35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  MSG Eugene Otis Blackston    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Baker Company
35th Infantry Regiment
Korean War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal United Nations Korean Service Medal Republic of Korea War Service Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, MSG Eugene Otis Blackston, RA06834599, who died in the service of his country on March 7th, 1951 in South Korea. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Eugene was 32 years of age. He was from Sangamon County, Illinois. Eugene's Military Occupation Specialty was 1745-Light Weapons Infantry Leader.

The decorations earned by MSG Eugene Otis Blackston include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.




I was with "Blackie" during the period of August 1950-January 25, 1951. At this time I was wounded severly and was sent back to the hospital in Japan for processing to send me home for further surgical procedures. "Blackie" was my dear friend and we often talked about things back home and we fought along side each other. Two other buddies as below told me they were with him when he was killed. Their names are Harold A. Sasson, and Wade A. Durham. According to them, he died instantly. Along with two other buddies that were very seriously wounded. I miss "Blackie" everyday in my life. He was kind, and very outgoing to his men. My memories of him will never be forgotten.

Maxcy P. Brown. P.O. Box 62 Jenkinsville, SC. 29065 (803)345-3954 E-mail me at TGregg@prodigy.net

I was also there on that day in March,,,,,Morris Penermon, (Co.B 35th Inf) Some of you may remember me,I was the only Black there at the time. Thanks to Sgt Blackston I made it ok I will never Never forget him,,Rest in Peace SARGE I love you..... MO

Buried in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan Rd in St. Louis, MO. Section 81 Site 226C.