Helmet and Photograph Donated - 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir

With the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir upon us, it is especially meaningful that the family of a prominent veteran of that pivotal battle recently reached out to the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum to donate significant materials from his service. These deeply personal artifacts help us tell the story of one of the most harrowing battles in U.S. Marine Corps history and preserve the legacy of those who endured it.

Among the items donated are the two featured here.

This reversible camouflage helmet cover was worn by Corporal Merwin Perkins, who served as a 60mm mortar man with Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. Corporal Perkins is mentioned numerous times in Colder Than Hell: A Marine Rifle Company at Chosin Reservoir, the Korean War memoir by U.S. Marine Second Lieutenant Joseph R. Owen, who commanded the mortar platoon for Baker Company.  Baker Company suffered over 90 percent casualties during the battle. Corporal Perkins was one of only 29 men from his company who were able to walk out on their own after the fighting. Also donated is an original 8x10 photograph showing Corporal Perkins at the far right, looking directly into the camera, with his 60mm mortar at his feet. The photograph was gifted to the Museum by his daughter and provides a powerful visual connection to the men who fought and survived one of the coldest and most desperate battles in American military history.