Briefing Document: Raymond Franklin King

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Summary of life and military service of Raymond Franklin King

Sources: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" provided

Overview: This document summarizes the key details of Raymond Franklin King's life, focusing on his family, upbringing, military service, and ultimately, his death in the Korean War.

Key Themes & Information:

Early Life and Family:

Raymond Franklin King was born on February 24, 1919, in Mullin, Mills County, Texas.

His parents were Mittie Minerva Tuggle and Nathaniel David King.

He grew up in Mills County, Texas, and was part of a large family. Census records show him living with his parents and multiple siblings (including twin sisters). The 1930 census indicates there were three brothers and three sisters.

Early Military Service:

He joined the National Guard in 1939 and trained in ordnance, indicating a technical aptitude.

He initially enlisted in the US Army Ordnance Department as a Master Sergeant on May 24, 1946. This reenlistment followed prior service in the National Guard.

World War II Service:

According to the document, he received a field promotion to Second Lieutenant while fighting in Europe during WW2 on April 9, 1945. This suggests he served with distinction.

Korean War Service:

He served as a First Lieutenant (O-2011764) with Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.

The 2nd Infantry Division played a crucial role in the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter in September 1950.

He is recognized for his "gallant and heroic" actions clearing mines:

Specifically, he cleared mines between 18 and 21 September 1950 near Sindang-dong, Korea

And again on 23 September 1950 near Chagye, Korea.

Tragically, he was mortally wounded while clearing the last mine on September 23, 1950, in the vicinity of Chagye, Korea.

Personal Life and Family:

He married Greta Marie Traylor on August 11, 1943, in Brenton, Oregon.

They had two children: a son, Raymond Terrill King (born 1946), and a daughter, Charlotte Marie King (born 1949).

His military record notes he was a married, white male born in Texas in 1919.

Education and Occupation:

The document notes he had four years of high school education

He worked in a "skilled occupation in manufacture of electrical machinery and accessories" prior to reenlisting.

Death and Burial:

His remains were recovered and repatriated to the United States.

He was buried in the Rock Springs Cemetery at Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas on July 28, 1951.

Awards and Recognition:

He was awarded the Silver Star & OLC (Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star & V (Valor) & OLC, and the Purple Heart, indicating significant bravery and sacrifice.

Quotes from Source:

"...he had received a field promotion to Second Lieutenant while fighting in Europe during WW2 on 9 April 1945."

"1Lt King cleared mines in a gallant and heroic action 18 to 21 September 1950 in the vicinity of Sindang-dong, Korea."

"Again, 1Lt King cleared mines in a gallant and heroic action against an armed enemy on 23 September 1950 in the vicinity of Chagye, Korea and was mortally wounded while working the last mine."

Key Takeaways:

Raymond Franklin King was a dedicated soldier who served in both World War II and the Korean War.

He was recognized for his bravery and skill, particularly in mine clearing during the Korean War.

He ultimately gave his life in service to his country.

He was a family man with a wife and two children.

This briefing doc provides a concise but detailed overview of Raymond Franklin King's life as presented in the provided text. He is shown to be a man with a strong family background, a technical aptitude which found expression in the military and who ultimately sacrificed himself in the service of his country.