I grew up listening to stories from my father about my Uncle who was killed in Korea.  He died at the young age of 21 in combat.  Here is his Korean War Project Remembrance Link:

Remembering SGT HOWARD RYAN


NAVY CROSS
BRONZE STAR

7th Marine Regiment
I CO 3 BN

1st Marine Division

 

Marines

Hostile, Died (KIA)

Date Of Loss: October 27, 1952

Service Number: 1036624  

EAST MEADOW, NY

Location of Loss: WESTERN OUTPOSTS

Born: May 31, 1929

 

Comments: Sergeant Ryan was a Squad Leader from Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Five times he led patrols forward of the main battle line to gain valuable information about the enemy. On October 7, 1952 he singlehandedly attacked and destroyed enemy emplacements. Then, as he was reorganizing his squad, he was mortally wounded. Navy Cross. Born East Meadow, New York, hometown Bellmore, New York.

 

My Uncle was sending all of his money back to his mom to help support 5 kids at home in East Meadow NY because their father had vanished years earlier leaving a once wealthy family to the generosity of welfare for food and housing.