A must read Korean war memoir,, WHAT'S A COMMIE EVER DONE TO BLACK PEOPLE? (forgotten pages, of a forgotten-war) by Curtis J. ”Kojo” Morrow A former member of the 24th Infantry, Regiment Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, G-Co, 1st, Platoon, 1st Squad (formerly known as Buffalo Soldiers) as a Rifleman/Dec, 4.1950 until Sept. 1.1951
Author at age 17 As horrible as some of mankind history might be to some, the truth should be made known to all, so as to ensure it'll not repeats itself in the future. From an ancient west-African proverb (Sankofa) I quote,, “One should explore ones past, so as not to repeat past-mistakes” After suffering internally for many years, I, for one, have decided to write of my grief's, pentad feelings, and mixed-emotions; and it was difficult recalling events I experiences in a racist U.S. army. When all I wanted to do was serve my country like many other Black-Americans. After basic training, I, like many other African Americans, volunteered for combat duty in the so-called “Police-Action” in Korea. Which turned out to be the last conventional war, our country were to take part in. And one of the most brutal. Psychologically we Black Americans are encouraged from childhood, not to speak or write of our heroic deeds. We are encouraged not to do so by our parents, relatives and well meaning friends. Their reasons is they're fearful it'll make (some) people uneasy. So when those amongst us do it, we're accused of boasting, praising the evils of wars, or being some kind of radical. Some go as far as to say that such stories put wrong ideas in the heads of our younger generation, when in reality it leaves them with a sense of pride, and knowledge of their history. I became aware of that while living amongst people of my ancestors in Africa; to this day they sing about the glorious deeds their ancestors performed hundreds years ago in war and peace. Writing this memoir (WHAT'S A COMMIE EVER DONE TO BLACK PEOPLE?) was one of the most difficult decision of my life. But perhaps it'll serve as an inspiration to other Black-veterans, to tell their stories, our history. I wrote of my experiences and details some of the psychological effects the war had on me, a 17-year-old kid. It also tells the story of black man's fight in a racist United States army. A war where we black soldiers soon realized the bitter irony of our situation--supposedly fighting to protect the freedom of another society, (Korean) even as that freedom was being denied us in our own country. My experience was a rude awakening to the realities, not only of life and death, but of politics. An experience, no other American will ever have to endure again... Regardless of their race, color, or greed.
Perhaps, if I had known then at the ages 17, what I know now, I too might've stayed home and remained in school. But I didn't. I chose the road of adventure, The Creator spared me, perhaps to add this chapter, to the history of African-Americans in the making of this country; to pass it on, so that all should know, the freedom and privilege we now enjoy, many fought and died for it. Reflecting back now, at age 66, I feel very proud of my participation in the military history of our great country, and proud of my contribution to freedom, and well-being the people in South Korea, now enjoy. Than, as now, I have the highest regards for them. And wish them continuous success. They taught me the true meaning of the words, BRAVERY & SACRIFICING. Even today, (49 years afterward) it sometimes brings tears to my eyes, when I reflect back on the Korea I witness as a 17/18 year old combat-infantryman; for 9 bloody months of front-line fighting. Sincerely, Curtis J. ”Kojo” Morrow. Military Service; Enlisted April 6. 1950. Honorably discharged June 10, 1954.
My book listed-price, $23.95) Or request it at your local library.
