Falwell Charles L – Cimarron Kansas Network

PFC Charles L. Falwell
21st Inf 24 Inf Division
Aug. 22, 1932 - Feb. 6, 1951

Charles Laray Falwell was born on August 22, 1932. At the time of his birth, his father, Charles, was 43 years old, and his mother, Florence, was 26. He had one older brother and two older sisters. In 1934, the family welcomed a fifth child, a younger son.

The Falwell family resided in Gray County, Kansas, from 1927 to 1931, during which time three of the children were born in Ingalls. In the years that followed, the family settled in Pierceville, Kansas. Charles’s maternal grandparents, Clarence and Mary Markel, had moved to Gray County as early as 1920, establishing deep roots in the community.

Private First Class (PFC) Charles L. Falwell served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division and participated in active combat operations in South Korea. On February 6, 1951, PFC Falwell was killed in action while engaging enemy forces. He was just 18 years old. He is buried with honor in Garden City, Kansas.

Though official records of his military decorations are limited, it is likely that PFC Falwell received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. He may also have been awarded the following honors in recognition of his service:

Combat Infantryman Badge

Korean Service Medal

United Nations Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Republic of Korea War Service Medal

PFC Falwell is also remembered and honored at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his sacrifice, along with that of thousands of others, is solemnly commemorated.

A Brief history of the 21st Infantry, 24th Division on February 6, 1951.

On February 6, 1951, the 21st Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 24th Infantry Division was engaged in combat operations during the Korean War. On that day, Company I launched an attack against an estimated enemy battalion near Sojon-ni, Korea, aiming to regain positions previously lost to a numerically superior enemy force.

Additionally, records indicate that the 21st Infantry Regiment was involved in operations around Hill 296 during this period. The regiment’s command report from February 1951 provides detailed accounts of their activities, including engagements and tactical movements.

These actions were part of broader UN efforts to regain territory and counter enemy offensives during the winter of 1950-1951.