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Myers marker at Decatur Cemetery, Decatur Indiana (findagrave.com).
Myers Family plot at Decatur Cemetery, Decatur Indiana (findagrave.com).
MAX LEROY MYERS
CORPORAL
U.S. ARMY
Max Leroy Myers was born on August 3, 1931, in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, to Howard L. Myers and Nessie Beam.
Growing up in a small town, Max experienced the close-knit community life that Decatur offered. His early years were likely filled with the typical activities of a young boy in the 1930s and 1940s, including school, family gatherings, and local events. Max had two siblings, including his brother Howard L. Myers Jr. and his sister Mary Myers.
Max attended and graduated from Decatur High School in 1950 earning five letters in three sports (football, basketball, and baseball). According to a October 9, 1952 Decatur Daily Democrat article, "All who knew him liked him, this shy, raw-boned lad. Wherever he went he gave them all he had".
Soon after high school, he joined the U.S. Army. He served as a Corporal in the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division and shipped out to Korea in March 1952. The 38th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Rock of the Marne," played a crucial role in several key battles during the Korean War. They were involved in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, and the advance into North Korea. The regiment faced harsh conditions and fierce enemy resistance, demonstrating remarkable bravery and resilience.
In September 1952, the 38th Infantry Regiment was engaged in the Battle of Old Baldy, a series of fierce engagements over Hill 266 in west-central Korea. The battle was part of the larger struggle for control of key terrain features along the front lines. The hill, nicknamed "Old Baldy" due to the lack of vegetation on its crest from continuous artillery and mortar fire, held significant strategic importance as it provided a commanding view of the surrounding area
The Battle of "Old Baldy" consisted of five major engagements between June 1952 and March 1953. During these battles, the 38th Infantry Regiment, along with other United Nations forces, faced relentless attacks from Chinese forces. The fighting was intense and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The regiment's objective was to capture and hold the hill, which changed hands multiple times throughout the engagements. The regiment faced fierce resistance as they attempted to hold their positions against determined Chinese assaults. The battle was characterized by close-quarters combat, artillery barrages, and the use of air strikes to support ground troops. The Battle of Old Baldy, while not decisive in altering the overall course of the Korean War, exemplified the brutal and costly nature of the conflict. Both sides incurred significant casualties, and the hill changed hands multiple times, ultimately ending with Chinese control.
The battle highlighted the strategic importance of terrain and the relentless determination of both UN and Chinese forces. It also underscored the stalemate that characterized much of the Korean War, where fierce battles were fought over relatively small but strategically significant pieces of land.
Max Leroy Myers was killed in action on September 20, 1952, during these intense battles. Max was laid to rest in Decatur Cemetery.
For his service and sacrifice, Corporal Myers earned the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
SOURCES
Max L myers korean war gold star veteran from Indiana. Max L Myers : Corporal from Indiana, Korean War Casualty. (n.d.). https://www.honorstates.org/profiles/202540/
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43215776/max_leroy-myers
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