Hockersmith - Perry - bronze
Source: Crawfordsville Journal – Review Sept 25, 1953 p1
Sgt. Perry A. Hockersmith, Jr, 21, of New Market, who starred as a high school basketball player three or four years ago and was popularly known in high school and basketball circles as “Ickey,” has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement while on duty with the American forces in Korea. Sgt. Hockersmith was cited for heroism displayed while serving as a radio man with Co. L of the Third Infantry Division 15th regt. Fighting in Korea. Sgt. When his company was reinforcing an outpost during a heavy enemy attack on the early morning of June 13, this year, Sgt. Hockersmith dashed through the intense enemy mortar and artillery barrage to assure communications between the various elements of the group. Working his way through the shelltown trenches, he continuously braved the enemy fire to keep contact with the rear command post and call in needed support fire. “He remained on the hill throughout the night and was highly instrumental in the successful defense of the outpost. Sgt. Hockersmith’s outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service, “his citation concludes. Sgt. Hockersmith enlisted in January 1952 and was sent overseas to Japan in the late summer of that year. He served in Korea from the early autumn of 1952 until mid-August 1953. He is now on duty at Ft. Sheridan in Illinois. It is expected he will be given his honorable discharge in Jan 1954 at the conclusion of his two years of service. Sgt. Hockersmith is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Hockersmith of New Market. He is one of two sons in the service. His brother, Basil Hockersmith is on duty with the Air Force at Castle AFB in California. Sgt. Hockersmith is one of six children. An older brother, Darrell Hockersmith, 23, is attending Columbia Bible School where he is studying to become a missionary in South Africa. He has been ordained as a minster in the Baptist Church. The fourth son, Michael Hockersmith is at home. A younger sister, Elizabeth is a senior in New Market HS while the other sister is in her 3rd year in Nursing study at Home Hospital in Lafayette, although at the present she is studying psychiatry at Logansport hospital. Sgt. Hockersmith is married, his wife being the former Lola Deborderng state and federal lano (sic). Note: Lola Delano - They have no children. (Later, they would have two – Terry & Debbie- kbz)