September 1950
- charliebunton
- Aug 25, 2025
- 4 min read
The crisp morning air enveloped Rogers City High School, carrying with it the familiar scent of freshly waxed floors and a hint of chalk dust that lingered in the atmosphere, reminiscent of countless school days past. As students streamed through the entrance, their leather shoes echoed against the polished floors, creating a rhythmic symphony that resonated with the collective excitement and anticipation of new beginnings. The hallways were alive with a vibrant buzz of lively chatter, as students navigated the crowded corridors, their voices weaving through the air and mingling with the metallic clang of newly installed lockers being opened and shut for the very first time. Sunlight poured through the tall, expansive windows, casting warm golden rectangles over the bustling scene, illuminating the faces of eager learners and the vibrant spirit of the school community.
This year, the school welcomed several new staff members who were poised to make a positive impact on the students' educational journey. Patricia Foster joined the team to lead the Physical Education department, bringing with her enthusiasm for promoting fitness and well-being among students. Robert Curtis stepped into the roles of Latin and English teacher, ready to inspire a love for language and literature in his students. Doris Sue Standley was introduced as the new Elementary educator, eager to nurture the minds of young learners. Additionally, Lawrence Morgan took on the responsibility of teaching English, ready to guide students through the intricacies of language and storytelling. The growing student population at Rogers City High School prompted school officials to think creatively about utilizing every available space, as the demand for classrooms and resources increased, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to accommodate the expanding community.
Meanwhile, the Rogers City Huron varsity football team faced a challenging start to their season, suffering a 22-0 loss to their former rivals, East Jordan, in a match that stirred up old memories and rivalries, despite the fact that the two teams had not played against each other in twelve long years. Coach James Quinn found himself in a position where he had to practically rebuild the team from the ground up, with only four returning lettermen: Jim Nowicki, Bill Kuhlman, Wilfred Tulgetske, and Carl Nelson. The challenges ahead loomed large, but the team's facilities had seen significant improvements with the recent construction of a field house adjacent to the athletic field. This new field house boasted modern amenities, including showers and other conveniences that would enhance the athletes' experience.
In the broader context of the world, the news from the Korean War cast a shadow over the local community. It was reported that Carlson Wallace of Millersburg had tragically become the first casualty from Presque Isle County, killed in action on September 3, 1950. This grim news resonated deeply, as it was noted that more soldiers lost their lives in the first fifteen days of September 1950 than in any other fifteen-day period throughout the conflict. As the war raged on, General MacArthur orchestrated Operation Chromite, a daring and complex surprise amphibious counterattack at Inchon in the northwest, which commenced early on the morning of September 15. The mission was fraught with risk and had taken nearly two months of meticulous planning to prepare. The beach at Inchon was only accessible for five hours a day due to the unpredictable tides, and the approach to the port was narrow, heavily fortified with artillery that posed a significant threat to the success of the operation. There were also concerns regarding the division of troops between Inchon and the Pusan Perimeter, which could lead to vulnerabilities.
However, the potential rewards of the operation were immense. Most North Korean troops were engaged in Pusan, making an attack to the north unexpected and strategically advantageous. Capturing Seoul, located a mere 20 miles away, would represent not only a significant military victory but also a crucial moral boost for the United Nations forces. Supported by relentless shelling and bombing from both sea and air, UN troops began landing on three different beaches, successfully unloading vital supplies and overwhelming the enemy forces with their sheer numbers and determination. By the end of the day, with little resistance encountered, all three beaches had been secured, marking a pivotal moment in the operation.
Just four days later, the troops achieved another significant milestone by capturing Kimpo Airfield, the largest airfield in Korea, which was critical to the success of their ongoing military efforts. Among those involved in these historic operations was Jerry Yerks, who served aboard the USS Okanogan, an attack transport of the Pacific Fleet Amphibious Force. In addition to the assault on Inchon, Yerks also played a crucial role in the amphibious assault on Wonsan and the evacuation of 2,200 civilians from Chinnampo, showcasing his bravery and commitment to duty. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the Japanese Occupation Ribbon, and the Korean Ribbon with a Silver Star, each representing a chapter in a remarkable story of courage and sacrifice during a turbulent time in history.
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