Kenneth R. Shadrick

Remembering Kenneth R. Shadrick: The First American Soldier in the Korean War

Kenneth R. Shadrick (August 4, 1931 – July 5, 1950) was a US Army soldier who died at the onset of the Korean War. His story is one of sacrifice and heroism, set against the backdrop of a global conflict that would change the course of history. Born in Harlan County, Kentucky, to Lucille and Theodore Shadrick, Kenneth’s life was marked by the Great Depression and the constant movement his family endured during those tough times.

At just 17 years old, Kenneth dropped out of high school after having his uniform stolen and enlisted in the US Army. Basic combat training followed, leading him to join the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Japan. His journey was far from over; he spent a year on Kyushu Island but by June 1950, he was growing tired of life in Japan.

Little did Kenneth know that his next move would be to the Korean Peninsula, where he would face one of the most significant battles of the early Cold War era. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean army invaded South Korea, catching the disorganized and ill-equipped South Korean forces off guard.

The Battle of Osan

As part of an understrength US division under Major General William F. Dean, Kenneth was tasked with taking the initial shock of the North Korean advances. A plan was made to airlift one battalion into South Korea via C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft while blocking advancing North Korean forces.

The Engagement

On July 5, Task Force Smith engaged North Korean forces at the Battle of Osan, delaying them for seven hours before being defeated. The US suffered heavy casualties, including 60 killed and 163 total. Kenneth was part of an M9A1 Bazooka team with 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment during this time.

About 90 minutes after Task Force Smith’s withdrawal from the Battle of Osan, Shadrick led a small scouting force northward to Sojong-ni. There, they spotted a North Korean T-34/85 tank on a road to the north. Shadrick and other bazooka operators began firing on the tank from concealed positions around 16:00. Shadrick’s shot hit the tank, but he exposed himself to be photographed by Sergeant Charles R. Turnbull. The T-34 returned fire, striking Shadrick in the chest and arm. He died moments later.

Payne’s patrol retreated without destroying the tank, taking Shadrick’s body with them. Marguerite Higgins reported his death as the first American killed in the Korean War. However, subsequent publications have cast doubt on the accuracy of claims that he was the first American to die in the conflict.

The Legacy

Shadrick’s family was informed of his death by a neighbor and received confirmation from the military via telegraph several days later. A funeral was held on June 17, 1951, attended by hundreds of local residents. American Legion Post 133 erected a monument to Shadrick at the Wyoming County courthouse.

However, eyewitness accounts suggest that another soldier may have been killed earlier during the Battle of Osan. Despite this, Kenneth R. Shadrick remains an iconic figure in the early days of the Korean War, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers who fought to defend freedom.

As we remember Kenneth R. Shadrick, let us not forget the countless heroes who have fought and died for our freedom. Their stories are a testament to the courage and sacrifice that define our nation’s history.