John Benand Murphy

Comments: Am searching for information on Lt John Benand Murphy of the 61th Artillery KIA June 1950. his hometown of Garden City is looking to upgrade and update its Veterans Memorial Park. The current marker only has Korea embossed on it. Murphy was from Garden City NY.

Cyril Smith SEACJS@aol.com

Keywords: 61 Arty Bn

Looking for anyone who served with my Dad, Johnny King. He was from Hulbert Oklahoma.

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Keywords: He was a wireman. He had a dog named Mike. He was the only survivor when his truck hit an antitank mine.

61st F.A. and 99th F.A-- my Pop?

Comments: I know my father - 1st Sargent Frank Dominick Springer was in the 61st F.A. as well as the 99th F.A. I don't know which one was Korea. He was also in WWII in the Pacific. Leyte, Manilla, the Flying Column... He was at Fort Hood when they rode horses. (He loved those old nags until he died) He was stationed in Japan when Korea cracked open and at Mt. Fugi on maneuvers when they were called back to base for deployment to Korea. He was in that first brutally mauled wave to go into Korea. I understand it was the first 586 soldiers to go across the Sea of Japan. He was rotated home around January of 1951. My mother was full into her ninth month of pregnancy with me when he shipped. He got to see me for the first time in a photograph on the front page of the Stars and Stripes. One of his guys had a copy and called out to my Pop- as he threw the paper over to his fox hole- "hey Springer, is this you?" The caption under the photo of the worried woman with a week old baby in her arms, read.. "Wife and newborn son of 1st Sargent Frank D. Springer- somewhere in Korea"

He talked extremely little with me about the war. I guess old war horses need only mention that kind of combat with other war horses. That talk of horror is not for their kids. Also my cousin- Andrew Dee Shane- was in Korea and was killed. I was named in part for him, prior to his shipping to the war zone.

I have seen a photo of his 105mm gun with the name "Fireball of Taejon" on the side. (He told me at one point they were firing so fast and level with the ground that the barrel just turned to a glow of red and so came the name. I also have a trooper hat with the emblem on the front "esta Bueno"depicting a good artillery round.

If anyone has any knowledge of these two fine American soldiers, please contact me. My Pop has now passed over to stand in the ranks at that last battle line. I know he is side by side with, what he lovingly called his "boys". Seven Bronze Stars, the Purple heart, and the V for Valor and I thought he was going to spank me when I called him my hero. His heroes were "his boys" that didn't get to come home to their loved ones. Gotta love a guy like that. ( I never mentioned the "hero" thing again, but he will always be my personal hero)

I am most humbly yours in spirit-

Frank Dee Springer Sr.-- Son of the First Cav

Keywords: First Cav -- gun name- Fireball of Taejon- 1st Sargent Frank Dominick Springer- Korea 1950 -- Do you know him?

Update Contact Informatin

Comments: Just wanted to update my contact info. My new email is kc9iid#sbcglobal.net Thanks, Mark Hodge

Keywords: Wayne Hodge HHB 61st FA BN

Update contact information

Comments: I'm updating my contact information for anyone that might have any remembrances of my late father, Kelly W Van Arsdel. He served in Korea in 1951, and later in Japan in 1952. He was a FO with A Battery of the 61st FA Btn., 1st Cavalry Div. If anyone has any memories to share with me I'd be grateful.

Thanks much, Kelly Jr.

Keywords: 61st FA Btn. A Battery, 1st Cavalry, Korea 1951,

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE THAT KNEW MY UNCLE JAMES HUTTON KIA MAY 22, 1951 61ST ARTILLERY

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SGT. Kelly W Van Arsdel

Comments: Looking for anyone that might have served with my late father, Kelly W. Van Arsdel, who was with the 61st. F.A. Btn., A Btry, Ist Cav., who was in country in '51, and later in Japan in '52. I know that he had shrapnel in his leg when he passed away, but was never awarded a Purple Heart. I'd much appreciate anyone that might have any stories of their time with him.

Thanks very much in advance,

Kelly Jr.

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Sgt. Kelly W. Van Arsdel, 61st F.A. Btn.

Comments: Looking for anyone that might have some remembrance of my late father, Kelly W. Van Arsdel, 61st F.A. Btn, who was in country in 1951, later Japan in 1952 if memory serves me correctly. Any recollections of him that you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Kelly Jr.

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Lt Warner Turner Bonfoey

Comments: I am looking for any information available on my high school classmate, Lt Bonfoey, KIA Oct 29,1951 serving as Forward Observer 61st Field Artillery BN. I would be very grateful for any news any one could give me about him. Thanks

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Do you remember T Sgt. Alberto Lerma

Comments: My father is just now sharing some of his experiences of the war. If you remember him let me know. He spoke of a Tsunami. Bitter cold, fighting, surving and digging in the "same damn fox hole I dug up a year ago." Convoys getting stuck in the mud, bridges getting washed out, rivers immpassable, a dog he called Fido, getting blood poisoning from a bayonet wound, and taking beer from supply and blaming it on the Marines. I have a photo of him standing knee deep in snow,and another of him in front of quanset hut #629, there is a flag with 61 B and crossed cannons on it.

Keywords: Sgt. Al Lerma, served in Korea with the 61st FAB Comp B, for almost 3years 51-53

Col. Alden Hatch

Comments: I'm trying to track down any information on my grandfather, alden hatch, who commanded 61st FAB until he was wounded. His xo was Major Paul Fischer (sp?). does anyone know of his whereabouts?

I have corresponded with some of you in the past, but I am looking for anyone who might have rememberances of my grandfather, Lt. Col. Alden Hatch who was Battalion Commander of the 61st FAB. I would appreciate hearing from you at the following e-mail address.

shatch@comcast.net

This is a resend of an earlier message. I have a new email address. Thank you very much. Scott Hatch

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Locating Toopers from 61st FA BN

Comments: I have located several Troopers, They are Aronson,Jakubuski,Bracey, Silva from HQ Btry and Hentz fron SV Btry. We are having our 61st FA BN reunion next year 2006 on May 1,2,3 [Mon, Tues. Wed] at Sugarcreek, Ohio. [Amish Country] Any Troopers from the 61st Field Artillery Battalion are needed and welcomed to join us. Anyone from the Korean War that cannot remember where and when they fought in Korea or relatives that want to learn more about where their loved ones was and how it was in Korea from Nov. 28, 1950 to Oct. 26, 1951. My book " In The Hills of Korea" has about 100 mini-stories and also letters sent home which are dated and shows Korean villages while I was in Korea which can be used to trace our paths up & down North and South Korea. My duties was with Headquarters Battery and was in the wire section, Radio section, Liaison section and supported the 5th Regt. 1st Cav.. Pfc to M/Sgt in Korea. My last assignment was Communication Chief. Most of my time in Korea was spent close to the A Company 5th Regt. Commo Chief Howard Inderdahl Sta Bueno

Keywords: More Troopers for our runions needed.

HQ battery 61 FABN 1950-51

Comments: My father served during the Korean War from 1950 thru 1951 (17 months total). He died in 1971 when I was 9 years old so I never discussed any war memories with him as he probably thought I was too young to comprehend the horrors of war. He was from Alpena Michigan and served with a Joseph Rathbun from Grand Rapids Mich. I met Joe around 1989 and he provided me with a whole new world of my father's service including never seen before photos of my father in 1950. He never told me much about my fathers experiences, demeanor, attitude, and most importantly his personality as I was young when he died and lost this precious opportunity a father and son share. I am 44 now, the age when he died and his likeness and personality is still a sought after mystery. Ironically I was promoted to Sergeant (Lansing Police Department) exactly 50 years later in the same month he received his promotion during his Army service in Korea. If anyone remembers him I'd sure appreciate a line or two. I believe he made it to staff Sgt but missed another rocker for unknown reasons. Mr. Rathbun mentioned a time when North Korean soldiers were sneaking past their position in the night and a Captain walked into the bunker and cranked up a phone which the enemy heard and started firing on their position. Rathbun stated after the firefight my dad jumped on the Captain and began choking him out......perhaps the reason for not getting the second rocker on his chevron. He never received any documentation on his DD 214 regarding any service medals or commendations as reflected on Mr. Rathbuns 214 paperwork. They both rotated out to Hokkiodo Japan at the end of their tours. Thank you all for your dedication and service to our country.

2nd Plt/Sgt. Charles T. Janeski Uniform Division/North Pct Lansing Police Department Lansing, Mich

Keywords: 4TH ARMY/1ST Cav Div. 61st FABN HQ BATTERY 1950-51

HQ Battery

Comments: Just wanted to let you know my new email address is maintenanceman38@comcast.net

Keywords: wayne hodge, hq btry

61st Field Artilliary Bn Assm

Comments: I am now the coordinator of the 61st FA Bn Assn. We are a group of mostly Korean Vets who meets for a reunion once a year. I will gladly send info to any vet who served with the 61st in Korea or any where else.

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Comments: I ARRIVED IN KOREA IN JAN. 1951 ON THE KOAN MARU. I WAS FIRST ASSIGNED TO 8TH ARMY SIGNAL,BUT SHORTLY WAS SENT NORTH BY TRAIN. I WAS POSTED TO B BATTERY,AND WAS ASSIGNED AS A PERIMETER GUARD WITH A 50 CALIBER.THIS LASTED A SHORT TIME,AND I WAS PLACED ON A FORWARD OBSERVER TEAM.I WAS MADE SGT AFTER MY LIEUTENANT WAS WOUNDED. I DIRECTED FIRE ON TROOP CONCENTRATIONS,AND OTHER TARGETS. I LEFT INCHON ON AN LST AND BOARDED THE GEN BALOU TO SASEBO,AND TO SEATTLE ON THE AIKEN VICTORY,

Keywords: CHUCK HILL 716 CHONCHON SEOUL MARINE LYNX AIKEN VICTORY

Korean vet

Comments: Reporting in after having discovered the site only this morning

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61st HQ. buddies

Comments: I would love to know about Homer Harding, Sam Salamone,Bernard Silva, John Eubanks, Sam Kinder. oe Noe, Joe Alvarez, Bob Whitworth, Ed Carrol, James Johnston, George Besst(my crew chief), Al Staneart, Temple Lord, Earl Sampsell. Any body with any info or email addresses on these guys, I would appreciate. Thanks.

Keywords: My name is Charles Bracey from NC. My twin brother< Neill and I served in the Commo Section of HQ. Battery-61st Fa Bn from July 1951 to Feb. i1953. Neill passed away 6 years ago.

Looking 61st FA member

Comments: My father James A. Tally served with A Battery, 61st FA Bn in Korea from August 1951 until January 1952 and then went with the battalion to Chitose Japan. He would love to hear from any old buddies. He entered the Army in Lincoln, NE. His contact information is below. Please pass any email correspondence to my address and I will forward it to him James A. Tally 7513 Lakehurst Court Citrus Heights, CA 95621 (916) 725-9004 v/r Jeffrey L. Tally LTC Ret. 8723 Tia Christina Drive NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 jtally110@comcast.net

Keywords: 61st FA Bn, Aug 1951 through Jan 1952, Chitose Japan

A Battery, 61st Field Artillery Battalion

Comments: My father James A. Tally served in A Battery, 61st FA Bn in Korea from Aug 1951 throug Dec 1951 and then went with the Battalion to Chitose Japan in January 1952. He entered service in Lincoln, NE. He would enjoy hearing from anyone from this period or hearing about any reunions. His contact information is. James A. Tally 7513 Lakehurst Court Citrus Heights, CA 95621 (916) 725-9004

Keywords: A Battery, 61st FA BN

61st FA BN HQ Btry

Comments: Looking for Donald Welty from Kenosha,WI.He went on rotation in May 1951 from 61st FA BN HQ BTRY.He then left for Germany. Also Wayne Hodge was in the same radio truck HQ 21 as I was. I was a high speed radio operator also. But I also held various assignments in the Headquarters Battery from wire section,liaison section chief and Communication Chief from Nov 50-Oct 51. I wrote a book called In the Hills of Korea about my tour with the 61st FA BN HQ Battery with the 1st Cavalry Division which can be used to help relatives find some answers about their loved ones that did not tell their stories while they were still living.

Keywords: North/South Korea

hq battery 61st fa 1cav div

Comments: Looking for anyone who knew or served with my father, Wayne W Hodge in Headquarters Battery, 61st FA, in either Japan and or Koera from 1949 to 1951. He was a radio operator, and drove a Dodge truck #HQ21. He never talked about his freinds who died in Korea, so I don't know any names of survivors. He recently passed away on 26 December 2003, and was laid to rest in the national cemetary in the Phoenix Arizona area. Anyone with any info about him, or any family of anyone who may have known him please contact me at Maintenanceman35@aol.com

Keywords: Info on Wayne W Hodge, radio operator, 61st FA Headquarters Battery, dodge truck HQ21

FATHER NEEDS CLOSURE

Comments: ANYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION OR MEMORIES OF WALTER MERDITH GREER FROM RALEIGH COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA DATE OF LOSS 1950 SEPTEMBER 5. M CO 8 CAV RGT (INF) 1 CAV DIV RANK CPL SPECIALITY (4812) HEAVY WEAPONS INFANTRYMAN PLACE SOUTH KOREA LAST LETTER WE RECEIVED SAID HE HAD BEEN BLOWN OVER A HUT WITH A HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVE BUT HE WAS OK-NOT TO WORRY. NO WORD AGAIN UNTIL MILITARY DECLARED HIM MISSING. MY AGING FATHER NEEDS CLOSURE IF YOU COULD HELP...PLEASE. THANK YOU KINDLY DIANNA GREER 540 344-1549 OR gypsyandjack@cox.net if you know anything at all

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July 1951-Dec. 1952

Comments: Would be interested in hearing from any one with this unit in Korea from July 1951 until Dec 1951 and Chitose, Japan Jan.1952 until Dec 1952.

Keywords: Pvt. John R. Owens, Dewey Mayo, Guthery McKenzie, Homer Acosta, Franky Famigetti, Russell E Summerlin, Harold Koppitz, Donald White, Paul Brown, Capt. Maynard E. Caster, Lt. Speedman, Lt. John Owens,