A TRUE HERO - WW II VET, KOREA MIA
25 AUGUST, 2007
'Phantom grave' honors
memory of hero of
World War II, Korea
By ROBIN BROWN, The News Journal
Veterans, family members and friends gathered Friday to remember and honor a decorated soldier
who served in two wars.
They gathered at a grave site and headstone at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the
Summit area south of Glasgow -- even though they know Capt. Paul N. Dill is not buried there.
For more than half a century, Dill -- who served in World War II and the Korean War -- has been
listed as missing in action.
He was one of Delaware's most decorated World War II veterans, recalled into the Korean War after
just two years at home in Richardson Park. Already twice injured and awarded the Purple Heart in
World War II, Dill went on to receive the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation
and Philippine Liberation Medal, among other recognitions.
In 1997, Dill was memorialized by Post No. 2 of the Korean War Veterans Association in Delaware,
when the group adopted his name. Friday's gathering marked that event's 10th anniversary, a
landmark in efforts to share Dill's story, keep his legacy alive in the community and honor the family
he left behind, Post 2 Public Information Officer Fran Daney said.
They gathered at an empty burial site in the veterans' cemetery across from the administration
center. The post had this spot created to give Dill his deserved place among heroes, with a headstone
and remembrance site that Daney called "a phantom grave."
They had gathered here only once before -- in the U Section, near the left end in front of Row E --
and that was a decade ago, said Post Commander John R. "Mich" Schroeder, who called Dill "a true
hero."
Before a crowd of more than 50 stood a floral wreath of red, white and blue, by an empty chair
symbolically draped to honor all who are missing in action.
And in front of Dill's headstone, fellow veterans put up "a field memorial" -- an M1 carbine,
barrel-down, topped by a Korean War captain's helmet, next to a pair of empty boots from the days
when Dill was in uniform -- and his photo stood nearby.
The Korean War Veterans Honor Guard fired a salute, six guns booming, popping brass to twinkle
three times on the concrete.
Florence Dill, who never remarried, sat in front of the standing crowd with her son Michael, as
Schroeder presented plaques for "outstanding devotion," including one for the Dills' other son, John,
who could not attend.
No one in the post that honored their lost loved one Friday knew Dill, spokesman Daney said, but
all know his service and sacrifice.
William Penn grad
Dill graduated from William Penn High School near New Castle with the Class of 1935 and
afterward attended Beacom College, now Goldey-Beacom, before enlisting in the Army in 1941.
In World War II, he was assigned to the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater as a second
lieutenant. He helped raise the U.S. flag at Aparri in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from
Japanese rule, according to News Journal archives.
After the war, he was home with his wife and their two young sons, working as an assistant Boy
Scout executive and insurance underwriter at the Wilmington office of the Mutual Life Insurance Co.
His postwar suburban family life -- his era's American dream -- ended Oct. 19, 1948, with his recall to
active duty.
Less than a month after the U.S. entered the war, Dill was sent to Korea and promoted to command
of Company M, 31st Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He and his company were in most of the big
battles, including the Inchon invasion, recapture of Seoul and the advance to the Yalu River's banks,
the veterans' post says.
Yellowed articles clipped from The Morning News, a predecessor to The News Journal, told of the
hometown hero's war efforts:
"Dill was in the team that raised a U.S. flag on the Manchurian border during the northernmost
United Nations advance on Dec. 1, 1950."
But as Dill's situation deteriorated with Chinese troops vastly outnumbering Americans, "his unit
was forced to retreat to a reservoir near Chosin. Paul was wounded several times during the [Dec. 1]
retreat, but continued in command of his unit, bringing the men back to their company area.
"Masses of Chinese Reds ringed the company, then battered the group, then attacked, overwhelming
the Yanks. [On Dec. 2] Lt. Dill was shot through the chest and throat during an attack."
A wartime memoir by Maj. Hugh Robbins, written as he recovered from wounds at Chosin
Reservoir, recalled the last time he saw Dill in a mud hut turned makeshift hospital. "Casualties in
the battalion ran high, especially among the officers," he wrote. Robbins recalled seeing Dill there
and called him "one fine officer."
Soldiers later loaded Dill and other wounded into a truck for evacuation to the south, several
accounts say.
The Morning News gave this account of the last time Dill was seen alive: "A red [Chinese] patrol
overtook the truck, shot the crew and pulled the wounded from the vehicle. Paul and the other
victims were drenched in gasoline, then their clothing was set aflame."
Dill was listed as missing the next day, Dec. 3, 1950 -- 10 days after his wife received his last letter.
His body was not recovered.
The next year, Dill's brother Clark and 52 other members of American Legion Post No. 33 in Willow
Run unanimously named their post for him.
No word on fate
U.S. government demands for information on the fate of the 34-year-old father-of-two went
unanswered.
Dill was reclassified in 1954 as missing in action and "presumed or determined" dead in Korea.
The Korean War Veterans Association that adopted his name a decade ago established his "phantom
grave" that year.
Honoring the Dill family, recognizing the captain's sacrifice "13,000 miles from here ... to defend the
freedom of a people he had never met," and marking a decade since the post's naming made Friday's
program "a significant occasion," said Russell W. Cunningham, commander of the Korean War
Veterans Association Department of Delaware.
Cunningham urged all assembled to "never let America forget someone like Capt. Paul Dill."
Returning to his father's phantom grave, son Michael Dill said, "it's hard to believe it's been 10 years."
In that time, he has retired and enjoys spending time with his family and mother, a spry 89-year-old
who still marches in parades and attends many veterans' events.
"They are so good to me," the widow said.
As her son thanked post members, veterans who came from all over the state, and other supporters
for honoring his father, some in the crowd later remarked that they couldn't help but notice that his
face was older, but strongly resembled that of the soldier father he lost as a little boy.
© 2007, The News Journal.
The News Journal. Wilmington, Delaware.
Birth: Jun. 29, 1916
Death: Dec. 3, 1950
Capt. Paul N. Dill was a decorated soldier who served in two wars.
He has a grave site and headstone at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery even though Capt.
Dill is not buried there.
Dill, who served in World War II and the Korean War, has been listed as missing in action.
He was one of Delaware's most decorated World War II veterans, recalled into the Korean War after
just two years at home in Richardson Park. Already twice injured and awarded the Purple Heart in
World War II, Dill went on to receive the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation
and Philippine Liberation Medal, among other recognitions.
In 1997, Dill was memorialized by Post No. 2 of the Korean War Veterans Association in Delaware,
when the group adopted his name. Friday's gathering marked that event's 10th anniversary, a
landmark in efforts to share Dill's story, keep his legacy alive in the community and honor the family
he left behind, Post 2 Public Information Officer Fran Daney said.
They gathered at an empty burial site in the veterans' cemetery across from the administration
center. The post had this spot created to give Dill his deserved place among heroes, with a headstone
and remembrance site that Daney called "a phantom grave."
They had gathered here only once before -- in the U Section, near the left end in front of Row E --
and that was a decade ago, said Post Commander John R. "Mich" Schroeder, who called Dill "a true
hero."
Before a crowd of more than 50 stood a floral wreath of red, white and blue, by an empty chair
symbolically draped to honor all who are missing in action.
And in front of Dill's headstone, fellow veterans put up "a field memorial" -- an M1 carbine,
barrel-down, topped by a Korean War captain's helmet, next to a pair of empty boots from the days
when Dill was in uniform -- and his photo stood nearby.
The Korean War Veterans Honor Guard fired a salute, six guns booming, popping brass to twinkle
three times on the concrete.
Florence Dill, who never remarried, sat in front of the standing crowd with her son Michael, as
Schroeder presented plaques for "outstanding devotion," including one for the Dills' other son, John,
who could not attend.
No one in the post that honored their lost loved one Friday knew Dill, spokesman Daney said, but
all know his service and sacrifice.
William Penn grad
Dill graduated from William Penn High School near New Castle with the Class of 1935 and
afterward attended Beacom College, now Goldey-Beacom, before enlisting in the Army in 1941.
In World War II, he was assigned to the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater as a second
lieutenant. He helped raise the U.S. flag at Aparri in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from
Japanese rule, according to News Journal archives.
After the war, he was home with his wife and their two young sons, working as an assistant Boy
Scout executive and insurance underwriter at the Wilmington office of the Mutual Life Insurance Co.
His postwar suburban family life -- his era's American dream -- ended Oct. 19, 1948, with his recall to
active duty.
Less than a month after the U.S. entered the war, Dill was sent to Korea and promoted to command
of Company M, 31st Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He and his company were in most of the big
battles, including the Inchon invasion, recapture of Seoul and the advance to the Yalu River's banks,
the veterans' post says.
Yellowed articles clipped from The Morning News, a predecessor to The News Journal, told of the
hometown hero's war efforts:
"Dill was in the team that raised a U.S. flag on the Manchurian border during the northernmost
United Nations advance on Dec. 1, 1950."
But as Dill's situation deteriorated with Chinese troops vastly outnumbering Americans, "his unit
was forced to retreat to a reservoir near Chosin. Paul was wounded several times during the [Dec. 1]
retreat, but continued in command of his unit, bringing the men back to their company area.
"Masses of Chinese Reds ringed the company, then battered the group, then attacked, overwhelming
the Yanks. [On Dec. 2] Lt. Dill was shot through the chest and throat during an attack.
A wartime memoir by Maj. Hugh Robbins, written as he recovered from wounds at Chosin
Reservoir, recalled the last time he saw Dill in a mud hut turned makeshift hospital. "Casualties in
the battalion ran high, especially among the officers," he wrote. Robbins recalled seeing Dill there
and called him "one fine officer."
Soldiers later loaded Dill and other wounded into a truck for evacuation to the south, several
accounts say.
The Morning News gave this account of the last time Dill was seen alive: "A red [Chinese] patrol
overtook the truck, shot the crew and pulled the wounded from the vehicle. Paul and the other
victims were drenched in gasoline, then their clothing was set aflame."
Dill was listed as missing the next day, Dec. 3, 1950, 10 days after his wife received his last letter.
His body was not recovered.
The next year, Dill's brother Clark and 52 other members of American Legion Post No. 33 in Willow
Run unanimously named their post for him.
No word on fate
U.S. government demands for information on the fate of the 34-year-old father-of-two went
unanswered.
Dill was reclassified in 1954 as missing in action and "presumed or determined" dead in Korea.
The Korean War Veterans Association that adopted his name a decade ago established his "phantom
grave" that year.
Honoring the Dill family, recognizing the captain's sacrifice "13,000 miles from here ... to defend the
freedom of a people he had never met," and marking a decade since the post's naming made Friday's
program "a significant occasion," said Russell W. Cunningham, commander of the Korean War
Veterans Association Department of Delaware.
Cunningham urged all assembled to "never let America forget someone like Capt. Paul Dill."
In that time, he has retired and enjoys spending time with his family and mother, a spry 89-year-old
who still marches in parades and attends many veterans' events.
As her son thanked post members, veterans who came from all over the state, and other supporters
for honoring his father, some in the crowd later remarked that they couldn't help but notice that his
face was older, but strongly resembled that of the soldier father he lost as a little boy.
CAPT, US ARMY
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=582937
25 AUGUST, 2007
'Phantom grave' honors
memory of hero of
World War II, Korea
By ROBIN BROWN, The News Journal
Veterans, family members and friends gathered Friday to remember and honor a decorated soldier
who served in two wars.
They gathered at a grave site and headstone at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the
Summit area south of Glasgow -- even though they know Capt. Paul N. Dill is not buried there.
For more than half a century, Dill -- who served in World War II and the Korean War -- has been
listed as missing in action.
He was one of Delaware's most decorated World War II veterans, recalled into the Korean War after
just two years at home in Richardson Park. Already twice injured and awarded the Purple Heart in
World War II, Dill went on to receive the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation
and Philippine Liberation Medal, among other recognitions.
In 1997, Dill was memorialized by Post No. 2 of the Korean War Veterans Association in Delaware,
when the group adopted his name. Friday's gathering marked that event's 10th anniversary, a
landmark in efforts to share Dill's story, keep his legacy alive in the community and honor the family
he left behind, Post 2 Public Information Officer Fran Daney said.
They gathered at an empty burial site in the veterans' cemetery across from the administration
center. The post had this spot created to give Dill his deserved place among heroes, with a headstone
and remembrance site that Daney called "a phantom grave."
They had gathered here only once before -- in the U Section, near the left end in front of Row E --
and that was a decade ago, said Post Commander John R. "Mich" Schroeder, who called Dill "a true
hero."
Before a crowd of more than 50 stood a floral wreath of red, white and blue, by an empty chair
symbolically draped to honor all who are missing in action.
And in front of Dill's headstone, fellow veterans put up "a field memorial" -- an M1 carbine,
barrel-down, topped by a Korean War captain's helmet, next to a pair of empty boots from the days
when Dill was in uniform -- and his photo stood nearby.
The Korean War Veterans Honor Guard fired a salute, six guns booming, popping brass to twinkle
three times on the concrete.
Florence Dill, who never remarried, sat in front of the standing crowd with her son Michael, as
Schroeder presented plaques for "outstanding devotion," including one for the Dills' other son, John,
who could not attend.
No one in the post that honored their lost loved one Friday knew Dill, spokesman Daney said, but
all know his service and sacrifice.
William Penn grad
Dill graduated from William Penn High School near New Castle with the Class of 1935 and
afterward attended Beacom College, now Goldey-Beacom, before enlisting in the Army in 1941.
In World War II, he was assigned to the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater as a second
lieutenant. He helped raise the U.S. flag at Aparri in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from
Japanese rule, according to News Journal archives.
After the war, he was home with his wife and their two young sons, working as an assistant Boy
Scout executive and insurance underwriter at the Wilmington office of the Mutual Life Insurance Co.
His postwar suburban family life -- his era's American dream -- ended Oct. 19, 1948, with his recall to
active duty.
Less than a month after the U.S. entered the war, Dill was sent to Korea and promoted to command
of Company M, 31st Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He and his company were in most of the big
battles, including the Inchon invasion, recapture of Seoul and the advance to the Yalu River's banks,
the veterans' post says.
Yellowed articles clipped from The Morning News, a predecessor to The News Journal, told of the
hometown hero's war efforts:
"Dill was in the team that raised a U.S. flag on the Manchurian border during the northernmost
United Nations advance on Dec. 1, 1950."
But as Dill's situation deteriorated with Chinese troops vastly outnumbering Americans, "his unit
was forced to retreat to a reservoir near Chosin. Paul was wounded several times during the [Dec. 1]
retreat, but continued in command of his unit, bringing the men back to their company area.
"Masses of Chinese Reds ringed the company, then battered the group, then attacked, overwhelming
the Yanks. [On Dec. 2] Lt. Dill was shot through the chest and throat during an attack."
A wartime memoir by Maj. Hugh Robbins, written as he recovered from wounds at Chosin
Reservoir, recalled the last time he saw Dill in a mud hut turned makeshift hospital. "Casualties in
the battalion ran high, especially among the officers," he wrote. Robbins recalled seeing Dill there
and called him "one fine officer."
Soldiers later loaded Dill and other wounded into a truck for evacuation to the south, several
accounts say.
The Morning News gave this account of the last time Dill was seen alive: "A red [Chinese] patrol
overtook the truck, shot the crew and pulled the wounded from the vehicle. Paul and the other
victims were drenched in gasoline, then their clothing was set aflame."
Dill was listed as missing the next day, Dec. 3, 1950 -- 10 days after his wife received his last letter.
His body was not recovered.
The next year, Dill's brother Clark and 52 other members of American Legion Post No. 33 in Willow
Run unanimously named their post for him.
No word on fate
U.S. government demands for information on the fate of the 34-year-old father-of-two went
unanswered.
Dill was reclassified in 1954 as missing in action and "presumed or determined" dead in Korea.
The Korean War Veterans Association that adopted his name a decade ago established his "phantom
grave" that year.
Honoring the Dill family, recognizing the captain's sacrifice "13,000 miles from here ... to defend the
freedom of a people he had never met," and marking a decade since the post's naming made Friday's
program "a significant occasion," said Russell W. Cunningham, commander of the Korean War
Veterans Association Department of Delaware.
Cunningham urged all assembled to "never let America forget someone like Capt. Paul Dill."
Returning to his father's phantom grave, son Michael Dill said, "it's hard to believe it's been 10 years."
In that time, he has retired and enjoys spending time with his family and mother, a spry 89-year-old
who still marches in parades and attends many veterans' events.
"They are so good to me," the widow said.
As her son thanked post members, veterans who came from all over the state, and other supporters
for honoring his father, some in the crowd later remarked that they couldn't help but notice that his
face was older, but strongly resembled that of the soldier father he lost as a little boy.
© 2007, The News Journal.
The News Journal. Wilmington, Delaware.
Birth: Jun. 29, 1916
Death: Dec. 3, 1950
Capt. Paul N. Dill was a decorated soldier who served in two wars.
He has a grave site and headstone at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery even though Capt.
Dill is not buried there.
Dill, who served in World War II and the Korean War, has been listed as missing in action.
He was one of Delaware's most decorated World War II veterans, recalled into the Korean War after
just two years at home in Richardson Park. Already twice injured and awarded the Purple Heart in
World War II, Dill went on to receive the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation
and Philippine Liberation Medal, among other recognitions.
In 1997, Dill was memorialized by Post No. 2 of the Korean War Veterans Association in Delaware,
when the group adopted his name. Friday's gathering marked that event's 10th anniversary, a
landmark in efforts to share Dill's story, keep his legacy alive in the community and honor the family
he left behind, Post 2 Public Information Officer Fran Daney said.
They gathered at an empty burial site in the veterans' cemetery across from the administration
center. The post had this spot created to give Dill his deserved place among heroes, with a headstone
and remembrance site that Daney called "a phantom grave."
They had gathered here only once before -- in the U Section, near the left end in front of Row E --
and that was a decade ago, said Post Commander John R. "Mich" Schroeder, who called Dill "a true
hero."
Before a crowd of more than 50 stood a floral wreath of red, white and blue, by an empty chair
symbolically draped to honor all who are missing in action.
And in front of Dill's headstone, fellow veterans put up "a field memorial" -- an M1 carbine,
barrel-down, topped by a Korean War captain's helmet, next to a pair of empty boots from the days
when Dill was in uniform -- and his photo stood nearby.
The Korean War Veterans Honor Guard fired a salute, six guns booming, popping brass to twinkle
three times on the concrete.
Florence Dill, who never remarried, sat in front of the standing crowd with her son Michael, as
Schroeder presented plaques for "outstanding devotion," including one for the Dills' other son, John,
who could not attend.
No one in the post that honored their lost loved one Friday knew Dill, spokesman Daney said, but
all know his service and sacrifice.
William Penn grad
Dill graduated from William Penn High School near New Castle with the Class of 1935 and
afterward attended Beacom College, now Goldey-Beacom, before enlisting in the Army in 1941.
In World War II, he was assigned to the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater as a second
lieutenant. He helped raise the U.S. flag at Aparri in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from
Japanese rule, according to News Journal archives.
After the war, he was home with his wife and their two young sons, working as an assistant Boy
Scout executive and insurance underwriter at the Wilmington office of the Mutual Life Insurance Co.
His postwar suburban family life -- his era's American dream -- ended Oct. 19, 1948, with his recall to
active duty.
Less than a month after the U.S. entered the war, Dill was sent to Korea and promoted to command
of Company M, 31st Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He and his company were in most of the big
battles, including the Inchon invasion, recapture of Seoul and the advance to the Yalu River's banks,
the veterans' post says.
Yellowed articles clipped from The Morning News, a predecessor to The News Journal, told of the
hometown hero's war efforts:
"Dill was in the team that raised a U.S. flag on the Manchurian border during the northernmost
United Nations advance on Dec. 1, 1950."
But as Dill's situation deteriorated with Chinese troops vastly outnumbering Americans, "his unit
was forced to retreat to a reservoir near Chosin. Paul was wounded several times during the [Dec. 1]
retreat, but continued in command of his unit, bringing the men back to their company area.
"Masses of Chinese Reds ringed the company, then battered the group, then attacked, overwhelming
the Yanks. [On Dec. 2] Lt. Dill was shot through the chest and throat during an attack.
A wartime memoir by Maj. Hugh Robbins, written as he recovered from wounds at Chosin
Reservoir, recalled the last time he saw Dill in a mud hut turned makeshift hospital. "Casualties in
the battalion ran high, especially among the officers," he wrote. Robbins recalled seeing Dill there
and called him "one fine officer."
Soldiers later loaded Dill and other wounded into a truck for evacuation to the south, several
accounts say.
The Morning News gave this account of the last time Dill was seen alive: "A red [Chinese] patrol
overtook the truck, shot the crew and pulled the wounded from the vehicle. Paul and the other
victims were drenched in gasoline, then their clothing was set aflame."
Dill was listed as missing the next day, Dec. 3, 1950, 10 days after his wife received his last letter.
His body was not recovered.
The next year, Dill's brother Clark and 52 other members of American Legion Post No. 33 in Willow
Run unanimously named their post for him.
No word on fate
U.S. government demands for information on the fate of the 34-year-old father-of-two went
unanswered.
Dill was reclassified in 1954 as missing in action and "presumed or determined" dead in Korea.
The Korean War Veterans Association that adopted his name a decade ago established his "phantom
grave" that year.
Honoring the Dill family, recognizing the captain's sacrifice "13,000 miles from here ... to defend the
freedom of a people he had never met," and marking a decade since the post's naming made Friday's
program "a significant occasion," said Russell W. Cunningham, commander of the Korean War
Veterans Association Department of Delaware.
Cunningham urged all assembled to "never let America forget someone like Capt. Paul Dill."
In that time, he has retired and enjoys spending time with his family and mother, a spry 89-year-old
who still marches in parades and attends many veterans' events.
As her son thanked post members, veterans who came from all over the state, and other supporters
for honoring his father, some in the crowd later remarked that they couldn't help but notice that his
face was older, but strongly resembled that of the soldier father he lost as a little boy.
CAPT, US ARMY
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=582937
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