Editor’s Note: The following story and picture were sent to us by the Patriquin Family.
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After graduting from Farmington High School in 1949, Layton Patriquin enlisted in the US army. Upon completion of basic training, he was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington before deploying to South Korea in spring of 1950.
Wounded in action late 1950, he recuperated and was sent back into combat early February 1951 when he was captured.
In the following years his name never appeared on prisoner of war list, just MIA. The army declared him legally dead after the war. A former POW came to my parents’ home and told them that Layton had died in prison camp sometime in 1951.
Fifty years later, we received a letter of appreciation from the South Korean government, in 2001.
Months later we received a call from the army, asking to verify my relationship with Layton and requesting DNA samples. The American government has recently been granted permission to enter some parts of Noth Korea to search for remains and matching DNA samples in order to return servicemen to their families for burial. During one of many phone conversations with army, I was asked if my folks had received Layton’s medals, I said just one. Upon my request, I was sent a full set, including the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart was not given because he died in a prison camp, it was because he was wounded before being captured. The Purple Heart is not given if you die in a prison camp, just if you are killed in combat. Our legislators in Washington are working to change this, good luck to them.
Along with the medals, a letter arrived with the army’s version; that Layton had died in a small village in North Korea enroute to a prison camp. Actually, they’re not sure what happened. One thing for certain, he died in North Korea at the hands of the North Koreans.
He died to young as many of our servicemen do protecting our great country: hopefully not in vain. Farewell to you Layton, may you rest in peace.
The Patriquin Family
The sad reality is that wars are fought by young men who are the future of any soceity. Only God knows how many future leaders, inventors, fathers, doctors, etc. war has taken. no wonder Isiah dreamed of a world with war no more.
My nephew is named after Layton. My folks and Carl and Dot were close friends and my Brother Roland was chums with him. Carl and Dot spent many years wondering about Layton. I don’t know if there was ever a service for him as I left the area when I went away to college and then my folks moved. I have lost contact with David and this spring we lost my brother. David if you get this please contact me through this paper as they have my email.
Lloyd Day
Hi Lloyd, haven’t seen you in how many years, thanks for responding to my letter.
Was in Maine for Layton;s 60th reunion. Saw Marie and knew that Roland had
passed away. We are in Canada, going to Ohio and Tenn before returning to
Florida the end of the month. Will talk to you more when I get home.
My e-mail address is davidpapap@aol.com address is 2673 Paddock Circle, Crestview
Florida. 32536 Phone 850-423-9936