The library at Pleasant Hill Elementary has been dedicated to a young Montgomery County native who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.
With the support of the 6.25 Foundation, students and staff recognized Private Jackie Lee Murdock.
Murdock was born in Montgomery County in 1932. He was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Together with Private Kenneth Shadrick, Murdock was part of Task Force Smith. Ill equipped and unprepared, Task Force Smith, made up mostly with teenagers, suffered a great deal of loss. Murdock went missing during the Battle of Osan on July 5, 1950, at the age of 17. His remains were never recovered.
Last week, Pleasant Hill dedicated its school library to Murdock and the other 920 Hoosiers who gave their lives to defend South Korea from communism.
Principal Jennifer Moseley and the fifth grade class graciously accepted a plaque and donation of $5,033 to purchase books for the library from representatives of the 6.25 Foundation. Pleasant Hill is one of 14 schools whose library was chosen by the foundation to honor a Korean War veteran and the other Hoosiers who served.
The foundation’s name references the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950. It is funded by both Korean and American donors. The donations are used to support children’s education. Students learn about Korea, the Korean War, the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and most importantly, what it means to defend and preserve freedom and liberty.
The Korean War claimed the lives of nearly 5 million people from 16 countries, including 36,516 Americans.
In the weeks leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11, students will be learning more about the Korean War. The school will honor Murdock during the Veterans Day program and present the plaque to the entire student body.
