My Old Box Of Memories was started by
my father, in the form of a scrap book. He began saving everything that was printed in the newspapers. He did this up until the day I was released and returned home. When giving me the book I could not bring
myself to the point where I could look at it or read any of the articles. I put the scrap book in the closet and it remained there until Helen and I got married and had our own home. Years passed and I would
see that scrapbook and never once did I open it. As time went on I started to accumulate other pieces of information. I had no certain place to keep this information so I started putting everything into a cardboard box.
Most of what went into that box was only looked at one time and into the cardboard box it went. Upon my fathers death I found letters that I wrote from the prison camp. Telegrams that they had saved while I was in
the army. All of this went into that old cardboard box. Information that I collected from old POW buddies, friends, people I didn't even know. When we moved to another home that box went with me.
Remaining in the back of a closet, or in a storage room in the basement. Upon our retirement and the final move to Florida you would have thought that the box would have found a final resting place. But since our coming
to Florida Helen and I have moved three more times.
When I heard that their was going to be a Memorial constructed in Washington DC to the Korean War on July 26, 1995 I decided that it was time to look into that old
box. When I looked into that box I couldn't believe what I had accumulated through the years. I didn't know where to start. I must have spent two days reading, looking at pictures, different mementos that I had saved
from military reunions. A lot of the information I had completely put out of my mind because of the pain it brought back to me.
How would I ever be able to put all of this information together so it would make
sense? My only solution was that I would start to write it down in word form for future generations of my family. I started writing and at the same would do research through old records and information that my
fellow Korean Veterans supplied me with and I began on a two and a half year project writing my journal which I called
"MY Old Box Of Memories: Thoughts Of The Korean War"
When I had a rough
draft written many of my friends and fellow veterans suggested after reading it that I get it published. With much thought I took it upon myself and did so. The reason for the publication was not for the money. I wanted
future generations to know in my small way just what the Korean War was about from the thoughts and opinions of the common foot soldier.
With the 50th. Anniversary of the Korean War approaching in the year 2000 I
with the encouragement of my wife and best friend Helen decided that I would give all proceeds from the book to students who want to go to college. This way I can get the word out about the Korean War and in turn help
students who want to further their education. Raising the money through the year 2003 is a difficult task. But in the end I know that I will succeed with your help. How will I succeed? I will succeed because I am
a survivor and to be a survivor the first thing you learn is you never give up.
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of "My Old Box Of Memories" please contact:
William Allen
421 4th Ave N.
Tierra Verde FL 33715
(727) 866-8337
E-mail
