now invPARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded during four WESTPAC tours. The PARKS was now involved in the Korean Conflict. The ship performed superbly in conducting shore bombardment and blockade duties in the Bay of Wonsan, North Korea. Captain Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B" Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star. Communist China Spring Offensive1951: 11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star. U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951: 11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star.
Commander Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.... More
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description Communist efforts to divide the South Koreans against themselves having failed, the North Koreans decided to attempt their subjugation by military force. At 0400, Sunday, 25 June 1950 (Korean Time), NCommunist efforts to divide the South Koreans against themselves having failed, the North Koreans decided to attempt their subjugation by military force. At 0400, Sunday, 25 June 1950 (Korean Time), North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into the Republic and launched their main effort toward the South Korean capital city of Seoul, down the P'och'on-Uijongbu and Yonch'on-Uijongbu corridors. Strong attacks were also directed through Kaesong toward Munsan on the right, and toward Ch'unch'on on the left. On the west coast the Ongjin Peninsula was quickly captured. On the east coast a land column and a small seaborne detachment met near Kangnung.
By 28 June Seoul had fallen, the North Koreans had closed up along the Han River to a point about 20 miles east of Seoul, and had advanced as far as Samchok on the meat coast. By 4 July enemy forces were along the line Suwon-Wonju-Samchok. In withdrawing, the Republic of Korea ("ROK") forces had suffered such serious losses that their attempts to regroup and retain order were almost futile.
On 25 June 1950 the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling "for immediate cessation of hostilities" and "upon the authorities of North Korea to withdraw forthwith their armed forces to the thirty-eighth parallel." When the North Koreans failed to accede to these demands, the Security Council passed a second resolution recommending "that the Members of the United Nations furnish such assistance to the Republic of Korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and restore the international peace and security in the area."
President Truman announced on 27 June 1950 the t he had ordered American air and naval forces to give cover and support to the South Korean troops (UN Defensive-27 June to 15 September 1950). On the 28th he authorized the Commander in Chief Far East to use certain supporting ground units in Korea, and authorized the U.S. Air Force to conduct missions on specific targets in North Korea. On the 30th the President further authorized the C. in C. Far East to use all forces available to him to repel the invasion, and ordered a naval blockade of the entire coast of Korea.
A Security Council resolution of 7 July 1950 recommended the establishment of a unified command in Korea and requested the United States to designate a commander of these forces. On 8 July President Truman announced the appointment of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (CINCUNC). On 14 July President Rhee placed all ROK security forces under the United Nations commander, an act which consolidated the anti-Communist forces under the United Nations Commend for the purpose of repelling the Communist aggression.
The U.S. forces at MacArthur's disposal included the four divisions in Japan-the 1st Cavalry Division and the 7th, 24th, and 25th Infantry Divisions-and the 29th Regimental Combat Team in Okinawa. The divisions were lacking a third of their infantry and artillery units and almost all their armor units. Existing units were far under strength. Weapons and equipment were war-worn relics of World War II, and ammunition reserves amounted to only a 45-day supply. None of the divisions had reached full combat efficiency, since intensive training had been largely neglected because of occupation duties.
Initial U.S. strategy, dictated by the speed of the North Korean drive and the state of American unpreparedness, was one of trading space for time. On 2 July 1950 Task Force Smith, composed of two rifle companies and a few supporting units of the 24th Division, was flown from Japan to Pusan and moved by train and truck to defensive positions near Osan, 30 miles south of Seoul. Its mission was to fight a delaying action to gain time for the movement of more troops from Japan. On 5 July this small force was attacked by a North Korean division supported by 30 tanks and compelled to withdraw, after a stubborn defense, with heavy losses of men and equipment.
By this time the remaining elements of the 24th Division had reached Korea and were in defensive positions along the Kum River, north of Taejon and 60 miles south of Osan. ROK elements held positions to the east, some 50 miles above Taegu. By 15 July the 25th Division had arrived in Korea and was positioned east of the 24th Division. The 1st Cavalry Division arrived and closed in the P'chang-dong area on 18-19 July. Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, had been placed in command of all U.S. ground troops in Korea on 13 July, and, at the request of President Rhee, of the South Korean Army as well. As the ground troops of other U.N. members reached Korea, they also were placed under Walker's command.
North Korean forces crossed the Kum River and captured Taejon, an important communications center, on 20 July. U.S. and ROK troops continued to withdraw steadily to the southeast under constant North Korean pressure. During the withdrawal our Army's 3.5-inch rocket launcher was used (for the first time on a battlefield) with highly successful results against North Korean tanks. It was in this period that the 24th Division commander, Maj. Gen. William F. Dean, was reported missing when North Korean tanks broke through the forward unite of his division. It was learned later that he had been captured about 35 miles south of Taejon on 25 August.
The final days of July 1950 witnessed a series of hard-fought battles all along the 200-mile front of the United Nations perimeter. The northern front, a line running inland from Yongdok through Andong, Yech'on, Hamch'ong, and Hwanggan to Kumch'on, was defended at critical points by ROK troops and the U.S. 25th Division. The 1st Cavalry Division was battling on the west flank to keep the Yongdong-Kumch'on-Taegu rail line open. To block the southwestern approaches to Pusan, which the enemy was threatening, the 29th RCT advanced to Chinju, but was ambushed by a North Korean division and suffered heavy losses. Enemy pressure continued from Yosu and Chinju in the southwest to Kwan-ni on the Taejon-Taegu railroad, thence northeast through Yech'on to Yongdok on the Sea of Japan.
By the beginning of August the U.S. and ROK forces had withdrawn behind the Naktong River, a position which the U.N. Command was determined to hold. The area held in southeastern Korea resembled a rectangle, the southwestern side of which was guarded by the 24th and 25th Divisions to prevent a breakthrough to Masan. The 1st Cavalry Division was deployed on the western front to guard the Taegu railroad approaches. The northern front was defended by ROK divisions from a point south of Hamch'ang to a point just south of Yongdok on the east coast.
Early in August General Walker declared the strategy of trading space for time to be at an end, and ordered a final stand along this 140-mile perimeter around the port of Pusan, which had become a well-stocked Eighth Army supply base and the hub of a rail and road net leading to the battle front. By now the enemy's lengthened supply lines were under constant air attack, enemy naval opposition had been wiped out, and the blockade of the Korean coast had been clamped tight.
During the next month and a half, fourteen North Korean divisions dissipated their strength in piecemeal attacks against the Pusan perimeter. Walker, by rapidly shuttling his forces to meet the greatest threats, inflicted heavy casualties on the North Koreans and prevented serious penetrations. The enemy, determined to annihilate the Eighth Army and take Taegu and Pusan, massed for a two-pronged attack across the Naktong, one prong from the west and the other from the southwest. The principal actions were fought along the river from Waegwan south through Song-dong and Ch'irhyon-ni to the junction of the Naktong and Nam Rivers, and southwest toward Haman and Chinju.
While U.S. troops were fighting along the banks of the Naktong, other battles took place in the southwest. A veteran North Korean division, which had been concentrated for an assault upon Susan and Pusan, was hit by Task Force Kean. Named for the 25th Division Commander, the Task Force was composed of the 5th RCT, the 35th RCT of the 25th Division, the 1st Marine Brigade, and a ROK battalion. It opened a strong counteroffensive on 7 August 1950 to secure the left funk of the perimeter and prevent the enemy from driving on Pusan. Overcoming initial heavy resistance, it defeated the North Koreans and by 11 August commanded the high ground to the east of Chinju.
On the eastern flank of the perimeter the town of Yongdok was lost by ROK units, some of which then had to be evacuated by sea. On 12 August the port of P'chang-dong was attacked by enemy forces led by tanks which mounted screaming sirens. This force poured through a break in the R0K lines and linked up with North Korean advance agents in the port. These agents, disguised as innocent-looking refugees, carried mortars, machineguns, and other weapons in oxcarts, on A-frames and on their persons. While a force of North Koreans took P'chang-dong, the adjoining airstrip, of great importance to the U.N. forces as a base for tactical aircraft. On 13 August the danger was so pressing that all aircraft were evacuated. Within the next five days, however, ROK troops and a small U.S. task force recaptured P'chang-dong and returned it to U.N. control.
During this time a much larger force of North Koreans breached the U.N. positions at some paints in the Naktong River sector, but failed in their attempt to capture the rail junctions at Taegu. To hold a line near the river, Walker rearranged the defensive positions of the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 1st Marine Brigade, deploying them in a manner which assigned combat zones of 15-30 miles to each division.
The enemy, continuing his efforts to crack the perimeter, massed several divisions above Waegwan to assault Taegu from the north. Despite a bombing raid in which U.N. air forces dropped 850 tons of bombs on the suspected enemy concentration area, the North Koreans launched a powerful attack which carried through the ROK positions and threatened Taegu. Stalwart defense and swift countermeasures in this area on 19 August saved Taegu from almost certain capture, parried the enemy 's three-pronged thrust at the city, and stopped the momentum of the North Korean offensive.
Shortly before midnight on 31 August enemy forces again attacked the Naktong River Line, this time in tremendous force. Disregarding very heavy casualties from U.N. air force bombing and strafing, they mounted a strong offensive against the entire Pusan beachhead from Haman in the south to P'chang-dong in the northern sector. The port of P'chang-dong was captured on 6 September, but again the Communists failed to capture the airfield. Waegwan and the "walled city" of Kasan were lost as the U.N. defenders fell back for a last ditch stand at Taegu. Between 4 and 11 September the enemy made important gains along the Naktong in some of the heaviest fighting of the war; but U.N. forces blunted the drive on Taegu and began to show slow progress of their own against very strong enemy resistance.
On the southern front the North Korean offensive, which opened with a massive artillery barrage near Haman, struck the 25th Division with tanks and waves of infantry, imperiling its forward positions. However, although the enemy had made impressive gains along the U.N. perimeter and General Walker still had to shuttle his units from one critical area to another, a strong beachhead remained in the hands of the U.N. Command.
By mid-August the offensive capability of the Eighth Army had been augmented by the arrival of the U.S. 2d Division, the 1st Marine Brigade, four battalions of medium tanks from the United States, and the 5th RCT from Hawaii. Before the month was out, five ROK divisions were restored to some semblance of order, and Great Britain committed the 27th Brigade from Hong Kong. With the arrival of these reinforcements an attempt could now be made to end the U.N. withdrawal and to begin a U.N. offensive in southeastern Korea.... More
Memories PARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded during four WESTPAC tours. The PARKS was now invPARKS' WESTPAC activity: Captain Claudius commanded during four WESTPAC tours. The PARKS was now involved in the Korean Conflict. The ship performed superbly in conducting shore bombardment and blockade duties in the Bay of Wonsan, North Korea. Captain Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884 "The Fightin' Floyd B" Korean War Service, Commander H.G. Claudius in command from April 1949 to December 1951.
First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951: 16-Mar.-51 21-Apr.-51, One Battle Star. Communist China Spring Offensive1951: 11-Apr.-51 16-May-51, One Battle Star. U.N.Summer-Fall Offensive 1951: 11-Jul.- 51 22-Sep-5, One Battle Star.
Commander Claudius was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for his command leadership in this activity. While on the PARKS in July, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.... More
Chain of Command
USS Runels was laid down on 7 June 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched on 4 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. D. S. Runels, widow of Ensign Runels; and commissioned on 3 January 1944, Lieutenant Commander H. G. Claudius in command.
Runels, assigned to Escort Division 47 (CortDiv 47), completed shakedown off Bermuda in April. In March [sic] she joined Task Force 67 (TF 67), at Brooklyn, for transoceanic convoy duty. Between 25 March and 11 May, she escorted a convoy to the United Kingdom and back; then, toward the end of May, shifted to a more southerly route and convoyed ships to Casablanca. Returning in mid-June, she operated with escort carriers off the coast of southern New England until the 30th when she headed for North Africa again. On 10 July she arrived at Mers-el-Kebir; reported to Task Group 80.6 (TG 80.6); and commenced escort and patrol duty along the western North African coast. Within the week, however, her escort runs were extended to Naples where Allied forces were preparing for Operation Dragoon - the invasion of southern France.
On 13 August Runels cleared Naples with others assigned to convoy control of Operation "Dragoon" forces. On the 15th, she arrived in the assault area and took up station in the transport screen. For the next 2 months, however, she continued to escort troops and supplies, from Mers-el-Kebir and from Naples, into the offloading areas along the southern coast of France. Then, in November and December, she protected LSTs shuttling supplies between Bastia, Corsica, and Marseilles.
Ordered back to the United States for conversion to a destroyer transport, Runels departed the Mediterranean at the end of the year and arrived at New York on 18 January 1945.
Description The plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest PaciThe plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest Pacific under General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and the other in the Central, South, and North Pacific (Pacific Ocean Areas) under Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were created early in the war. Except in the South and Southwest Pacific, each conducted its own operations with its own ground, air, and naval forces in widely separated areas. These operations required at first only a relatively small number of troops whose efforts often yielded strategic gains which cannot be measured by the size of the forces involved. Indeed, the nature of the objectivesùsmall islands, coral atolls, and jungle-bound harbors and airstrips, made the employment of large ground forces impossible and highlighted the importance of air and naval operations. Thus, until 1945, the war in the Pacific progressed by a double series of amphibious operations each of which fitted into a strategic pattern developed in Washington.... More
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description USS Runels was laid down on 7 June 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched on 4 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. D. S. Runels, widow of Ensign Runels; and commissioned on 3 Janu... USS Runels was laid down on 7 June 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched on 4 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. D. S. Runels, widow of Ensign Runels; and commissioned on 3 January 1944, Lieutenant Commander H. G. Claudius in command.
Runels, assigned to Escort Division 47 (CortDiv 47), completed shakedown off Bermuda in April. In March [sic] she joined Task Force 67 (TF 67), at Brooklyn, for transoceanic convoy duty. Between 25 March and 11 May, she escorted a convoy to the United Kingdom and back; then, toward the end of May, shifted to a more southerly route and convoyed ships to Casablanca. Returning in mid-June, she operated with escort carriers off the coast of southern New England until the 30th when she headed for North Africa again. On 10 July she arrived at Mers-el-Kebir; reported to Task Group 80.6 (TG 80.6); and commenced escort and patrol duty along the western North African coast. Within the week, however, her escort runs were extended to Naples where Allied forces were preparing for Operation Dragoon - the invasion of southern France.
On 13 August Runels cleared Naples with others assigned to convoy control of Operation "Dragoon" forces. On the 15th, she arrived in the assault area and took up station in the transport screen. For the next 2 months, however, she continued to escort troops and supplies, from Mers-el-Kebir and from Naples, into the offloading areas along the southern coast of France. Then, in November and December, she protected LSTs shuttling supplies between Bastia, Corsica, and Marseilles.
Ordered back to the United States for conversion to a destroyer transport, Runels departed the Mediterranean at the end of the year and arrived at New York on 18 January 1945. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description USS Runels was laid down on 7 June 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched on 4 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. D. S. Runels, widow of Ensign Runels; and commissioned on 3 Janu... USS Runels was laid down on 7 June 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas; launched on 4 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. D. S. Runels, widow of Ensign Runels; and commissioned on 3 January 1944, Lieutenant Commander H. G. Claudius in command.
Runels, assigned to Escort Division 47 (CortDiv 47), completed shakedown off Bermuda in April. In March [sic] she joined Task Force 67 (TF 67), at Brooklyn, for transoceanic convoy duty. Between 25 March and 11 May, she escorted a convoy to the United Kingdom and back; then, toward the end of May, shifted to a more southerly route and convoyed ships to Casablanca. Returning in mid-June, she operated with escort carriers off the coast of southern New England until the 30th when she headed for North Africa again. On 10 July she arrived at Mers-el-Kebir; reported to Task Group 80.6 (TG 80.6); and commenced escort and patrol duty along the western North African coast. Within the week, however, her escort runs were extended to Naples where Allied forces were preparing for Operation Dragoon - the invasion of southern France.
On 13 August Runels cleared Naples with others assigned to convoy control of Operation "Dragoon" forces. On the 15th, she arrived in the assault area and took up station in the transport screen. For the next 2 months, however, she continued to escort troops and supplies, from Mers-el-Kebir and from Naples, into the offloading areas along the southern coast of France. Then, in November and December, she protected LSTs shuttling supplies between Bastia, Corsica, and Marseilles.
Ordered back to the United States for conversion to a destroyer transport, Runels departed the Mediterranean at the end of the year and arrived at New York on 18 January 1945. MoreHide
Description The European-Mediterranean-Middle East Theater was a major theater of operations during the Second World War (between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946). The vast size of Europe, Mediterranean and MThe European-Mediterranean-Middle East Theater was a major theater of operations during the Second World War (between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946). The vast size of Europe, Mediterranean and Middle East theatre saw interconnected naval, land, and air campaigns fought for control of the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The fighting in this theatre lasted from 10 June 1940, when Italy entered the war on the side of Germany, until 2 May 1945 when all Axis forces in Italy surrendered. However, fighting would continue in Greece – where British troops had been dispatched to aid the Greek government – during the early stages of the Greek Civil War.
The British referred to this theatre as the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre (so called due to the location of the fighting and the name of the headquarters that controlled the initial fighting: Middle East Command) while the Americans called the theatre of operations the Mediterranean Theatre of War. The German official history of the fighting is dubbed 'The Mediterranean, South-East Europe, and North Africa 1939–1942'. Regardless of the size of the theatre, the various campaigns were not seen as neatly separated areas of operations but part of one vast theatre of war.
Fascist Italy aimed to carve out a new Roman Empire, while British forces aimed initially to retain the status quo. Italy launched various attacks around the Mediterranean, which were largely unsuccessful. With the introduction of German forces, Yugoslavia and Greece were overrun. Allied and Axis forces engaged in back and forth fighting across North Africa, with Axis interference in the Middle East causing fighting to spread there. With confidence high from early gains, German forces planned elaborate attacks to be launched to capture the Middle East and then to possibly attack the southern border of the Soviet Union. However, following three years of fighting, Axis forces were defeated in North Africa and their interference in the Middle East was halted. Allied forces then commenced an invasion of Southern Europe, resulting in the Italians switching sides and deposing Mussolini. A prolonged battle for Italy took place, and as the strategic situation changed in southeast Europe, British troops returned to Greece.
The theatre of war, the longest during the Second World War, resulted in the destruction of the Italian Empire and altered the strategic position of Germany resulting in numerous German divisions being deployed to Africa and Italy and total losses (including those captured upon final surrender) being over half a million. Italian losses, in the theatre, amount to around to 177,000 men with a further several hundred thousand captured during the process of the various campaigns. British losses amount to over 300,000 men killed, wounded, or captured, and total American losses in the region amounted to 130,000.... More
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in... The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in any Federally recognized naval militia force in either active or in-active status. The award of the Naval Reserve Medal was discontinued on September 12, 1958, and has been replaced by the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. MoreHide
Comments
Ten year award, USNR. Captain Claudius became USN in 1946 until he retired in 1963.
Other Memories Herbert G. Claudius performed the duties of Division Officer, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer between 1930 and 1940 while he was active in the organized reserve in San Francisco.
University of California, Berkeley, California, where the Captain was studying Business Administration and Naval Science with the Naval ROTC unit. Graduation from Cal. in 1930 meant a BS degree in business and an Ensign's Commission in the U. S. Naval Reserve dated 19 June 1930.
Staff Commander MSTS - Washington DC 1961-1963.