Posted by Colonel Jimmy Marks on January 7, 2014:

John P. Kean was probably the most admired officer in the 61st FA Bn. On Nov 25/26 1950 when Battery "A" Commander, Captain Rex Gunnell of Vassar, Michigan was killed when an estimated Battalion of Chinese Regulars over ran his Battery position, the Battery XO, 1st Lt. John P. Kean assumed command of "A" Battery. At daybreak on the 26th, Kean organized a combat team of Artillerymen to drive out the Chinese and reclaim lost 105 Howitzers, trucks, and other equipment. The team fought as Infantry and by 1400 hrs. was a fighting artillery unit again. Kean's leadership in putting together this force was praised by all the Artillerymen as perhaps saving many lives. We all knew that Lt Kean had played football at West Point and as such he was much admired and respected by all the enlisted men, but more than that, he was a fearless and audacious leader. As the Association Historian of the 1st Cavalry Division Association, I called on Colonel Kean many times for assistance which was always cheerfully given. I knew he was a great Combat Leader and learned later what a fine Christian Gentleman he was. Go Army!

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