Korean War Marine Veteran VA Puget Sound’s 2023 Wall of Heroes honoree
PRESS RELEASE
November 6, 2023
Seattle , WA — At 16-years-old, Michael J. Kavanaugh, now 92, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950. Weeks after assignment with the 12th Infantry Battalion at Treasure Island, he deployed with 1st Marine Division, and fought at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the North Korean Mountains near Manchuria.
On November 7 at 1 p.m., Kavanaugh will be named VA Puget’s Sound Health Care System’s 2023 Wall of Heroes Honoree—the 19th Veteran to receive the recognition.
Dedicated June 29, 2009, VA Puget Sound’s Wall of Heroes display serves as a reminder to patients, visitors and staff of the sacrifice, valor, bravery and heroism of Puget Sound Veterans. The celebration takes place the week leading up to Veterans Day.
Where: VA Puget Sound, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle (just inside main entrance)
When: November 7, 2022, at 1 p.m. (brief ceremony)
Why: In late November 1950, approximately 120,000 Chinese soldiers formed an offensive to destroy the approximately 30,000 United Nations Command forces around the Chosin Reservoir. Kavanaugh and his fellow U.S. Marines, soldiers and UNC forces made a successful fighting withdrawal across the frigid mountains to reach Hamhung and Hungnam, North Korea. In the summer of 1951, Kavanaugh was part of the historic first helicopter assault landing. “The goal: fly 14 miles north into North Korea enemy territory. One helicopter, three Marines. Land, set up a landing site for division to follow with machine guns, mortars and ammunition,” described Kavanaugh. He was the second to make it past the tree lined area and over the creek, to be followed by the third Marine who lost his leg after stepping on a land mine. Upon seeing this, the helicopter quickly returned, picked up the wounded Marine, leaving Kavanaugh and one other Marine to complete the mission, which they did. He fought in the Korean War for 13 months, resulting in 13 combat decorations. Despite incredible odds, Kavanaugh was part of the fearless UNC forces responsible for helping lead more than 100,000 North Korean men, women and children toward freedom with a successful evacuation. Upon his departure from the Marine Corps in February 1952, he spent 33 years at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company, where he started in sales, working his way up to become a six-state area manager. He raised his family on Mercer Island and is currently retired, living near his daughter, Lynn, in Lynnwood. He and his wife, Lorayn, will celebrate their 72nd anniversary November 22, 2023.
Speakers:
- U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Michael J. Kavanaugh Sr.
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System Executive Director Dr. Thomas Bundt
- Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Director David Puente Jr.
- U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle Commanding Officer Major Edison Feisal
Media notes: For questions, contact VA Puget Sound Public Affairs Director Tami Begasse (425.417.6929 or publicaffairspugetsound@va.gov). RSVPs in advance are much appreciated.