by Adam Makos
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During the November 26 photo shoot for Life, Dick Cevoli (left) and Jesse play backgammon.
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The photo shoot took Jesse onto the flight deck…
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…and into the cockpit of a Corsair.
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The Life photo shoot ended with this last shot of Jesse high on the Leyte’s tower.
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After the snowstorm that forced Tom and Jesse to land at Wonsan, Leyte deckhands work to clear the deck.
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The Chosin Reservoir at the time of the battle.
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Stalin propaganda posters were prized souvenirs. This Marine liberated one from an enemy bunker near the Chosin.
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Marines press onward through the Chosin’s relentless cold.
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Marines keep the Chinese at bay during a rare daytime firefight at the Chosin.
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Marines watch the effects of air strikes against enemy troops near Koto-ri.
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Nicolas Trudgian’s painting Off to the Chosin depicts Tom’s takeoff on December 3.
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Gareth Hector’s painting Wingmen to the End depicts Jesse and Tom as they support the Marines’ withdrawal from Yudam-ni.
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An HO3S from Charlie Ward’s unit prepares to lift off from Hagaru. A wounded man’s feet can be seen jutting from the open window.
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Matt Hall’s painting Devotion depicts the events of December 4.
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During the withdrawal to the port of Hungnam, the living often walked while the dead rode.
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Marines of this mortar squad manage to smile during the evacuation of Koto-ri.
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Marines follow the precipitous mountain trails toward the port of Hungnam. “Retreat, hell! We’re not retreating,” General O. P. Smith famously said. “We’re just attacking in another direction.”
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Coderre’s parents visit him in a Rhode Island hospital in 1951.
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With sailors assembled to spell the ship’s name, the Leyte returns to San Diego in February 1951.
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In April 1951, Red Parkinson strums a guitar while on deployment in central Korea. This photo soon appeared on the cover of Newsweek.
To the veterans of the forgotten victory in Korea, 1950–1953
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’D LIKE TO EXTEND MY DEEPEST THANKS to the following people for their help with Devotion:
To Tom Hudner, the gentleman I met in the hotel lobby eight years ago. Thank you for entrusting me with your story and allowing me to accompany you on your mission to North Korea. You’re a real-life “Captain America” who has given us all a timeless gift—an example worth emulating.
To Daisy Brown Thorne. A half-century after you lost Jesse, I asked you to relive the memories of your times together, for this book. On July 6, 2014, soon after we completed our work, you left this earth. I’ll never forget your words after one particularly long interview: I just love talking about Jesse.
To the supporting stars of Devotion, in order of appearance: Lura Brown, Fletcher Brown, Marty Goode, Bill Koenig, Halley Bishop, John “Red” Parkinson, Ed Coderre, and Bill “Wilkie” Wilkinson—your stories are each worthy of a book of its own. Thank you for giving Devotion humor, poignancy, and depth.
To Tom Hudner’s wife, Georgea Hudner, thank you for your faith in this book from the start. When your husband decided to travel to North Korea, you could have dissuaded him—as many wives would have—but you encouraged him to fulfill his promise to Jesse. You’re proof that beside every great man stands a great woman.
To Pamela Brown Knight—Jesse’s daughter—whose blessing made this book possible. As Daisy’s protector, you could have said “enough” and our history-gathering would have ended. Instead, you welcomed me to Hattiesburg and opened the doors to your family’s history. You’re everything one would expect from the daughter of Jesse and Daisy Brown.
To Marine Sergeant Dick Bonelli, one of the legendary warriors of Fox Company at the Chosin Reservoir. In 2013, when Tom Hudner returned to North Korea, he included Dick in his traveling party to represent the Marines. Although Devotion lacked the pages to cover their adventure, I assure you—Bonelli was there.
To the veterans’ families and friends, thank you for the stories, photos, and documents you shared that enriched this book. Special thanks to: Sue Burton, Steve Cevoli, Ed Coderre, Jr., Wanda Perkowska Coderre, Dr. Frank Cronin, the Danaher family, Don Devans, Kelli Fernandez, Richard C. Fowler, Ellen Franks, James Hudner, Mary Hudner, Phillip Hudner, Rick Hudner, Thomas Hudner III, Audrey Johns, Jamal Knight, Jessica Knight, Jim and Diane McMichael, Jenny Parkinson, Edward Sisson, Charlotte Ward, and Karen Ward.
To my dedicated agent, David Vigliano, who guided Devotion into the hands of the team at Ballantine Books. To my editors, Ryan Doherty, who recognized the power of this story and coached me through its early days, and Mark Tavani, whose deft hand polished the manuscript to its final form. To the president and publisher of Random House, Gina Centrello, and the publishing team at Ballantine Bantam Dell: Libby McGuire, Jennifer Tung, Richard Callison, Susan Corcoran, Greg Kubie, Quinne Rogers, Betsy Wilson, Evan Camfield, and everyone on the sales and marketing team, thank you all for bringing Devotion to the world.
To this book’s aviation advisor, Rob Collings, a modern-day Corsair pilot with the Collings Foundation, and to Valada Flewellyn, who works tirelessly to preserve Jesse Brown’s history through her traveling exhibit A Pilot Lights the Way. Thank you Valada, for guiding my first visit to Hattiesburg and introducing me to your friends Daisy and Pamela Brown.
To the historians and researchers of the Marine Corps Archives, the USMC History Division, the Naval History and Heritage Command, and the National Archives: Francis Alexander, Rita Cann, Jenny Crabb, Lisa Crunk, David Fort, Joe Gordon, John Hodges, Kenneth Johnson, Kara Newcomer, Nathaniel Patch, Kevin Pratt, Jonathan Roscoe, and Nancy Whitfield.
To the early readers who lent a discerning eye to this manuscript: Dianne Castelli, Franz Englram, Joe Gohrs, Patty Gohrs, Jaime Hanna, Tricia Leupp Hoover, Carolin Huber, Tony Hughes, Elizabeth Makos, Betsy Rider, Peter Semanoff, Agata Twarowska, Kyle Warren, and Bob Windholz.
To the experts, friends, and supporters who contributed in a myriad of ways: the Honorable Ray Mabus, Bill Bartsch, Jennifer Baxter, Lt. Andrea Cassidy, Mark “Goober” Connolly, Richard Downes (Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIAs), Herbert Fahr Jr. (USS Missouri Association), Mary Faria (The Herald News), David Friant, Craig Fuller, Joe Galloway, Chip Gibson, Matt Hall, Paula Hancocks, Gareth Hector, Steve Herman, Jeff “Growler” Hogan, Chester Makos (7th Infantry), Jean Lee, Kevin “Joker” Mastin, Ken McLaurin (USS Leyte Association), Joseph Pickard, John Powers, Dan Sheahan (Fall River Main Library), Lindy Smith, Dave Stecker (Quonset Air Museum), Anthony “K-Bob” Sweeney, Justin Taylan (Pacific Wrecks), Pauline Testerman, Joanna Williams, Vickie Wilson (Johnson Publishing Co.), Richard D. Winters, Bill Woodier, and Le Grande Van Wagenen (USS Leyte Association).
To Marcus Brotherton, the veteran author and coauthor of twenty-five books who mentored my writing. From the first chapter to the last, you were always trimming, sharpening, and sharing the tricks of your trade to help me become a better writer. I’m lucky to count you as a friend.
To my grandfather Mike Makos, who passed away during the process of this book. You always told me about those postwar years when Soviet fighters intercepted your B-17 off the coast of Japan. Only now do I realize the dangers you faced.
To my sisters, Erica Makos and Elizabeth Makos, and my mother, Karen Makos, thanks for being my proofreaders and toughest crit
ics. Your feedback helped shape this book. To my dear friend Helga Stigler, thanks for looking out for me from afar.
To my grandparents Francis and Jeanne Panfili, who brought countless lunches and dinners to my brother and me during those endless days and nights at our desks. Your love and encouragement always lifted our spirits.
To my dad, Robert Makos, and my brother, Bryan Makos, who led our research team and even traveled to North Korea for this book. Your task was lofty: to conduct interviews and gather historical facts across three continents, seven countries, and both sides of the Korean War. Few could have done the job that you did.
Lastly, thanks to you, the reader, for purchasing Devotion. I hope this story will inspire you and remain in your mind. If you find yourself hungry to learn more, you’ll find film of Tom’s trip to North Korea, an eerie ghost story from Daisy, and other bonus content on my website: www.AdamMakos.com.
On behalf of Tom, Daisy, and the heroes of Devotion, I now pass the torch to you. Keep the flame alive. The legacy of great men and women lies in your hands.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
THANK YOU TO THE MEN AND WOMEN of the Greatest Generation who granted us interviews for this book and shared their letters, diaries, personal memoirs, and written accounts.
Due to the space limitations, I could not list every name or describe every face in the manuscript, yet still you contributed, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Your memories enriched Devotion and honored your comrades, friends, and family.
My deepest thanks go out to:
Jack Allen (H&S/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Halley Bishop (Flight Deck Corpsman, VF-33)
Robert Blackington (Pilot, VA-35)
Richard Bonelli (F/2/7, 1st Marine Division)
Ira Bossert (USS Leyte)
Lyle Bradley (Pilot, VMF-214)
Fletcher Brown (Jesse Brown’s brother)
Lura Brown (Jesse Brown’s brother)
Harry Burke (F/2/7, 1st Marine Division)
Hector Cafferata Jr. (F/2/7, 1st Marine Division)
Richard Cantrell (Pilot, VA-35)
Roland Christensen (Jesse Brown’s flight instructor)
Edward Coderre (H/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Jack Cogdell (Pilot, VF-31)
Jack Coleman (H/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Robert Duncan (H/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Robert Ezell (F/2/7, 1st Marine Division)
Sam Folsom (Pilot & Operations Officer, MAG-12, USMC)
William Gelonek (Pilot, VF-32)
Martin Goode (Pilot, VF-32)
Albert Grasselli (Pilot, VMF-212)
Daniel Holland (CO, 7th Marine Regiment Forward Air Controllers)
John Homan (H/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
James Hudner (Tom Hudner’s brother)
Mary Hudner (Tom Hudner’s sister)
Phillip Hudner (Tom Hudner’s brother)
Rick Hudner (Tom Hudner’s brother)
Thomas Hudner Jr. (Pilot, VF-32)
W. Carl Jeckel (Plane Captain, VF-33)
H. Newt Key Jr. (Pilot, VF-32)
William Koenig (Pilot, VF-32)
John Margie (H&S/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Ken McLaurin (USS Leyte)
John Mills (I/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Jack Mitchell (USS Leyte)
John Mitchell (H&S/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Robert Molson (USS Leyte)
William Morin (Wpns/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Gene Morrison (Pilot, VMO-6)
Clifford Myer (H&S/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
William Parish (Pilot, VF-31)
John Parkinson (Wpns/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Peter Pitz (Pilot, VF-33)
Walter Rathmann (USS Leyte)
Stan Roberts (USS Leyte)
Pat Roe (H&S/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Bryan Rudy (Pilot, VF-32)
William Sallada (Pilot, VF-33)
Herbert Sargent (Pilot, VF-32)
Roy Shaul (H&S/3/7, 1st Marine Division)
Darrell Smith (Pilot, VMF-312)
Richard Stack (Pilot, VF-32)
Dell Thomas (Pilot, HU2 Helicopter Utility Squadron, USS Leyte)
Daisy Brown Thorne (Jesse Brown’s wife)
William Wilkinson (Pilot, VF-32)
Official Documents and Reports
1st Lt. Charles C. Ward, HO3S-1 SN 122522, Accident Report. 1948.
1st Marine Air Wing Historical Diary. November–December 1950.
1st Marine Division Historical Diary. November–December 1950.
2nd Lt. Charles C. Ward, SBD-5 SN 28740, Accident Report. 1944.
7th Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Special Action Report. October–December 1950.
Army Field Manual FM 23-32 “Rocket Launchers.” 1949.
Attack Squadron Thirty Five Historical Report. July–December 1950.
Cmdr. Richard L. Cevoli, F9F-6 SN 128278, Accident Report. 1955.
Corsair Serial Number 82050 Aircraft History Card. 1950.
Corsair Serial Number 97231 Aircraft History Card. 1950.
Ens. Carol R. Mohring, F4U-4 SN 81357, Accident Report. 1949.
Ens. Carol R. Mohring, F4U-4 SN 80950, Accident Report. 1950.
Ens. Jesse L. Brown, F4U-4 SN 97231, Accident Report. 1950.
Fighter Squadron Thirty One Historical Report. July–December 1950.
Fighter Squadron Thirty Three Historical Report. July–December 1950.
Fighter Squadron Thirty Three Operational Report. October 1950–January 1951.
Fighter Squadron Thirty Two Historical Report. July–December 1950.
Fighter Squadron Thirty Two Operational Report. October 1950–January 1951.
Inadequacies Noted in the System of Control of Close Air Support Aircraft. 1951.
Lt. (JG) Robert O. Davis, HO3S-1 SN 122709, Accident Report. 1950.
Pfc. Edward Coderre NAVMED Report, USNH, Newport, R.I. 1950.
Presentations of USS Leyte Officers, Air Group Three. 1951.
Production Inspection Trials of the Model F4U-4 Airplane. 1948.
Report of Sixth Fleet Exercises. July 15–20, 1950.
Substance of Statements Made at Wake Island Conference on 15 October 1950. Compiled by General of the Army Omar N. Bradley.
USS Boxer Action Reports. October 1950.
USS Leyte “32’s News” Ship’s Newspapers. 1950–1951.
USS Leyte Action Reports. October 1950–January 1951.
USS Leyte “Daily Press News” Releases. October–December 1950.
USS Leyte Deck Logs. May–December 1950.
USS Leyte Korean Cruise Book. 1950–1951.
USS Leyte Six Fleet Mediterranean Cruise Book. 1950.
USS Leyte War Diary. 1950.
USS Missouri War Diary. 1950.
USS Philippine Sea Action Reports. October–December 1950.
USS Valley Forge Action Reports. November–December 1950.
USS Worcester Six Fleet Mediterranean Cruise Book. 1950.
USS Wright Deck Log. April 4, 1950.
VF-14 Aircraft Action Report. June 19, 1944.
VMO-6 Action Report. October–December 1950.
Books
Applebaum, Anne. Iron Curtain. New York: Anchor, 2012.
Appleman, Lt. Col. Roy E. East of Chosin. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1987.
Atkins, Edward. On Which We Serve. Bloomington: WestBow, 2011.
Bartsch, William H. December 8, 1941: MacArthur’s Pearl Harbor. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2003.
Beach, J. M. Gateway to Opportunity: A History of the Community College in the United States. Sterling: Stylus, 2011.
Brown, Lt. Col. Ronald J. Whirlybirds: U.S. Marine Helicopters in Korea. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Marine Corps, 2003.
Cagle, Malcolm W., and Frank A. Manson. The Sea War in Korea. Annapolis: Naval Institute, 1957.
Cohen, Yohanan. Small Nations in Times of Crisis and Confrontation. Albany: State University
of New York Press, 1989.
Courtois, Stéphane, Jean-Louis Panné, Andrzej Paczkowski, Karel Bartosek, Jean-Louis Margolin, and Nicolas Werth. The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression. Ed. Mark Kramer. Trans. Jonathan Murphy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1999.
D’Amato, Donald A. Images of America: Warwick. Charleston: Arcadia, 1996.
Doss, Erika L. Looking at Life Magazine. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 2001.
Drury, Bob, and Tom Clavin. The Last Stand of Fox Company. New York: Grove, 2009.
Edwards, Paul M. Korean War Almanac (Almanacs of American Wars). New York: Facts on File, 2006.
Field, James A., Jr., and Ernest M. Eller. History of United States Naval Operations: Korea. Honolulu: University of the Pacific Press, 2001.
Fletcher, Gregory G. Intrepid Aviators: The American Flyers Who Sank Japan’s Greatest Battleship. New York: NAL Caliber, 2013.
Forero, Lt. Col. L., Maj. C. Bailey, Maj. W. Cunningham Jr., Maj. C. Ebbingar, Maj. J. Stone, Maj. R. Bondel, Maj. W. Drake, Maj. T. Garrett, Maj. Y. Lim, and Maj. R. Watford Jr. Battle Analysis, Wonsan, Rear Area Operations (3rd Infantry Division, Korea, November 1950). Rep. no. AD-A152745. Fort Leavenworth: Combat Studies Institute, 1984.