The North Koreans attacked in an instant, forcing U.S. Captain Arthur G. Bonifas to the ground. Five soldiers crowded around the stunned American officer, hitting him in the head with clubs and axe handles until his body lay motionless, his face bloodied beyond recognition.

Captain Bonifas, married with a son, was scheduled to go home three days later.

In the course of those events, UN and South Korean personnel fled in all directions. U.S. First Lieutenant Mark T. Barrett jumped over a small wall in the Joint Security Area as North Korean soldiers gave chase. Hidden from view of the