Staff Sergeant Joseph Chung Hoon “Sonny” Park
- Unit: Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division
- Date of Birth: January 4, 1927
- Entered the Military: October 17, 1950
- Date of Death: August 21, 2006
- Hometown: Lāna‘i City, Maui, Hawaiʻi
- Place of Death: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
- Award(s): Bronze Star, Prisoner of War Medal
- Cemetery: section C10-J, row 100, site 114. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Mentored by Mrs. Amy Boehning
Hawaiʻi Technology Academy
2024/2025
Early Life
The Hawaiian sugar plantations required a large workforce, and after the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882), plantation owners turned to Korea for laborers. Korean immigrants began arriving in Hawaiʻi in 1903 to work on sugar and pineapple plantations under harsh conditions. By 1905, over 7,000 Koreans immigrated. On the plantations, they endured long hours from dawn to sunset for low wages, lived in poor and unsanitary company housing, and depended on company stores for their basic needs.
On January 4, 1927, Joseph Chung Hoon Park, known as Sonny, was born in Wahiawa, Oahu, to Korean immigrant parents. His father, Tuk Soon Park, immigrated on February 14, 1905, and began working as a cane cultivator on the Ewa Sugar Plantation. He later married Dai Chun “Maria” Kim, and they started a family in Wahiawa where he signed a new labor contract with the Dole Company. Following his divorce, Tuk Soon Park moved to Lāna‘i, where he worked on the Hawaiian Pineapple Plantation, which would become the world’s largest pineapple plantation. By 1940, he had risen to the position of foreman.
Plantation Life
During the early plantation days on Lāna‘i, workers faced harsh conditions, ethnic segregation, and poverty. Despite these challenges, the diverse community remained resilient, hardworking, and deeply connected. Fourth of July and May Day celebrations brought the island together with vibrant parades, floats, and festivities. Events like tug-of-war games encouraged community participation, while Kaumālapa‘u Harbor remained a cherished gathering place for families, creating lasting memories for generations.
Influence of World War II
The bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, brought major changes to Lāna‘i, including an increased military presence, martial law, and strict curfews. Many residents joined the war effort, leading to labor shortages on the pineapple plantations, which remained vital for supplying troops. Fear of further attacks grew, and Japanese American residents faced heightened scrutiny. Despite hardships, the community remained resilient, contributing to civil defense efforts and supporting the war.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Park was 14 years old. At 18, he registered for the draft on January 9, 1945, while still in school. After graduating from Lāna‘i High School in 1946, Park began working as a delivery boy for an electrical distribution company in Honolulu. During this time, he lived with his sister before entering the service in 1950.
Homefront
During the Korean War (1950–1953), Lāna‘i played a role in supporting the war effort primarily through its pineapple production and military service of its residents. The Dole Pineapple Plantation on Lāna‘i was a key supplier of canned pineapple, which was included in military rations for U.S. soldiers. Increased demand during the war kept plantation workers busy, ensuring a steady supply of fruit for the troops.
Many young men from Lāna‘i were drafted or volunteered to serve in the U.S. armed forces, contributing to combat and support roles during the war. Their departure led to labor shortages on the plantation, similar to what happened during World War II.
The people of Lāna‘i, like those across Hawai‘i, showed strong patriotism by participating in war bond drives, collecting supplies, and supporting soldiers and their families.
Military Experience
The Korean War erupted on June 25, 1950, when North Korea crossed the 38th parallel to invade South Korea. By October of that year, Park was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was inducted at Schofield Barracks, where he completed his basic training before being deployed to Japan.
Deployment to the Korean Front
Not long after arrival in Japan, Park deployed to Korea on February 19, 1951. His sister later recalled receiving a letter from him, dated February 18, 1951, in which he mentioned he was heading to Korea. Upon arrival, Park was assigned to Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Chupori. Following a fierce battle on February 12, the two battalions of the 38th Infantry Regiment were reduced to approximately 300 enlisted men and 15 officers. A rapid rebuilding effort was immediately undertaken to restore the unit’s strength. As part of this effort, Park and other replacements participated in several weeks of intensive training. The program included field firing proficiency tests and a command inspection conducted by the regimental commander.
In March, X Corps ordered the 38th Infantry Regiment to move to an assembly area near Tudok. The 1st Battalion was tasked with conducting reconnaissance for offensive positions along the Saei-Wonju axis, aligning with the 23rd Infantry Regiment. By mid-March, the 38th Infantry relieved the 23rd Infantry Regiment. As April began, they focused on extensive patrolling in the north, northeast, and northwest from positions along the Idaho Line. On April 27, the 1st Battalion advanced to secure and defend the Little No-Name Line.
In early May, the 38th Infantry Regiment strengthened defensive positions on the No-Name Line, conducting daily patrols and fortifying defenses with minefields, tactical wire, and obstacles. Expecting a strong enemy attack, the regimental commander ordered artillery fire plans on friendly positions, ensuring all troops were well-covered to minimize casualties—a strategy that later proved highly effective during their defensive stand.
Battle of the Soyang River
On May 16, 1951, the 1st Battalion reported approximately 1,000 enemy troops advancing south in two large groups. A radar-guided bomber strike was ordered. By 20:55, enemy forces had seized the ridge line north and east of the battalion’s position..
On May 17, “A” and “B” Companies launched a counterattack toward Hill 1051 and Hill 914 to reclaim lost ground. Company B’s left flank was overrun, but friendly artillery fire and a counterattack by a reserve platoon successfully restored the line.
On May 18, the 1st Battalion faced two direct attacks on its command post, both of which were repelled. However, Company B’s left platoon was surrounded and they were ordered to form a defensive perimeter.
By late afternoon, the enemy successfully surrounded the 1st and 2nd Battalions’ rear positions. As Company B withdrew, Park was captured during the fighting. On May 18, 1951, he was taken as a Prisoner of War and transported to North Korea. His family only learned of his capture on December 19, 1951, when his name appeared on a POW list.
Life in POW Camp 1
POW Camp 1 in Changsong, North Korea, was one of the camps where United Nations soldiers, primarily Americans, were held during the Korean War. Prisoners endured harsh conditions, including inadequate food, water, forced marches, and limited medical care.
Staff Sergeant Joseph Park was held at Camp 1 with several fellow Hawaiʻi soldiers who were all assigned to cooking detail. The men supported each other, ensuring no one succumbed to illness or starvation. While on cooking duty, Park observed that food quality improved over time, particularly during peace talks. Meals included rice, soybeans, vegetables, and even pork, with an occasional tablespoon of sugar as a rare luxury. Compared to other prisoners who died from illness and malnutrition, Park considered their conditions bearable due to his access to food.
Park’s family received eight letters from him during his captivity, though he mentioned writing one per month—many were likely discarded by Communist censors. Prisoners were forbidden from mentioning names, and any content deemed inappropriate led to warnings from their captors.
Operation Big Switch
On July 27, 1953, the Korean War officially ended with the signing of the truce agreement at Panmunjom. As part of the terms, both sides agreed to a final prisoner exchange known as Operation Big Switch, which began on August 5, 1953. This operation was a moment of long-awaited relief for many POWs, including Staff Sergeant Joseph Park, who endured over two years of captivity.
Even after the war had ended, he remained in captivity for another month before finally being included in a POW exchange. On August 18, 1953, Park was among 145 prisoners freed at Panmunjom. He was immediately evacuated to Tokyo, where he received medical treatment. There, he reunited with other Hawaiian soldiers who shared in the joy of their release and looked forward to returning home.
Just ten days later, on August 28, 1953, Park arrived at Hickam Air Field in Hawaiʻi, making him the twelfth Hawaiian POW to return home. Despite the hardships he endured, he was optimistic about the future. Operation Big Switch marked the end of captivity for thousands of soldiers, including Park, giving them the long-awaited opportunity to return home and rebuild their lives.
Commitment to Service
After reuniting with his family, Joseph was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for further care. When asked about his plans, he shared that he was considering reenlisting in the Army. True to his word, Park reenlisted multiple times. By March 1965, he had returned to Tripler Hospital, this time serving as a medical corpsman, continuing his dedication to military service. His service continued into the Vietnam War period.
Veteran Experience
In September 2001, Staff Sergeant Joseph C. H. Park was honored at the sixth annual Patriots Celebration fundraiser, organized by the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. The event aimed to support Hawaiʻi’s homeless and impoverished communities. Through interviews with other former POWs, the Foodbank recognized food as a shared struggle among them. Reflecting on his experience, Park stated, “It was rough—guys were dying around you left and right. For food, they gave us millet and sorghum that you couldn’t eat.” The ceremony, held on POW/MIA National Recognition Day at Hilton Hawaiian Village, featured a surprise dream meal for Park. Park’s participation highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity, with all proceeds from the fundraiser dedicated to supporting food banks throughout Hawaiʻi.
Commemoration
Staff Sergeant Joseph Chung Hoon Park served with dedication and bravery, embodying the resilience and perseverance of Korean immigrants in Hawaiʻi. Born to hardworking immigrant parents, Park was raised with a strong sense of duty and commitment to his community and country. During his military service, Park endured the hardships of being a prisoner of war, demonstrating immense courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his dedication to his fellow soldiers and his country.
On August 21, 2006, Staff Sergeant Park passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice. He was interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, a resting place for many of America’s honored Veterans. Loved deeply by his family, Park’s life stands as a testament to strength, perseverance, and patriotism. His story continues to inspire future generations, reminding us of the sacrifices made by Korean American service members throughout history.
Bibliography
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[Scene on a pineapple plantation, with harvested pineapples, Hawaii]. Photograph. c.1910-1925. Library of Congress (93511081) https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/93511081/.
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“Joseph C. H. Park.” Find a Grave. Updated July 3, 2011. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72591413/joseph-c_h-park.
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This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.