John Melvin Hodgkins

John “Jack” Melvin Hodgkins, Jr., 88, of Corvallis, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at his home. Jack was born November 7, 1928 in Albany, New York to John and Elizabeth Hodgkins. The third of four children and the only son, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a teen and served in Korea in the 1st Marine Division, most notably among those who fought at the Chosin Reservoir in November and December, 1950. Jack and his fellow Marines fought in one of the most decisive battles in the Korean War. As the Chinese Second Offensive sought to encircle and destroy the 1st Marine Division, in sub-freezing temperatures, the Marines fought their way down a narrow, vulnerable road through several mountain passes and a bridged chasm to reach transport ships at the coast. The battle at Chosin is one of the most-storied exploits in Marine Corps lore and is recognized to this day as motivation to all Marines in dangerous situations. Those that served in the “frozen Chosin” basin have been, and will forever be, known and remembered as the “Chosin Few,” a moniker that came to define Jack for the rest of his life and one that he wore proudly to his death. For his service as a Marine, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his return from Korea, Jack served at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California before being honorably discharged and settling in Los Angeles. Jack started his post-military career with the Los Angeles County Marshal’s Office where he rose to rank of Lieutenant, prior to taking early retirement in 1978, and thereafter pursuing various business interests. Jack was an avid golfer and a member of Soboba Springs Country Club in Hemet, California where he was a club champion. Jack also enjoyed cooking and was an avid reader with a love of political and military history, particularly of the Civil War era. Jack is survived by his wife, Nicole, of Corvallis; son, Scott, of Altadena, California; grandson, Harrison, of New York, New York; his step-children, Deborah Britt, of Encino, California, Bryan Workman, of Corvallis, and Penny Cumbey, of Lakeside, California; and step-grandchildren, Taylor Hay, of Encino, California, Nathan Workman, of Beaverton, Jacob Workman, of Corvallis, Jessica Workman, of Corvallis, Rebekah Akins, of Chula Vista, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. Get breaking news sent instantly to your inbox Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Elizabeth. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at1 p.m. on Monday, June 19 the Roseburg National Cemetery in Roseburg. Memorial donations may be made to the Semper Fi Fund at www.semperfifund.org.

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John Melvin Hodgkins

November 7, 1928 - June 11, 2017