Korean War Project

DMZ War Bulletin Board Results

Korea - Combat Zone After 1954

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DMZ Era Messages posted to this BBS:

Entry Name	Last Message
KEITH STEPHENS	February 17, 2025
JOHN SMITH	February 13, 2023
DONALD REUM	October 9, 2022
SANDY LIMA	February 2, 2021
JOSEPH SCIARRONE	December 17, 2020
DEAN R BAKKEN	April 3, 2020
PAT BRANCACCIO	March 26, 2020
RICHARD JONES	January 15, 2018
RICHARD JONES	January 15, 2018
!OWELL STAKER	August 8, 2017
ALAN GELON	May 30, 2017
WILLIE MARQUEZ	March 13, 2017
WILLIE MARQUEZ	March 13, 2017
FILEMON TORRES	October 1, 2016
MICHAEL D BURNSIDE	April 25, 2016
JIM BRADFORD	January 23, 2016
MARTIAL YOUNG	September 19, 2015
BOB MCVEY	July 14, 2013
ELMER ROMANG	June 4, 2013
WALLY ZIMPFER	December 4, 2012
RAY YATES	January 13, 2012
DARRELL VAN DUSEN	September 23, 2011
E-4 FRANK MONTOYA	August 22, 2011
LARRY SIGMON / B CO. 2ND ENG BTLN ( COMBAT )	August 8, 2011
ARDEN JENSEN	July 17, 2011
SAM LEWIS	September 29, 2007
SSG CHARLIE U.S. ARMY RETIRED	September 22, 2006
DMZ TANKER 'STRIKE FORCE'	August 2, 2006
MARK HEATHCO	July 29, 2006
JOE HARMAN	July 13, 2006

Entry: 9353

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

KEITH STEPHENS wrote on February 17, 2025

Southport NC

Comments:

My father SSG James W. Stephens was in Korea at Camp Casey and DMZ 1964-1965. He
was an Engineer NCO. Anyone remember him please let me know whatever you can. He
passed away 1 Jan 2024 at 94 years old. I’m his son SMSgt Keith R. Stephens USAF
(ret). We are trying to put together his military career so we can make an
electronic memorial to him. He will be laid to rest with our mother who rests in
Arlington National Cemetery. All communication welcome.

Entry: 9028

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

JOHN SMITH wrote on February 13, 2023

Albany NY

Comments:

Was Osan Korea a combat zone in 1961 ?

Entry: 8939

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

DONALD REUM wrote on October 9, 2022

Ann Arbor MI

Comments:

My brave brothers and sisters who served at any time or place in South Korea
after the "truce/cease fire" thank you! We do I think have an option to change
the designation of our service to combat zone. According to the DOD combat
veteran determination table, (2) (distilled by me) The President of the great
USA may by executive order designate by executive order the begining and
end of the designatation of current or PAST overseas areas troops were
stationed.(now see)
(Where there is hostilities, Imminent danger, or civil inserection). If we
contact our local federal represenatives and state senators to put a
President on the spot to change it by such executive order we may win!
I'm tired of the VA looking down their noses at us. Tell if I'm wrong!

Entry: 8755

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

SANDY LIMA wrote on February 2, 2021

Ft Lauderdale FL

Comments:

My dad served in the US Army and his military papers state he was a
sharpshooter. He spent time in the DMZ in the early 60’s. I believe 1962-
1963. Whatever happened there must have been quite awful because the Army
allowed him to transfer & finish his last 2 years of military service out in
the Navy. I am searching for answers as my dad suffered severe PTSD
eventually taking his own life. I would greatly appreciate if anyone who
served there during that time can educate me as to what exactly went on
there. I was only a little girl when he passed & this has left a large hole
in my heart. I am hoping someone will be kind enough to reach out to me.
Thank you.
Sandy
Sandylimardh@gmail.com

Entry: 8732

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

JOSEPH SCIARRONE wrote on December 17, 2020

Port Saint Lucie FL

Comments:

I served in Korea 1963, 13 months camp Casey 7th infantry division,
Dongducheon. It was a combat zone at that time.
Anyone their at that time give me an email joeissi@yahoo.com.
Thanks

Entry: 8579

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

DEAN R BAKKEN wrote on April 3, 2020

Becker MN

Comments:

I served with the A Co 1st Amtrac Bn from April 1954 to March 1955 near the
Freedom bridge on the Imjin river.

Entry: 8576

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

PAT BRANCACCIO wrote on March 26, 2020

Lakewood NJ

Comments:

I SERVED IN 1957 IN THE DMZ ,P I was with hq&hq co
1st cav division. I was a radio repairman. Tried to get details , my records
were destroyed in st Louis fire. Anyone who remembers this outfit or me please
contact me

Entry: 7409

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

RICHARD JONES wrote on January 15, 2018

Iron station North Carolina

Comments:

Served in Korea in 1969-1971 with HHC 1/31 infantry. Was in the MBA just
south of the turkey farm. You had to be there to know that. Then camp
Casey , the DMZ, Osan air base then Hovey. . Slept in tents in the MBA
and watched over the engineers that planted trees and grass on bunkers
they built. N the DMZ it was guard duty in foxholes and concrete bunkers.
Slept in a quanset hut with Recon platoon and was the Bn Xo driver. Knew
everybody but lost that memory. Looked up 1/31 history but seems no one
left or no one wants to remember. If you were there and remember me, lets
talk. We used to say no one would believe it if we told them. You had to be
there. Now, I find no one kelpt records either. Anybody out there?

Entry: 7290

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

!OWELL STAKER wrote on August 8, 2017

Hooper Utah

Comments:

Weopons co. 1st bat. 1st marines 1st marine division. I was
a gunner in a morter squad.From our dug in position ,we
could see freedom gate bridge about 1/4 mile away I was
there from April 1954 to April 1955.Have lots of memories
from the time I spent there. Please contact me if you were
ever there. Lowell R Staker

Entry: 7226

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

ALAN GELON wrote on May 30, 2017

Sacramento CA.

Comments:

I served as medical support for HQ. Co., 1st Recon. Sqdrn,
9th Cav., 1st Cav Div. on DMZ, just across Imjin River,
north of Freedom Gate Bridge from late Aug. 1959 until
Early Sept., 1960. Is there anyone out there who served
with me at the same time? If so, hope you will respond.

Entry: 7167

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

WILLIE MARQUEZ wrote on March 13, 2017

Santa Fe New Mexico

Comments:

Serviced in Korea with 2nd Infantry Division 4th 7th D Troop 1969- 70 Gary
Owens.

Entry: 7051

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

FILEMON TORRES wrote on October 1, 2016

Cudahy CA

Comments:

I served in Korea from 1983 to 1987, was it considered a combat zone in those
years?

Would Appreciate any information

Entry: 6990

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

MICHAEL D BURNSIDE wrote on April 25, 2016

North Platte NE

Comments:

This is Michael D Burnside's Sister Cindy
He has passed away May 25th/2014
He was at Camp Pelham Korea
Serving on the D.M.Z from 1970 - 1971
He comented on them Spraying the trees
And along the fences, but they told
Him it was harmful to be around.
I still believe that A.O. help kill
Him, and others in there 60s that were
there Before and after the 70s.
I also know he is to receive an
AFEM Medal and I need to know
Why he hasn't?

Thank you
Mikes Sister, Cindy

Entry: 6950

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

JIM BRADFORD wrote on January 23, 2016

Alpine Wyoming

Comments:

I can't find any info on 51st Signal Battalion Co. B Camp
Saint Barbara. We went on field maneuvers in support of
ROK Units North of Camp. Also to remote Radio Relay Sites
for relief duty. 1963-1964. Seems like the time frame
vanished.

Entry: 6878

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

MARTIAL YOUNG wrote on September 19, 2015

Lake Charles Louisiana

Comments:

I agree seems the year 1965 didn't happen next to
impossible to find any one or information. Hot zone? In
my mind yes. Those that served from '53 to late '66 have
it seems been forgotten. The AFEM is issued for late '66
forward, The KDSM Still needs for Congress to give a final
approval. Those that set these dates weren't there to
witness an partake of what went on. Feelings of being
violated come to mind! I can find info and Company Pic of
A Co. 1/17th (M) Inf. Camp Kaiser 1964 and info for 1966
near nothing on 1965! I as do others feel many things just
weren't reported or were swept under the rug or filed 13,
how will any of us prove any thing? I served Jan.65 to
sometime in 66 in A Co. 1/17th Inf.(M) 7th Inf.Div. 2d
squad, 3d platoon APO 96206 Camp Kaiser anyone left out
there?

Entry: 6459

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

BOB MCVEY wrote on July 14, 2013

Hinckley MINNESOTA

Comments:

I served at Camp Hovey for all of 1959. I was primarily a
rifle man and carried a BAR all around the DMZ.
Anyone know of retro benefits for anything?

Entry: 6439

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

ELMER ROMANG wrote on June 4, 2013

Wausau Wi

Comments:

Can anyone clear up some confusion on my part. I arrived in
Inchon Harbor in the fall of 1954 to work in the supply
division in Ascom City in the 1st Div. Marine Combat supply
Depot. Somewhere the word came down that a cease fire had
been signed. I know something occurred in 1954. I thought it
was the signing of the Truce, but I now understand that
occurred much earlier (1953). What happened in fall of 1954?
The 1st Marine Division men & colors left Korea in late fall
of 1954. We were left behind to pack up what they left. We
left in early 1955 for Japan (camp gifu, Marine Supply
Depot). I'd appreciate any light you could shed on the matter.

Entry: 6349

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

WALLY ZIMPFER wrote on December 4, 2012

Hellertown Pa

Comments:

Served in 1970 at Camp Walley. Looking fo any old Buddies
that would like to talk about old times. Names that come
to mind at this old age are Roger Pittman, Jerry Beavers ,

Entry: 6175

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

RAY YATES wrote on January 13, 2012

Dothan Alabama

Comments:

I was with a 24th Div recon unit out of munson in 1957.
Changed to 1st cav. but remained in the same place, I
beleive it was the 9th cav reg recon. hard for me to
remember. The freedom bridge was just up river from me.
Anyone that was ther I would like to talk to. I think most
of us are probly dead by now.

Entry: 6088

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

DARRELL VAN DUSEN wrote on September 23, 2011

COLUMBIA TN

Comments:

I WAS WITH B TROOP 4/7 CAV 2INF. DIV FROM AUG. 1969 TO OCT.
1970 I PUT IN CLAIM IN FEB. 2011 FOR AGENT ORANGE, BUT I
HAVN'T HEAR BACK FROM THEM YET. THE WHEELS OF THE VA. SURE
MOVE SLOW.

Entry: 5979

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

E-4 FRANK MONTOYA wrote on August 22, 2011

Comments:

I was 17 years old when I got to korea 4th 7th calvary dmz. I automatically received combat pay. In 1968 we were on patrol in the dmz wn]hen we got word of the pueblo getting captured. Within a week we had guyscoming from vietman and a lot of air force men showing us russian migs so if we were to see any we would call it in.Our job was to hold back the 125 devisions to our 4 devisions and blow uo the imjim river bridge incase of an invasion.anyone from that era please write me. Frank Montoya korea gary owens unit 1967 1968 gary owens to you.

Entry: 5962

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

LARRY SIGMON / B CO. 2ND ENG BTLN ( COMBAT ) wrote on August 8, 2011

Comments:

Hello , I served with Company B ,2nd Eng Btln ,1st Platoon , ( combat ) 2nd Inf Div from Jan 1967 - Feb 1968 . For most of the spring,summer & fall of 1967 my Company ( Co. B ) spent our time operating along the line on the DMZ erecting a primative type stockade fence that stretched for a long ways. we also spent days clearing mines both anti tank & M-14 mines. we lost 1 man who stepped on an M-14 mine and it ripped his foot off . my job while on the line was along with 2 other men from my platoon was to provide forward security for the men erecting the fence,we would go out front maybe 50/75 yards into the brush and set up our station,i carried an M-60 for most of my tour on the DMZ . we were ambushed on atleast 2 occations by North Korean's throwing hand gurnades in on us followed by auto small arms fire.

Entry: 5956

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

ARDEN JENSEN wrote on July 17, 2011

Comments:

I was an 11B and C in B 2/9 Infantry from July 1969 through August 1970. I am seeking information regarding hostile fire incidents in or on the DMZ during that time. Because most incidents were surpressed or never reported, I am having a difficult time verifying my participation in a fire fight in July 1969. FYI--even the incident when two of my friends killed a North Korean colonel in the DMZ has disappeared into the 'memory hole.'

Thanks

Entry: 5431

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

SAM LEWIS wrote on September 29, 2007

Comments:

Served in the Z from 68 thru 71. During that time I was awarded "Hostile Fire Pay" of $65 month. I believe it was classified that way so we had to pay taxes on our pay. I receive VA Compensation for Agent Orange exposure since I was there in 68 & 69. I also served in Nam so they probably use that service period to grant me compensation for Agent Orange. I was there when 2ID was in Area I. Don't know if this helps anyone but thought I would let you know about the hostile fire pay back then.

Entry: 5285

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

SSG CHARLIE U.S. ARMY RETIRED wrote on September 22, 2006

Comments:

I need information of an incident in 1965 an incursion by the KPA on the DMZ the location was Camp Wagner North of Camp Sitman, near the Advanced Combat Training Acadamy. Or how to obtain information on the year 1965, As it seems that that year does not exist in the recorded history of the combat zone of the 38th Parallel. I am facinig a monumental tast because I have to prove my combat experience on the DMZ in 1965. If you know please respond.

Entry: 5271

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

DMZ TANKER 'STRIKE FORCE' wrote on August 2, 2006

Comments:

Yes, I agree. The DMZ is the tip of the spear and has been since 1950. Currently the KPA (Korean Peoples Army) has an 8 million man army (1 active and 7 reserve). The DMZ has 1 million KPA mines implaced along it as well numerous forwardly deployed (and in many cases illegally deployed) tanks and artillery pieces. Our troops, especially in Area 1 (N. of Seoul) are on a war footing there and are required to maintain readiness beyond what is required of most military duty. The price for not being ready is pretty easy to quantify -- 40,000 U.S. & 500,000 ROK troops versus 8 million KPA. The term "speed bump" comes to mind here (until we deploy the counterattck force from the states). As a previous "speed bump" warrior, I have developed a serious appreciation for anyone stationed in Area 1. The risk of death is high. Just yesterday the DMZ errupted into another firefight. I was suprised it was actually reported. One of these days DOD will recongize this duty as worthy of combat pay but it will probably be right before they pull everyone out of there so they can save some money. They have always done Korea on the cheap. Those that have been there know it is the tip of the spear and when compared to other duty, the potential for mass casualties is unmatched by any other military operation since WWII and the Korean war. I would think that would rate Korea "Defense Service" as being classified as combat duty and worthy of combat pay.

Entry: 5264

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

MARK HEATHCO wrote on July 29, 2006

Comments:

I served from 1978 to 1991 did some time in the states but all together about ten years did some time upon the (Z) 385 combat recons and ambushes did some time in 2id and the JSA cool times sure would like to put my boots back on that peice of dirtwe all have chewed the same dirt on the (Z) no-one here in the states give a shit what we did for freedom but don't ever forget what you did or I did and the things! that went on inside the (Z) like I told my last patrol what we do up here will probably stay up here, I got pulled off the (Z) in 86 and put into 3rd brigade TOC stay there from 86 to 91 alot of the spot reports and incidents got stamped and filed away if you know what I mean well would love to here from anyone who did the (Z) macha A or macha B oh and i am currently writing a book about the pattrolling missions I pulled at division hope it done by spring i am not a writer just a working man but I try, also looking to make a movie currently talking with mel gibson,ron howard,tom hanks, also talking to HBO about a special on the DMZ so don't give my brothers stick to your guns well keep you guys updated, have alot of information to get out about what went on and what everyone like you and me did for our country and did it proudly thanks for your time

Tip of the spear/in front of them all
Keep the faith brothers

dmzpatrolleader

Entry: 5253

KOREA - COMBAT ZONE AFTER 1954

JOE HARMAN wrote on July 13, 2006

Comments:

Is there any action being taking by anyone (or any organization) pertaining to re-classifying "cease fire" service in Korea (i.e. after 1954) as combat duty? I am aware of the recent awarding of the KDSM which partially validates this hazardous duty (basically a "campaign medal"). I am also aware of the AFEM awarded during the late 60's and early 70's, and rightfully so. But what about the rest of the time? What about the servicemen and women that are there right now facing the crazy dictator "Dear Leader"? If this ain't a "hot zone" I don't know what else it could be. It is a different kind of war there, but a war none the less and one that could explode into a catastrohic confrontation at any time. The KDSM only goes so far to recognize this importance service. This service (now) doesn't even rate a combat patch (SSI-FWTS) unless I am reading the Army Regs wrong. Is anyone working on this issue to correct this lack of recognition to our current soldiers facing the crazy man across the "Z" and his 3 million man army?

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