Craig's Story

Miriam Hearn Tucker provides this story about her brother, Craig Hinton Hearn.

August 20, 2012

TO: THE HEARN FAMILY - CHARLES & EDNA McMILLAN HEARN
                                                                                                         
I have a story about Craig that I wish to share with you all.

Last week while “Little Neta” was going thru some of Neta’s things she found this book I had let Neta (her mother) read.  She brought it to me. The book, “Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul”, was given to Herbert on Christmas 2001, by Roger’s daughters, Amy & Lora.  I read the book all last week with tears in my eyes, and heavy heart, all the stories about our Veterans in WW1, WW11, Korean War, & Vietnam.

In my family (Hearn) we have had 12 Veterans.

WW1

Charles H. Hearn (Daddy)                                                      Army

WW11

Walden McMillan Hearn (brother)   (Bubba) (Bessie)         Air Force

Luke Jarman (brother-in-law) (Sister-Madeline)                  Navy

Toby Cascioli (brother-in-law) (Edna Earl)                          Army

Odell Thorp (brother-in-law) (Eloise)                                   Navy

Mike Pistner (brother-in-law) (Neta)                                    Army

Horace Eakins (brother-in-law) (Ruth)                                 Navy

Korean War

Ray Kelly (brother-in-law) (Hilda)                                       Army

Craig Hinton Hearn (brother)                                                Army

Craig was killed in action (KIA) in North Korea, August 27, 1951.  Craig was born November 6, 1929 in Teachey, NC.  U. S. Army Private 53051950. Company G, 38^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Infantry Division.  He was KIA fighting the enemy near Pia-Ri, North Korea.  He was awarded the Purple Heart.

“He is faring on -

As dear in the love of there,

As the love of here.”

Herbert G. Tucker (husband) (Miriam)                                 Army

 
We carry the line of Veterans on with:

Roger Evans (son-in-law) (Gail)                                           Coast Guard

Dana Bennett Tucker (daughter-in-law) (Herbie)                 Air Force 
 

Bernie Pistner (nephew)                                                         Air Force

Hunter Eakins (son of nephew Grant)                                   Army

Ronald Hill (husband of niece Jane)                                     Air Force

Dennis Finucane (husband of niece Kathy)                          Navy

Larry Wise (husband of niece Mary Kathryn)                      Marine

Richard McCarter (husband of niece Lorraine)                    Army
 
Back to the Book:
 
After reading all the stories, I turned to the back of the book to read about the Veteran’s that had told their stories, there on page 369 of the contributors I saw, “Akira B Chikami, CMSgt (retired) is a former of G Company, Second Battalion, Thirty-Eighth-Infantry, Second Division.  A prisoner of war in North Korea, he was captured on August 27, 1951, near Pia-Ri North Korea and released on September 5, 1953.  He wishes to recognize his fellow POWs and MIAs who did not return.  He can be contacted at 713 Gilbert Rd. Winter Park Fl 327-4632.” His story was “Lord of the Chinese Flies” page 127.
 
I was so overwhelmed to see he was in Company G, 38^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Infantry Division and was taken POW on August 27, 1951, and Craig was also in Co. G, 38^th Regiment, 2^nd Div. and was killed on August 27, 1951.  I called “Little Neta” over from the McMillan Bed & Breakfast, and she helped me find Akira’s phone number in Winter Park Fl. He is 85 years old. 
 
We called him on Sunday August 19, but his wife said he had gone down town and she would tell him we called.  On Monday afternoon I called him back.  How thrilled I was to talk with him. After 61 years, I found someone that might have been with Craig on that terrible day.  He said, “Do you want me to tell you about that Day.” I said, “Yes, I do”.

He said Company G was sent out on a point “decoy,” (“Punch Bowl”) and they were not to be on the hill but 2 or 3 days. On day 5 they were coming back down to join the others, when the enemy “Fired” on them. He was taken along with 25 others as POWs and later released on September 5, 1953. He said he could not recall Craig, but they lost over half the Company. He said new soldiers had come in the Company right before they went up on the hill.  He has buddies still living and would talk with them.  I wrote him a note and sent him a picture of Craig.  Note: Craig’s picture and information can be found on-line by “Craig Hinton Hearn” on Google.

Isn’t this a Miracle?  At this time it is not a coincidence, but one of my many blessings and miracles from God! 

 
Hoping to hear more from Akira…
 
Love to All,  

Miriam Hearn Tucker

 
PS:  Given with love by the Tucker family; Beautiful Red Roses were placed in the Teachey Presbyterian Church, Sunday August 26, 2012 in Memory of Craig.