Second to None in Three Wars and Still Serving
38th Infantry Regiment "The Rock of the Marne"
- Article from Stars and Stripes August 1953
Today, the flag of New York state is on its way home from Korea. Though a bit faded and torn, it bears a special significance for the recipient, and a reminder for all Americans of a war which took place over ten thousand miles away.
A little over a year ago three young New Yorkers got together and sent a letter to Mayor Impelnteri requesting the New York state banner. It seems that the three men, Sgt. James McCann, Sgt. Alan Van Ness, and Pvt. Richard Fredrickson, wanted to add something to the competitive spirit of the different units in the 2nd Infantry Division.
All around them they saw symbols such as confederate flags, animals and crests distinguishing the various units. They felt that their platoon was lacking and that a flag was definitely needed. They couldn't think of another flag quite as worthy as their own state banner.
The mayor obliged and with in a month the distinctive emblem was flying over their platoon command post. It was with the platoon on Old Baldy, Frenchman's Flat and The Alligator Jaws, T-Bone Hill, and The Hook. When the blazing battlefront became a demilitarized zone in July, the flag was still flying over K Company, 38th Regiments 2nd Platoon CP on Hill 431. The trip who originally sent for the flag is no longer with the unity. Sgt. Alan Van Ness has rotated home, Pvt. Richard Fredrickson is now stationed in Japan, and Sgt. James McCann gave his life on Hill 431. The flag is to be presented to Sgt. McCann's mother.