Korean War
| Service # | 12363203 |
|---|---|
| Unit | C CO 179 INF 45 DIV |
| Rank | Corporal U.S. Army |
| Date of Death | November 30 1952 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Silver Star
United Nations Service Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
For his leadership and valor, Corporal Van Wees was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Corporal Van Wees was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. On November 30, 1952, he volunteered to join a patrol to attack enemy positions near Songnae-dong, North Korea. During the assault he paused to assist a fallen comrade then continued the attack. He was last seen advancing into the heart of the enemy network inflicting severe damage. He was declared Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.