My name is David A. Rapp and my dad is my hero. My dad Charles David Rapp Jr, was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio. Dad was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1031, Springfield. On Jan. 8, 1952, dad was drafted into the U.S. Army. Dad, a member of Company "E", 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 16 Oct 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Private Rapp was a member of a patrol which had been ambushed on Hill 198. In the course of the action, the friendly patrol was subjected to intense enemy machine gun, automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire and was cut off from the route of withdrawal by the numerically superior force. Throughout the engagement, Private Rapp, with complete disregard for personal safety, stood erect, delivering accurate and effective fire into enemy positions, taking cover only to reload. Through the courageous actions of Private Rapp, his comrades were so inspired that they laid down intense fire upon the enemy, inflicting many casualties. By this renewed effort they were successful in breaking through the ambush and withdrawing to friendly lines with a minimum of casualties. The courageous actions of Private Rapp reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. My dad was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement. After my dad's military service he worked 42 years at the Parker Sweeper Company. Dad was always involved in my life and coached baseball for 8 years. Dad really never spoke much about the war, but he did have some funny stories. Dad would always write my mom saying he lost his camera. Dad was selling the cameras and making some money on the side. I have Dad's pocket Bible, which has his carbine's serial number and the days he spent on Old Baldy and T-Bone hills in Korea. Dad was always about service and service to this country. In November 2005, dad was involved in another battle. Dad fought the courageous battle of cancer. On Jan. 21, 2006, at age 77, he passed away and was buried with military honors. I have just recently retired with 33 years of law enforcement service. My dad was my hero and every member who has served this country are also heroes, thank you for your service.

Respectfully submitted,
David A. Rapp
Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Sons of The American Legion Post 178