WEST FORK SOLDIER ESCAPES KOREAN PRISON CAMP

(11/11/2009)
1951

Pfc. Charles E. Jarvis, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Jarvis of Minnora, was one of four very lucky young American GIs who escaped from a Red prison train in Korea less than a day before their comrades were brutally murdered.

Jarvis, along with three others, got off the train when it stopped for water and kept walking.

They said they were the only ones of about 100 men with strength enough to get off the train for a drink.

They were crowded into a box car with eight of their number already dead.

They were given food and shelter by a North Korean farmer who also bought rubber-soled shoes for them.

After several days he was able to deliver them safely to a South Korean colonel.

ey are now in Japan for medical treatment.

Young Jarvis had been a Red prisoner since July 27. He is a radio operator with the 34th Regiment.

had already survived two death marches during his captivity. Others on the train were found later to have been massacred by the Reds near a railway tunnel.

l showed signs of near starvation.