John Every

Sergeant John Every of Bloomville, New York, served in the United States Marines from 1948 to 1952. Enlisting as an 18-year-old, Private First Class, Every was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines as a mortar gunner. 

During the Korean War, Sergeant Every assumed a pivotal role with the 7th Marines, landing at Inchon and fighting to the 38th Parallel. His Unit then made an amphibious landing at Wonsan and engaged in skirmishes with the enemy during the fifty-mile trek to the Chosin Reservoir, where they became surrounded by 120,000 soldiers of the Chinese 9th Army. Over a few short days, Sergeant Every fired over 500 mortar rounds, helping prevent the enemy from overrunning his trapped and vastly outnumbered fellow Marines. Frostbite to both hands and both feet eventually forced his evacuation from the Reservoir.

Sergeant Every’s courageous military service earned him a number of honors, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Letter of Commendation Medal w/Combat V, Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Ribbon, President Syngman Rhee Association Ribbon, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, and Good Conduct Ribbon.

At home, Sergeant Every is a dedicated community leader, serving as a Town of Kortright Councilman for 25 years, scoutmaster, and county fire marshal. He was chief of the Bloomville Fire Department and captain of the Emergency Squad, retiring after 55 years of exemplary service. 

Sergeant Every continues to support his fellow veterans, holding leadership roles with American Legion Post 1379 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6292 in Stamford.  Currently, he is president of the Northeast Chapter of the Chosin Few.

Sergeant Every has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country, his fellow service members and his community. His contributions, both in and out of uniform, are well deserving of our eternal respect and admiration.