OLUNE WAKEFIELD
Written by grandson David Eaton
Olune Wakefield, born on March 17, 1930, to Bob and Gertrude Wakefield in the small town of Drummonds, Tennessee, grew up with dreams of a simple life. Little did he know that destiny had other plans in store for him, ones that would lead him into the heart of one of the most tumultuous conflicts of the 20th century.
As a young man, Olune possessed a quiet determination, instilled in him by his hardworking parents. He was a source of pride for his family and a beacon of hope for his community. But when the call to serve his country echoed across the nation, Olune answered without hesitation, enlisting in the Army to defend the principles he held dear.
Deployed to the Korean Peninsula, Olune found himself thrust into a world far removed from the tranquil fields of his hometown. Instead of tending to the family farm, he now patrolled the treacherous hills and valleys of a foreign land, where every step could mean the difference between life and death.
It was in the fall of 1951, amidst the crimson leaves and biting chill of autumn, that Olune’s courage would be put to the ultimate test. Ambushed by enemy forces in the North Korea Sector 9, his unit fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. In the midst of the chaos, Olune’s unwavering resolve shone brightly, a beacon of hope for his fellow soldiers.
But fate is a fickle mistress, and even the bravest are not immune to her whims. A missile struck dangerously close to Olune, leaving him gravely wounded. As he lay on the battlefield, his thoughts drifted to his family back home, to the simple joys of days gone by.
Evacuated to Japan for medical treatment, Olune faced a long and arduous road to recovery. But with the support of his comrades and the love of his family spurring him on, he refused to succumb to despair. Against all odds, he emerged from the shadows of war, his spirit unbroken and his resolve stronger than ever before.
And so, on a cold December day, Olune returned to the front lines, his heart filled with a sense of purpose that transcended the horrors of battle. For him, the Korean War was not just a conflict; it was a crucible of courage, a test of character that would define him for the rest of his days.
As the years passed and the memories of war faded into the recesses of his mind, Olune Wakefield would look back on his time in Korea with a mixture of pride and sorrow. For though the scars of battle would never fully heal, they served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in the name of freedom and justice. And in the quiet moments of reflection, he would offer a silent prayer of gratitude for the chance to come home, to live out the rest of his days in peace, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Olune Wakefield, was born in Tipton County, Tenn., to Thomas Leslie “Bob” Wakefield (1883-1968) and Gertrude Taylor (1895-1969). Married May 12, 1912, Bob and Gertrude were the parents of 11 children – seven sons, of which, five served their country, and four daughters.
Serving as a Light Weapons Infantryman in the 24th Division, PFC Olune Wakefield, service # US53062286, was seriously injured on Oct. 9, 1951 by a North Korean missile. He was medavaced to Japan where he received medical care and then released back to active duty on Dec. 22, 1951.