William Harris Isbell, Jr. – Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army

Washington, D.C. – December 11, 1952

A middle-aged Colonel who refused to let younger men do his fighting joined many of America’s heroes today in the hallowed ground of Arlington Natioanl Cemetery.

The body of Colonel William H. Isbell, Jr. was laid to rest as the bugles and rifles sounded their solemn tribute to a man who chose to die to keep his country, and his country’s friends, safe.

The 45-year-old soldier did not have to die in far-off Korea. Because of his assignment he could have remained in a safe spot back of the combat lines. But he took charge of an Infantry attack on “Triangle Hill” and lost his life.

William Harris Isbell, Jr.
Anne Arundel, Maryland
Born March 21, 1907
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army
Killed in Action
Died October 14, 1952 in Korea
Graduating in the United States Military Academy Class of 1931, Lieutenant Colonel Isbell was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a member of
Headquarters, Division Artillery, 7th Infantry Division. He was killed in Action while saving the lives of his comrades in North Korea on October 14, 1952.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Colonel Isbell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, the Commendation Ribbon and the Purple Heart.

US Army Photo

ISBELL, WILLIAM H JR
LT COL U S A

• DATE OF BIRTH: 03/21/1907
• DATE OF DEATH: 10/14/1952
• BURIED AT: SECTION 3  SITE 4592-B

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard