Role Korean War Name Clarence (Korean | Rank Corporal Died Pyongyang, North Korea | |
Born January 1, 1930
Memphis, Tennessee ( 1930-01-01 ) Allegiance United States (1947–1950)
China (1950–1957; defector) | ||
Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1947–1950 (defected) | ||
Clarence Adams was an African-American GI during the Korean War. He was captured on November 29, 1950, when the People's Liberation Army overran his all-black artillery unit's position. Adams was held as a POW until the end of the war. Instead of returning to the United States during Operation Big Switch, Adams was one of 21 American soldiers who chose to settle in the People's Republic of China. As a result of their decision, these 21 Americans were considered defectors.
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Early life
Adams grew up poor in Memphis, Tennessee. He dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. Army in 1947, at the age of 17.
Korean War
After basic training Adams became an infantry machine gunner. He travelled to Korea shortly after the war between North and South erupted in June 1950 and was posted to Battery A of the 503rd Artillery Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Division. This was his second tour in Korea, as he had first been posted there in 1948.
Return to the United States
Adams returned to the United States from China via Hong Kong on 26th May 1966, citing that he missed his mother.