Clarence Adams (Korean War)
| Clarence Adams | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 1, 1930 Memphis, Tennessee |
| Died | 1999 (aged 68–69) |
| Allegiance |
 United States (1947–1950) China (1950–1957; defector) |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1947–1950 (defected) |
| Rank |
 Corporal |
Clarence Adams was an African-American GI during the Korean War. He was captured on November 29, 1950, when the People's Liberation Army overran his all-black artillery unit's position. Adams was held as a POW until the end of the war. Instead of returning to the United States during Operation Big Switch, Adams was one of 21 American soldiers who chose to settle in the People's Republic of China.[1] As a result of their decision, these 21 Americans were considered defectors.
Early life
Adams grew up poor in Memphis, Tennessee.[2] He dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. Army in 1947, at the age of 17.[3]
Korean War
After basic training Adams became an infantry machine gunner. He travelled to Korea shortly after the war between North and South erupted in June 1950 and was posted to Battery A of the 503rd Artillery Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Division. This was his second tour in Korea, as he had first been posted there in 1948.[2]
Return to the United States
Adams returned to the United States from China via Hong Kong on Thursday 26th May 1966 citing that he missed his mother.[4]
See also
- List of American and British defectors in the Korean War
- Samuel David Hawkins
- Korean War
- James Veneris
References
- ↑ Adams, Clarence (June 6, 2007). An American Dream: The Life of an African American Soldier and POW Who Spent Twelve Years in Communist China. University of Massachusetts Press. ISBN 978-1558495951.
- 1 2 Gillam, James. "A POW's Return to America".
- ↑ "An American Dream: The Life of an African American Soldier and POW Who Spent Twelve Years in Communist China".
- ↑ "Chicago Tribune article May 26th 1966".