Besemer, Robert L.
US Army - Cpl.
Company F, 5th, Cavalry Regiment 
1st Cavalry Division

I am looking for anyone who knew Sergeant Robert L. Besemer, or any information on him. I did not know Robert, but he was my uncle.  I'm doing this search for my mom, Rose.  He was her youngest brother. Robert was born Oct. 22, 1928. He enlisted into the Army in 1947 or 48. 

All we have is that:
Gen. Walker, the Eighth Army Commander, rushed the 25th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Division into action. Through an error in navigation, F Company went to the wrong hill and walked straight into a large enemy position. Only 26 men returned.  In all, the 5th Cavalry Regiment suffered 275 casualties between it's two battalions during the Battle for Yongdong.  It was during this action that Sergeant Besemer was listed missing while giving first aid to his fallen comrades. His fellow solders searched the area after the battle and found no remains.  He is not on the Johnson list or any other prisoner of war list, he was declared dead.  The Silver Star was presented to my grandmother in honor of Robert.

If anyone knew him or knows anything about him please let me know. 

Thank you,

Karen Baker

karenmbaker13@yahoo.com

 
May 1, 2002 - The above message was found posted at www.koreanwar.org/html/units/5cav.htm during a search for information about the veterans for the History of Hartford website.  An email was sent to Karen because the name of Robert L. Besemer was engraved on the back of the Korean War Memorial that was erected in Ely Park in November, 2001.  A reply was received from Karen today, May 3, 2002.  The family is very pleased that Robert's name was included on the memorial and on the website.  If anyone has any information or knew Robert, please email the webmaster or directly to Karen karenmbaker13@yahoo.com to help this family.