James Melvin Rudd with the author and his wife
An Ooltewah man has written Massacre at Hill 303, the riveting story about
James Melvin Rudd who was captured while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division during his first tour in the Korean War.
He was one of five men who survived a massacre at Hill 303 near Waegwan where the American Prisoners of War were shot with their hands tied behind their backs (41 other POWs died during a three-day ordeal.)
His story is described as "a remarkable journey from bitterness and desire for revenge to a place of acceptance and forgiveness."
James Melvin Rudd currently resides in Paintsville, Ky.
Author Basil B. Clark is a retired associate professor from the University of Pikeville (KY) where he taught public speaking, theatre, oral interpretation, and interpersonal and health communication courses.
He served 14 months as an Infantryman with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam where he received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars (one for Valor), and a Purple Heart.
He currently serves once a week as a volunteer instructor and mentor at Walker State Prison in Rock Spring, Ga., the state's first totally Faith and Character based prison program.
He also presents monthly readings and/or character presentations to Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove and Lantern (Ooltewah) residents.
Basil and his wife Cora reside in Ooltewah.
There will be a book launch party on April 14 from 204 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove, 9650 Leyland Drive, Ooltewah. RSVP (423) 396-6999
The author will be the speaker on April 11 at 1 p.m. at the Plateau Chapter #297 Korean War Veterans Association at the Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center,
128 Stonehenge Drive, Crossville, Tn.
Author Basil B. Clark