Memorial Day 2010

Sixty years ago, a young man from Tulsa found himself in the USMC and deployed to Korea. He married his sweetheart shortly before deploying - they had 10 days together before he left. He would never return.

His unit was assigned to the attack at Inchon - which proved to be a difficult landing under enemy fire. Think D-Day on a smaller, but no less horrendous scale. PFC Albert Collins took a mortal wound to his chest while running with his machine gun to the position assigned him by his platoon leader. Despite this wound, Albert continued to crawl until he reached his position. Once there, he continued to fire his machine gun accurately into the enemy position until he was found by a medic.

In 1951, Albert's remains were returned to Tulsa where he was buried at Memorial Park. Albert was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). He was twenty years old when he gave his life in service to his country.

Today, the Tulsa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, along with local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered to honor PFC Collins. A proclamation honoring him from the Oklahoma State Legislature was read. Members of the Oklahoma State Marine Corp Veterans, Albert's class of 1949 Central High classmates, and other dignitaries paid tribute to this forgotten hero.




Some of Albert's classmates from the Central High School Class of 1949.

Albert was awarded a Purple Heart, the Navy Cross (which was awarded to his widow following the war on the steps of the Tulsa County Courthouse) and many other medals for his service. Today, he received a grave marker designating him as a member of the SAR, and a beautiful wreath depicting the Navy Cross was laid by the DAR.




The USMC JROTC of Sapulpa High school closed the ceremony with the 21 gun salute - 7 guns firing 3 volleys. Taps was played. PFC Albert Collins was remembered.