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DeHaan, Joseph (Korean War correspondence)
2015.084.w.r
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Table of contents
box Korea 3, folder 1-3
Series 1, Correspondence to Dorothy Page 1950 April - 1953 August
Physical Description: 0.25 Linear Feet(3 folders)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains 104 correspondence from PFC Joseph DeHaan, USA to Dorothy Page during the Korean War. The last correspondence
in the series is a Western Union telegram notifying Dorothy of PFC DeHaan's death, dated August 16 1953.
DeHaan wrote initially from April to December 1950 while training at Fort Ord in California, then the ordinance school at
the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland and Camp Stoneman, California before deployment overseas. His correspondence continued
for two letters written in January 1951 in Tokyo, Japan after a twelve-day transit over the ocean which debarked at Yokohama
Bay.
Shortly after, DeHaan reached Pusan, South Korea on January 16, 1951 and after some time with a replacement company joined
a transportation railroad operations battalion before being reassigned to an infantry training regiment. He trained with the
infantry for one month in "Tent City," ten miles north of Pusan and later moved north, describing his location in one letter
as "Halfway between Pusan and hell."
From March to May 1951 DeHaan moved frequently, sometimes moving to the front and sometimes spending his time in rear areas
in houses or tent cities, often watching movies. In May he described his location as being on a mountaintop. The last letter
sent before his capture was dated May 14, 1951.
box Korea 3, folder 4
Series 2, Correspondence from Dorothy Page 1951 February 8 - 1951 June 16
Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains correspondence written to PFC Joseph DeHaan, USA from Dorothy Page during the Korean War. All of the
correspondence in this series was returned to sender.
The first seven returned for unknown reasons, apparently forwarded to Madigan General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington though
DeHaan was never there. The remaining 27 letters were returned due to DeHaan's missing in action status. The last letter is
not stamped return to sender, and includes Dorothy lamenting not hearing from "Joe" for several months and hoping he is okay.
34 correspondence, personal
box Korea 3, folder 5
Series 3, Photographs
Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet
Language of Material: English.
This series contains eight photographs pertaining to PFC Joseph DeHaan, USA during and after the Korean War. Inventory:
1 photo, headstone of Joseph DeHaan
1 photo, copy, PFC DeHaan getting a haircut, April 3 1951
1 photo, framed medals
1 photo, Warren D. Duncan
1 photo, b/w, Joseph DeHaan and Dorothy Page, December 1950
1 photo, b/w, three men in uniform
1 photo, technicolor, Joseph DeHaan and Dorothy Page, Summer 1950
1 photo, color, portrait, PFC Joseph DeHaan in uniform, 1950
box Korea 3, folder 6
Series 4, Postwar documents
Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains documents and photocopied correspondence created after the Korean War pertaining to PFC Joseph DeHaan's
service during the war. Inventory:
1 program, memorial service for Joseph DeHaan
1 statement of death, Joseph Nicholas DeHaan
1 map, Battle Below the Soyang, 16-20 May 1951
1 narrative, Warren Duncan's experience finding out about PFC DeHaan's death in 1995
1 list, casualties during the Korean War from D Company, 38th Infantry, 2nd Div., Recollis Rifle Platoon, 1951
1 letter, photocopy, to Gerard DeHaan (brother) from Warren Duncan, 6/24/1998
1 letter, photocopy, to Mrs. DeHaan (mother) from Mike Zimomra (same Company as PFC DeHaan)
box Korea 3, folder 7
Series 5, Clippings 1951 - 1998 1951 - 1952
Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains 15 newspaper clippings from the time PFC Joseph DeHaan, USA spent in captivity during the Korean War
and following his death. There are also two photocopies of newspaper articles remembering PFC DeHaan years later thanks to
the work of fellow soldier and friend, Warren Duncan.