Draft:Darrell Krenz

Darrell John Krenz
Nickname(s)	DJ
Born	(1931-07-28)July 28, 1931
Died	September 23, 2021(2021-09-23) (aged 90)
Allegiance	United States
Branch	Army
Spouse(s)	Marchita "Keta" Krenz ​ ​ (m. 1954)​
Children	4

Darrell John "DJ" Krenz was a lifelong resident of McFarland, Wisconsin. Darrell was born on 28 July 1931. He enlisted in the United States Army on 19 January 1949. He was first stationed with the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Breckinridge in Morganfield, Kentucky. He transferred to the L Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, stationed at Camp Mower near Sasebo, Japan on the island of Kyushu. Krenz was assigned to be a member of the bazooka team. He also was one of two Soldiers in the Regiment who were qualified on the 1903A4 Springfield sniper rifle with a 2.5X Lyman Alaskan scope. After the invasion of North Korea into South Korea, Krenz and the 34th Infantry Regiment were sent to Pusan, South Korea on 2 July 1950. There they assisted Task Force Smith during their withdrawal from Osan, South Korea. From 6-7 July 1950 the 34th Regiment fought the Battle of Chonan.

On 7 July 1950 while retreating from Chonan, Krenz was captured by the North Korean Army. Forced to march behind enemy lines, Krenz and other Soldiers were moved on foot. In the evenings when they were not marching they were kept in school houses. By August of 1950 they were moved outside of Seoul, South Korea and then loaded into rail cars for Pyongyang, North Korea where they were housed in a school outside the city. On 5 September 1950 they were again forced to board a train. On 11 September 1950 they arrived in Manpo, North Korea along the Yalu River which borders China. On 31 October 1950, a North Korean Major from the Security Forces assumed command of our group. Later nicknamed the "Tiger" because of his brutality and enjoyment of killing American POWs. Krenz and others were forced to march in what became known as the "Tiger Death March". Without food, water, or proper clothing they began to march. For nine days they marched while the "Tiger" executed anyone that would fall out from the march. They arrived at Chunggangjin, North Korea on 9 November 1950 after being forced to march 120 miles. Over 89 Soldiers and civilians died along the way. In the spring of 1951 Krenz was moved to Camp 3 in Changsong, North Korea. He would remain there until August of 1953.

Upon his release, Krenz had spent 37 months as a POW. When released he hugged an American Flag and was told by an Officer, "Son, you can have all the flags you want now!" Darrell married Marchita "Keta" Krenz in 1954. He worked as an elevator installer for Otis for over 40 years. He and Keta raised four children. Darrell was the Post Commander of the McFarland Edwards-Foye American Legion Post 534 for six years. Darrell inspired a memorial behind the American Legion which includes 106 American Flags that fly 24/7, 365 days a year and steps with pillars and bricks that honor those who served. In 2020 the memorial was dedicated in his honor and named "The Darrel J. Krenz Avenue of Flags". Darrell passed away peacefully on 3 September 2021 at age 90. In 2022 an archway was installed at the base of the memorial to honor him.