EDWARD A. (ED) Wright wrote on 2001-12-18 09:57:22.0
Comments: write-up for the 50th reunion, held in Decatur, Alabama on July 3, 2000.
1343rd Engr. Combat Battalion 50th Anniversary of Korean War Service 1950 - 2000 American Legion Center Decatur, Alabama July 3, 2000
My nephew Steve Roberts, from Decatur sent me a URL to a story in the Decatur Daily newspaper regarding the 50ty anniversary of my National guard unit being mobilize and sent to Korea.
I tried calling former Sergeant Jay Shealy and kept getting answering machines. I asked Steve to find out if former sergeant Tommy Counts had an E-mail address. Steve sent that to me and I contacted Tommy by E-mail. He tried to contact both Jay Shealy and Mack Vinson and got answering machines on both telephones.
Jay Shealys wife called me back and said that Jay was in the hospital for removal of part of his colon. I wished him well and said that I would come by and see him during my visit the following week. Tommy Counts assured me that I could pay at the door and would have a reservation.
I drove to Decatur Monday Morning, July 3rd and dropped by to see my sister Hope Wright Compton and gave her copies of photographs of my new grandson Charles Edward Wright who was born yesterday. I copied them from my son Bobs web page covering the big event. I then went to my Sister Mary Wright Roberts home and got ready to attend the reunion. Mary took me by the American Legion Center to make certain that I would not get lost.
On our way to her home we went by the hospital and visited with Jay Shealy and his lovely wife Lynn. Jay was doing fine and hopes to be out of the hospital in a few days. I had not seen him since the 25th anniversary of this group back in 1975.
I arrived at the American Legion Center on time, paid my dues and entered the building. I was surprised that the place was overflowing with OLD PEOPLE. What happened to all of those young vibrant fighting men that I went to Korea with? I walked around, not really recognizing anyone. I found out that these folks were from C Company which was from nearby Hartselle, Alabama.
I decided to go to the far back corner to try to find someone from A Company or the Headquarters Company. A voice called out to me. It was former Lt. Dan Price and former Lt. Bo McIntyre, my former fellow platoon leader and company commander.
I joined them for extended conversations reminiscing about the old days and what has happened since. Bo had one of his sons with him. I saw that name tags were now being issued so I went up and got us all name tags and programs. It became easier to recognize people wearing name tags. There were lots of soft drinks, iced tea, peanuts and other goodies during the social hour.
I was saddened to hear that probably half of the 41 officers and warrant officers were now deceased. Besides Dan Price and Bo McIntyre, the only officers that I met were former Executive officer Major Cecil Chandler, Battalion pilot Lt. Lloyd Ward, and former Lt. John Lyle. There were lost of former sergeants corporals and enlisted men there. As a matter of fact these guys ran the entire show. Besides the officers mentioned, I was most happy to see Tommy and Pat Counts, Charles Riley, Gene Ratliff, Pat Baggett, Roy Laughmiller, Billy Williams, Dan Dobbs, Chick Sparkman and many more that I do not recall at the moment.
A fine buffet of World renown, Big Bob Gibsons Barbecue with all of the trimmings including slaw, baked beans, potato salad, rolls and a variety of delicious pies were served up. Coffee and iced tea were there for the beverage. Tommy Counts arranged for me to join him, his wife Pat and Cecil Chandler at his table. The line started from the far end of the dining hall therefore about three hundred people were ahead of us. I was close enough to the serving table that I sneaked up and got my iced tea ahead of time so I would not have as many things to bring back to the table. There was nothing to be concerned about. There was ample food for all with seconds or thirds if desired. I chose barbecue pork instead of chicken because it would be easier to handle with plastic utensils. I also chose a coconut cream pie that was so delicious that I went back for seconds on that item.
There were lots of speeches. Tommy Counts and Mack Vinson presented a plaque to Cecil Chandler for outstanding leadership during the spring offensive in 1951. He had the guts to order A Company, that was in danger of being trapped by the Chinese, to Advance To The Rear. I was in that company and I really appreciate that decision. The Marines moved into the position that we vacated. Cecil was deeply moved by the award. A great man.
I feel very certain that there will not be another celebration by this group in twenty-five more years. Where have all the soldiers gone? Long time passing!!
Keywords: 1343re. Engr BN. 1169th.
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