LETTERS 100 to 124
Letter 100 - Written By:
Harry B. Proudman, Captain USMCR
South Portland
ME
Dear Ra Shin Po,
You are the best friend that I have ever met. I say this because you were down-to-earth honest with every one you knew, whether they liked what you were saying or not. And this honesty earned you the respect of everyone that knew you.
You told me on several occasions (when you felt like talking about it) that you had been on the mainland of Korea when it was under Japanese Control.
You also mentioned that the Japanese imprisoned you because you flatly refused to convert to their Shinto religion. You told them you were born a Christian, lived as a Christian and would die a Christian and for that you were severly tortured. Your legs bore the evidence with scars from their bayonets.
Fortunately the Japanese surrendered but even after the war, you continued to serve the Korean people, returning to your homeland, Ireland, only on two occasions.
Your adopted home was the island of Cheju Do, where you operated a school for young girls and were the priest at the local Catholic church.
All the marines that l knew on the mainland or on Cheju Do knew you as "Ra Shin Po" which translated meant something similar to "Saint Ryan" because your given Irish name was Thomas D. Ryan.
After I returned from Korea, I happened to meet two nuns in Hartford, Connneticut who knew you and were thrilled to meetsomeone who also knew you. They said you were constantly working to better the condition of the Korean people with food, clothing and education. You later worked with the United Nations after the war in the rebuilding of Korea. You knew how to get help through the U.N. through your constant persistance which was to your favor in the long run. All who knew you respected and loved you very much.
You worked equally hard with the United Nations military as you did with the local nationals showing no favoritism for rank or nationality, the bottom line was to get help for the Korean people, no matter how difficult the task or how long the hours.
You died in 1974 and are buried on the island of Cheju Do, the land that you called home. You will never be forgotton by the thousands of children and GI's whose lives you touched and for this we honor and thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry B. Proudman, Cpt., USMCR C.O. Early Warning
Detachment Cheju Do, Korea 1953
Letter 101 - Written By:
Annette Wells
Talladega
AL
October 26, 2006
Master Sergeant Melvin Levoy Dixon Somewhere in Korea
Dear Uncle Melvin,
January 31, 1951: the day you died on the frozen earth in a country that we had scarcely even heard of in that long ago time. You like so many before and so many after, died in the service of your country. Your two sons, Bobby and Donnie grew up to be fine men; both serving in the military. Bobby was so handsome in his Navy uniform. Donnie was infantry like his dad. Donnie, sweet Donnie, gave his life for his country in Vietnam in 1968.
Your daughter Martha was born three months after your death. You would be so proud to know her.
Life without you was hard for Aunt Mabel. She was alone with the problems of teenagers, and for the birth of your grand children. She is gone now. She loved you all her days. The letters you wrote home were filled with plans for coming home; plans for life.
We have missed you, these many years. I think often of your gentle ways and your beautiful smile, and what a marvelous cook you were. My Mother kept your picture at her bedside until the day she died. Pictures, letters, and the medals you were awarded for bravery were all we had.
The world has changed since 1951, but some things remain the same. Wars are still being fought to preserve freedom. In a perfect world there would be no tyranny or greed and so no need for war. Until that perfect world is achieved; men will leave home and family to fight the enemy.
The sacrifice you made seems so great. We go on, and pray for peace in our lifetime. May God Bless America.
Your Niece,
Annette
Letter 102 - Written By:
Kenneth C. Suhler, Colonel USA Retired
San Antonio
TX
24 October 2006
Letter to the Lost:
To all Korean War Veterans who did not make it home for any reason:
I made it home all right: 20 July 1953. I arrived in Korea in May 1952 as a PVT E-2 and went home as a SGT E-5 of Field Artillery. Ceasefire happened the 27th, while I was in Camp Carson, CO, awaiting release from active duty. I married the girl who wrote to me so faithfully, and we just celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary.
I felt I had not done enough and joined the U. S. Army Reserve. I had a good job with J. S. Dillon and Sons Food Stores, but I got called up for Berlin. But that was
all right. I had received a direct commission(FA) in the Reserves: Then I got called up again for work on computerization of the Army since Army officers with data processing experience were scarce. Dillon & Sons fired me because no one else had been called up. Not long after I was called up, the Gulf of Tonkin incident happened, so I just went Voluntary Indefinite. I then went to Artillery Advanced Course, then on to Vietnam where I served as Battalion S-2 and then Battery Commander of an 8"/175 mm battery. I was then promoted to major and transferred to Long Binh where I became manager for Long Lead Time artillery weapons and components. From Vietnam, I became Chief of Academic Records for the Air Defense School at Fort Bliss, Texas, then battalion S-3 of a HAWK guided missile battalion.
I then went to a civilian university to complete my degree in Business Administration. From there I went to NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic as Chief of Programming and Analysis for a four year tour. I then went to the Army Training Board as a staff officer, then to Headquarters Fifth U. S. Army as an ADP officer. I was then promoted to full colonel (0-6) and served out my time as Chief of Plans and Operations for U. S. Army Reserve Mobilization Region VII. I finished out my career as a computer specialist for Headquarters Fifth U. S. Army.
I am now 76 years old, and I certainly hope that my lifetime helps fill in for one that one of you could not have.
God bless you all.
Kenneth C. Suhler, Colonel, FA, Retired
Letter 103 - Written By:
Jeanne King
Bedford
TX
October 23, 2006
Re: Lt Joseph R Allison, Jr.
KIA October 4, 1951
Dear Dad,
I was almost 3 years old when you were killed in Korea. I missed having a dad, all my life. I still do. Your entire family missed you - your mom and dad and brother, especially your wife. One wonderful person missing out of a family throws everything off. You were that person. They were all proud of your service and of you as a person. No one has ever had anything bad to say about you. You were not only handsome and respected, but well loved by everyone that ever knew you.
I spent most of my life avoiding anything "military". I wouldn't date men that were eligible for the draft, that was going on in the late 60's. I didn't want to spend my life as a war widow, like mother had done. It was bad enough being a war orphan. My first three marriages did not work out, and finally I married an ex-Marine, Jeff. There was something in his training and in his character that the other men in my life were missing. He is a Viet Nam veteran. We are active in the local VFW and he is the District Chaplain and in Honor Guard. We are proud of the military and everything that it stands for. I can't tell you how many military funerals we have been to and that my husband has participated in, over the past 13 years. We visit the sick and dying veterans. Many of these men have been Korean War veterans.
Today, November 11th, while letters are being read, we will be at our post participating in a massive blood drive to go straight to the troops in Iraq. We will be passing out Buddy Poppies with great pride . Your picture, in uniform, is on the Wall of Honor at our post. There is also a REMEMBER Buddy Poppy poster with your name on it. My husband and I are co-chairmen of the Buddy Poppy drive. We will not forget.
I wish you could see your grandchildren. My twin boys, Robert and David Joseph are 25 years old. Their father is dead now, but they are good young men. David Joseph was named after you and he is your double in looks. He is quiet and handsome. They are educated and have great lives. I have two daughters, Kristin and Lisa. They are exceptional young women. You also have two great-granddaughters, Alexandra and Samantha. Mom died a few years ago. On her death bed, she stretched out her arms and called your name. That made me feel that she was safe, as she passed on. I buried her next to you. All that is left in the extended family is your brother and he has been very ill.
Your medals hang on my wall, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Your photo is on the wall also as is the flag that draped your coffin when you were buried. You are always with me and constantly in my thoughts. When mother died, I read the letters from you two, back and forth, in the service and from Korea. What a beautiful love story that was! It was cut short.
Thank you for your service and for being the kind of man that I heard that you were. I am sorry that I didn't get to know you and that you weren't here to see these beautiful and most entertaining grandchildren grow up. I always told them, that you would have really loved them.
I love you,
Jeannie
Letter 104 - Written By:
Kimball C. Firestone
Middletown
MD
Harry "Buddy" Schaad
2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon
I Company, 3rd Battalion 17th Regiment, 7th Division
Dear Buddy:
You brought fun and friendship to my life when I was a teenager. It's 55 years later, and I remember well. Every time I hear or think of the old saying, "Sari-Flush, Cleans Your Teeth Without a Brush!" I think of you. Ain't that silly?
You were a hero, even though you didn't want to be. It was my first experience in learning that life isn't always fair.
God bless you.
Your pal,
Kim Firestone
Letter 105 - Written By:
Cliff Bauer
Scappose
OR
Steve "Shorty" Hoschler QM1 - USS Partridge - AMS-31
September 2, 2005
Dear Kim:
I read your request in the Korean War Project the other day and thought a letter direct to you would be best.
In early February 1951 our unit, MSB DIV 1, was on a search and destroy mission when we were diverted to pick up survivors after the USS Partridge took a mine. It has been over 50 years, but will try to tell you the story as near as I remember.
Believe we arrived on the scene in about 15 to 20 minutes after the explosion. We were told life expectancy was about 7 minutes in the water. It was real cold but the sea wasn't too rough. The Partridge was still afloat in two pieces, and it appeared the entire crew was in the water along with lots of debris. There was a lot of confusion. There was other small craft on the scene as we had launched from the LSD USS Comstock. As we picked up survivors, we tried to make them as comfortable as possible. Some were quite badly maimed. Your uncle was brought on board and appeared lifeless, had no color, and didn't have a mark on him, that I remember. They gave him to me. I got on top of the engine cover because it was warm, and I put my arms and legs around him in an attempt to warm him from body heat. Someone put a foul weather jacket or some type of clothing over his shoulders. He never moved or uttered a sound as I held him until we got back to the USS Comstock. He was transferred up the gangway, and never regained consciousness. I always believed he died in my arms from hypothermia.
Am sorry for your uncles death. He gave his life in the cause for freedom in the world, and he was a good sailor until the very end.
May God Bless your uncle, and may God Bless your family.
Sincerely,
Cliff Bauer
Letter 106 - Written By:
Romaine D. Round
Grand Junction
CO
10-24-06
To: Major Kassel M. Keene Air Craft Commander
From: Romaine D. [Red] Round - Tail Gunner
Sir:
On November 18, 2006 it will have been 54 years since you were shot down over Korea and we still do not know if you survived or not, if you did I will never be able to express to you and your family my sadness and the shame I feel as part of the United States government that allowed you to spend the rest of your life in the hands of the torturous, uncivilized captors, who would not allow you to return to your family and loved ones.
I have tried over and over for the last 30 years to find out what happened to you, I have spent hundreds of hours talking to U.S. Government officials trying to get their help in finding out what happened to you, but they don't care, the commitment they made to you to get you to fight their war were hollow promises and words written with disappearing ink but I will never give up trying, some one some where knows what happened to you. For the last 30 years as a silent tribute to you, each time I stand for the National Anthem or as a flag goes by, I think of you and say the prayer, may god bless your soul and may you rest in peace.
Romaine D. Round
Letter 107 - Written By:
Mickie Maddox Bigham
Fayetteville
TN
October 23, 2006
To my father, Pfc.Pleasant Mitchell Maddox
Dear Daddy, Papa, Father,
Growing up I often wondered what I would call you if you had lived. You called your father, Papa. The word daddy was never really in my vocabulary. I never had anyone in my life I thought deserved that title, but you. I feel like I really missed not having a father, but it shaped who I am today.
There were times I was very happy and times I was sad growing up. I think Mom, who was just nineteen when you were killed, never really got over you. When you left for Korea, you two didn't even know about my existence. I heard that your brother, Robert, who was already in Korea, told you the news. The last letter you wrote to Mom was about how sorry you were that you left her in that condition and that you would try to get home as soon as possible, because you loved her so much. In the letter you wrote "take care of yourself and have a good baby. I loved reading your letters. I felt so close to you.
Well, I was born a little over six months after you were killed. Mom said that you wanted to name a boy Dale Mitchell Maddox and call him Mickey. Even though you had a daughter, Mom still wanted to name me the name you had chosen. So my name is Dale Mitchellette and I'm called Mickie.
I grew up and got married to a wonderful man, named Tommy. We have four beautiful daughters, your granddaughters, and they are wonderful girls you would be proud of. Their names are Kristie, Shay, Brianne and Erin. I always wanted a son to name after you, but that was not to be. Wonder of all wonders though your youngest granddaughter blessed us with twin grandsons born August 7th, 2006. Their names are Mitchell and Maddox. I can't tell you how proud that made me. You also have two more grandsons by our oldest daughter and their names are Drake and Aidan. Our grandsons call your son-in-law, Papa, in honor of your father.
The ultimate sacrifice you gave for our country has always made me so proud. Because of you, I've been patriotic all of my life and always paid tribute to our flag and The National Anthem. I am so proud to be an American and to live free, because of soldiers like you.
Please know how much I love you and miss you. I hope to meet you in Heaven soon where you and I and Mom can all be together for the first time. How glorious that will be.
Until then.
Your loving daughter,
Mickie Maddox Bigham
Letter 108 - Written By:
Alice Wolf
Buhl
ID
Dear Uncle Paul:
Although we never got to meet I feel I know you. There were always pictures of you and stories told from your family. You were so handsome in your pictures and I could see the resemblances from my Dad, your brother. My mother would say that she used to write letters to you while you were in the service. My oldest brother was the only one born when you went into the service. You got to hold him and meet him.
Several years ago I felt some emptiness after my Dad, Earl your brother, passed away. I decided to I needed to find out more about you. Through the internet I found sites where you could inquire about veterans. I was so lucky to find a man that was in company A that lead me to fmd a living veteran from your company A. His name was Dale Faries. Dale remembered you and told me a few stories about being in Korea. He said he had never told these stories before. It was difficult for him. He even came to Buhl to visit and I invited your brothers and sisters and in-laws to meet him. It was a very good visit. They asked question about you and he shared pictures with us.
My dear friend from Company A, Milton Arrow passed away earlier in the year. He was able to lead me in finding a few other men that responded to me that knew of you. Mr. Arrow and I continued our correspondences through email and became friends. He gave me mementos. He made me a beautiful frame to hold your service pictures. He made a wooden box which held all the medals that you earned. A couple of medals were his personal ones. I was so sad when Mr. Arrow passed on. He loved his country and served his time in Korea like you did but he was able to come back home to his family.
Uncle Paul, I am so proud that you served our country. I wish that you hadn't suffered and died there. If you were here today I would give you a big hug and kiss and we would sit for hours getting to know each other. The Wagner family has grown and there are so many babies coming into the family. Many of your brothers have passed on but the family keeps growing.
I know that you are in a better place where there is no war or rage or violence. Please watch over us here on earth and ask Our Lord to protect us and allow peace on earth.
A loving niece,
Alyce Wolf
Letter 109 - Written By:
James (Jim) P. Thomason
Bartlesville
OK
Subject: Letters To The Lost - Korea
Veterans Day, November 11th, is a special day to honor all veterans. However, this letter is written in memory of the Korean MIAs and KIAs.
My tour of duty in Korea began when I left the LST, with my buddies in the early morning hours of January 3rd 1953. We were assigned to the 75th Air Depot Wing from East Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas.
My landing and service in Korea was different than your time in Korea. I was able to perform my job assignment without direct interference from the enemy. While your time was consumed by protecting yourself, your friends and the territory you were assigned, I had time to think about my loved ones back home, what I would do when I got home and sometimes wonder why this war or any war was necessary. I thank you for being where you were and taking the fighting away from my area, thus keeping me, my buddies and the Korean citizens relatively safe. I knew at that time of my life I was one of the lucky GIs. Today, in remembrance of you and your buddies, I thank you for all your sacrifices.
After returning home, I completed my enlistment at a small radar station near a small town in Oklahoma. Because of you, a defender of America freedom, I was able to attend college with assistance from the GI bill. While in College I met a young Korean man who became one my best friends. He felt honored to have the opportunity to attend college in the United States He gave credit to the United States military for the sacrifices made to protect him, his family his loved ones and his country from the communist invasion. I am happy to tell you today, South Korea is one of the free progressive countries and a leader for democracy in Asia. During my years, after Korea I have met many Korean citizens who have often expressed their appreciation for the veterans who saved their country from the communist aggression. I thank you for the ultimate part you played in stopping communism from spreading to the United States and other parts of the world.
Having served in the United States Military, gave me opportunities that I probably could not have otherwise afforded. There have been ups and downs. But through the years one learns that successes and failures are part of life. I'm sorry you did not have the opportunity to live a longer life so you could have experienced more good and not so good things, happy and sad happenings, successes and failures. It has been fifty three years since my Korean experience. I had some good, and not so good experiences in college, a very interesting and successful career as an employee
with the State of Texas, Human Services Division. I cherish some lasting friendships from that time of my life. I went through a failed marriage that ended in divorce, but also had two beautiful children from the marriage. I have two sisters and a brother with whom I keep in contact. We lived through the depression as you did. The depression years was a bad economic time for our country during part of the1920s 1930s. Many people were unable to find employment, there were free soup lines across the country. Many people were on some type of welfare. But we learned some important values and principles from that time of our lives. I bet, you and your family experienced some of the bad times during those years. Kind of like the poor economic conditions we saw in Korea.
The retirement years have been enjoyable. For the past 2 1/z years I have lived in a small city in Northeastern Oklahoma. This part of Oklahoma is called Green Country because of the lush green vegetation. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in the fourth largest city in the United States. I like both small and large cities each have their advantages and disadvantages. To keep me busy during my retirement years. I keep in contact with old friends. Plays cards or rumikub ( a game I recently learned) with new friends. Have written short stories about my immediate family, including genealogy back to 1776. I distributed copies of the album to my siblings, nieces and nephews. I have completed a picture album of my first two years in the Air Force, including captions and for the period of time I was in Korea. I've also completed another album of the history of the 796th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron where I was assigned during my last two years of military service. I donated a copy of the album to the public library and the history museum.
In closing this letter, on behalf of my family and friends, again I most sincerely thank you from the depth of my being for your sacrifices, leading to the ultimate sacrifice you made in protecting the freedom of the people of South Korea against Communism. I believe our stand in Korea against Communism had a positive influence world wide. I wanted to write you this letter to let you know that your short life on this earth has had a lasting affect on many lives.
In service to our country I salute you,
Jim
Letter 110 - Written By:
Edward Dressler
Radnor
PA
To: Sgt. Michael Sikora, Jr.
H Co. 3rd Bn. 7 th Mar. 1st Marine Division
Dear Babe,
This is the hardest letter I have ever written. I never think of you without having tears in my eyes. I was only 7 years old when you died, but I do remember you well, and my life was never the same after you died. Much of the life of our families was lost on the day we learned you were MIA. For years afterward we kept hoping that we would hear that you had been captured and were still alive. But as time went on, that hope faded slowly. But believe me when I tell you that you were never forgotten and always missed. Your still alive in me, and I can bring you back to life every time I take out one of the your letters that I have saved that you sent to me and my sister, my parents, and your parents. I have guarded them and treasured them all of my life. It wasn't until over 40 years later that I found out how you had died and met the Navy corpsman that was with you when you were killed at the Chosin Reservoir. He had only been with you for a few short minutes, but he also kept the memory of you in his mind all of these years. The men from your company have told me that "everybody liked Mike".
I often think that I must try to live the best life that I can so that I can honor the influence you had on me and the person I have become. I am not as kind and thoughtful of a person as you always were, but I think I would have been a better person and lived a much happier life if you had been present during my formative years. But I have had a good life, and thank you for the good parts of me that you helped influence. I have a wonderful family, have had a good career, and am a very lucky man. I am sorry that you were never able to have had the chance to enjoy a happy family life. I will try to pass your memory on to my and my sister's children to try to keep you alive in your surviving family. You are living on the pages of the letters that you wrote. Thank you for the wonderful gift of your letters.
Your little friend,
Tommy
Letter 111 - Written By:
Everette P. Reeves
Tucson
AZ
A Lost Friend In Korea
Letter To Leroy
This letter is to and about A/1c Leroy J Beer of Indianapolis, Indiana, who perished in a C-119 crash in Korea on Friday, Nov 14, 1952, at 2:40 PM. There was a total of 44 victims killed in this accident. The plane ran into Yebongsan mountain 18 miles east of Seoul while attempting to land at K13, the military airbase at Seoul, Korea. The ceiling at that time was about 8,000 feet, several thousand feet higher than the 2200 foot mountaintop where the crash occurred. The cause of the accident was never positively determined but they must have had some warning because there were farm laborers who witnessed several parachutes deploy although too late. The plane struck the ground right wing first and then broke up.
Early in 1951, I initially was assigned to Nagoya AFB, near Tokyo, where I flew Korean missions for the next six months or so after which I was reassigned to Ashiya AFB, Kyushu, Japan. I met Leroy there since I was then assigned to the same barracks as he was. We hit it off really well and then became the best of friends. Both of us were CW (morse code) radio operators on the C-119 Boxcar troop carrier aircraft that were operating out of Japan in support of the Korean confli%£ at that time. We flew a lot of flight hours doing that for the next year or so. The reason for this particular location was that Ashiya was the air base most near to Korean shores than any other place in Japan.
LeRoy and I ran around, partied, and drank beer together for the most part of a year. He was a real good guy and one on whom a person could depend. Little did I know that our friendship was soon to be suddenly cut off. It happened this way:
One of the duties of the RO's then was to occasionally pull duty at the Operations ground station maintaining contact with the various aircraft while they flew around on missions in Korea. One day, I was tagged to perform that duty and, long about noon, LeRoy came into Operations and said to me, "Paul, I've got a flight to Kimpo right now but I should be back around 6:00 PM or so. Do you want to go out for dinner and take on some beer?". I said, "Sure, LeRoy, let's do that". So he took off for Kimpo and I worked him via CW on the mission. I should point out that the flight time from Ashiya to Kimpo should be about two hours, more or less, in the C-119 aircraft which cruises around 165 to 185 mph.
Shortly before they were to enter the traffic pattern for Kimpo, the pilot established voice radio contact with the tower so LeRoy and I signed off.
I never gave it another thought until we got the bad news of the crash which happened just a few moments later. I could not believe it but it happened. My friend LeRoy was gone, along with 43 others, most of whom were frontline troops returning from Japan to duty after an R & R pass. Such a tragedy!
So long, LeRoy, I'm going to miss you terribly but one day we will meet up there with the rest of our friends and relatives. We sure had some good times while we could, didn't we? Never thought that you would be joining the ranks of the "silent keys" so soon.
73's, good buddy, Your friend for ever and ever. (R and SK)
Everette P Reeves (ex S/Sgt and flight radio operator)
Letter 112 - Written By:
Connie Jean Sommerville
Manteca
CA
October 26, 2006
To: SGT Albert Eugene Gene Simmons
1st Battalion of the 23d Inf Rgt Company B
Hello Uncle Gene,
What an opportunity this is to write my letter to you. Over the last several years I've wondered about your whereabouts and pray for the day we meet.
I'm MaryAnn's youngest daughter and your namesake Connie Jean. I'm told that had I been a boy, I would have been named Eugene and while most children would admonish their parents for giving them a less than popular name, I've always been proud to carry your name.
Several years ago I started searching for information that ultimately led me to a kind gentleman from Carmel CA. who remembered you and was able to fill in some of the gray areas around your capture and disappearance. The story tells me that your unit engaged in battle often referred to "that humongous Battle on the Naktong River," approximately 60 miles from Namwon, South Korea. Upon capture it was discovered that you were among approximately 600 soldiers exchanging gun fire with 10-20,000 NK. You were badly wounded in the foot and due to the lack of proper medical treatment ultimately became infected with gangrene.
As a group of POW's you were led by the NK barefoot and wired together walking at night for approximately half of the 28 days your company was held captive. Daytime walks were under the cover of dense trees and other times you were held in old warehouses or an old dungeon jail. Your foot made travel difficult and as your comrades helped you and the other wounded men, the NK would taunt the non-injured soldiers by unleashing a couple of rounds from an AK 47.
On or about September 26, 1950, while being held captive in an old warehouse, it was thought that you wanted to take advantage of the warm sunshine to air your foot or perhaps just to relieve yourself. You asked to go outside and within moments of leaving the warehouse gun fire was heard and you didn't return. The NK later told your fellow soldiers that you were shot down by machine gun fire from an American spotter plane as it flew over .... I'm also told the small American piper cubs were not armed with anything more than 45 caliber pistols, not nearly powerful enough to reach the distance.
Uncle Gene, as I re-read the information I received, I'm reminded of reading the letters you wrote to my grandmother your mother and I see a young 19 year old from rural Pennsylvania who maybe didn't make some good choices in life and ended up in a battle that would take you from your family forever. Your letters also tell me that you only wanted to go home to take care of your ailing mother. Instead within a few short weeks after the start of the "conflict" you found yourself engaged in heavy battle along the Naktong River and 56 years later, your family waits.
I pursued the process to have your Purple Heart replaced (grandpa Simmons returned the original Purple Heart to President Truman with a pretty harsh message) and we received the Korea War Service Award for your sacrifice for their country.
Government records have you classified as KIA, a dear friend of mind told me once that unless and until a body or remains are located that technically you should be classified MIA. Until we have your remains, I like to think of you MIA... Mom and I went through the donation process to be listed in the DNA Registry and I pray that someday I get to meet you with the recovery and return of your remains.
Love, your niece
Connie Jean
Letter 113 - Written By:
Pam Fitzgerald
Ormond Beach
FL
October 26, 2006
To USAF Captain John Joseph Fitzgerald,
I am your daughter-in-law, Pam, Michael's wife. I am writing this letter to you to let you know that you had to have been a very special person.
Michael and I have been together for over five years now, marrying May '05, and I am so proud to be his wife. He is such a loving, caring, thoughtful man who has a heart so much bigger than he is.
For some reason Lorraine kept memories of you to herself. I can only guess that the loss of you affected her in more ways than she shared with anyone. She never remarried and raised both Jack and Michael with the help of her parents and sisters.
Michael told me what little he knew about you the first week we met. He expressed with such emptiness how he wished he knew more about you; how he wondered if he looked like you as he had never seen a picture of you; the little things that seemed so big to him. Yet he was anxious about finding out about you. He said that if it turned out that you were this super guy he would be afraid that he would be mad about you not being around when he needed a father.
With the help of Michael's birth certificate and the wonderful capabilities of the intemet I was able to locate some information about you, which gave me more avenues for information. I found Lorraine's sister, Romaine, who Michael had assumed, because of her age and the time and distance, she had passed but we called and I talked to her. I broke the ice as Michael was too emotional the first time to talk to her. She was able to give me details of some memories of you that she remembered. Wow---how much in so many ways is Michael like you!
We finally received your service records and learned how you served this country first joining the Army and then the Army Air Corp. in WWII and in the Korean War. We learned how you were constantly trying to better yourself through your service and in civilian life also. You seemed to be a good son, taking care of your dying father, and also working so hard in your marriage to Lorraine. And, then, you were recalled for Korea. I pray that we will be able to find out why you were given the Bronze Star. Michael wants to knowhe can only wonder....
I sometimes wonder if I did the right thing by sharing all the information with Michael. You see, Michael volunteered and entered the Air-Force in 1968. He had you pictured as a pilot and that's what he wanted to do. He already had his private pilot's license before entering the Air Force. As "hand of fate" or whatever controls things that we can't, Michael served in Vietnam being attached to the 101st, calling in air strikes. Not what he nor any other young soldier there had planned on doing, just as it was during your time. Some things never change.
To make a long story short, Michael was wounded physically and mentally beyond what any physician could try to heal. The same as you from what we learned from Romaine. "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" is the name for it now but the hurt and unexplainable feelings are the same as your "battle fatigue". Both of you liked the same way to "deal".
One thing that I wish I had never shared with Michael was the report on the incident of your death. I really didn't want him to see it and told him that I thought it would be better to take in all the new information we had for you first. Savor it. Get used to knowing about you instead of his childhood visions. Stubborn as ever, he read the report crash. Pilot error. Full speed impact on mountain top. Put a damper on the whole thing. Things happen. Terrible things happen. Good things happen. We learn to accept and deal with it the only way we know how whether it is the same or a completely different path than anyone else.
Joe, I have to say that the pictures of you at 19 and 33 in your records could be the exact print of Michael at the same ages. The eyes are the samethe look of the eyes say it all.
Michael had learned at an early age to quit asking the "if onlys" - the "what ifs" - "I wonder if he had lived if..." There are no answers to these questions. They really aren't questions, just feelings that have no place to rest in peace. Before the age of three, "Daddy" was a headstone in Elmwood Cemetery that was visited every Sunday.
Joe, I asked Michael if there was anything special that he would like me to pass on to you. He was at a loss for words and mixed emotions. After a moment, he said, "Tell him I made it".
So Joe, Michael fought the war, fought his demons, and he made it! I hope in some way this message will be received, will reach where it needs to go, will complete the journey that was so long.
May your soul be at peace.
Mrs. Michael Francis Fitzgerald
Letter 114 - Written By:
Sheldon S. Olson
Fresno
CA
Dear Kass,
This is what I did to keep the promise I made to you in November, 1952:
It was a long time ago you, as an American Citizen, was anticipating being exchanged with all the other P.O.W.'s that were assembled at Panmunjom. Little did you know you and others were a negotiating "chip" at the table sided by Gen. Nam ll, head of the delegation, actually the spokesperson for Chinese Maj. Gen. Hsieh Fang, the Chief Communist Spokesman and our own spokesman Vice Admiral C. Turner joy, Chief of our delegation. In a typical 'I'll do this' if 'you do that' many P.O.W.'s were written off for various reasons given by the Communists. In your case, it was that you, while a Communist Prisoner, had a fight with another allied prisoner and subsequently given a 'civil trial' by the Red's and was sentenced to 21½ years in prison. Of course the North Koreans said you were not eligible to be repatriated until you served your civil sentence. Our delegation accepted this for unknown trade-offs. Yours is only one terrible example of our polyanna negotiating delegations' stupidity. Because, like Vietnam in later years, we wanted to get the hell out of that place, saving face .- damn the relatively few men who fell off 'the table'.
Let me tell others about Maj. Kassel M. Keene. You were my step-father. You had been an Aircraft Commander with an all volunteer B-29 crew. You volunteered as an inactive Reserve Officer to go to Korea. To me you were a real patriot, along with your crew. You left behind my mother and your three children. I drove you to the train one cold night in November, 1952. While driving to the station you, with tears welling in your eyes, said, "Shelly, I know if anything happens to me, you'll look after your Mom and our kids." I was then nineteen and an Airman stationed in Spokane, WA. I did take care of them as best I could.
A few years later my Mother died, leaving me and my wife, Genie, to raise your kids. The oldest, Elaine, vividly remembers you. The second child, Ken, has fleeting recollections. And the baby, Barbara, cannot recall you, and next to our Mother, needed you the most.
Now let me say, if you had a fight with another Allied Prisoner, that prisoner was a collaborator or weasel, important to the North Koreans.
All of this had been kept a secret until the Freedom of Information Act. My Mother died not knowing you had been captured or that your radar operator, Lt. Myron "Smokey" Sestak had been found on a beach near the 38th parallel executed by a bullet to the back of his head.
I know not the miseries you endured but it's not hard to visualize the starvation, torture, and anguish, injustices or obscenities you experienced. Surely you are no longer with us at this plane and I, for one, have given up hope due to the stonewalling by our Government for 54 years. But be it known you were admired by all who knew you. Your crew, you know the "volunteers" have traced and retraced all channels of our government. They still call themselves "Kass' Kiddies" even tho' they were assigned to other crews when you and 'Smokey' were shot down on Maj. William Sawyer's B-29 with his crew on your first combat orientation flight, a few days after arriving at Yokota AFB. The rest of your crew arrived later to discover you and Smokey M.I.A.
Let this be a lesson for the present Administration - our enemies do not have our sense of values nor morals. Don't negotiate a person's life, as did our "desk pilots" at the Panmunjom table, who buckled up there briefcases, telling themselves and America, "we did a good job". I say they didn't and will never forget what took place, nor should any American.
Your children all excelled in life. Elaine retired as a third level executive with Sears Roebuck. Kenneth is retired from Phillips Electronics, a computer programer/developer with many innovations he developed, copyrighted by his employers. Your "baby" Barbara is a City Planner in Phoenix, AZ, living on her little horse ranch outside of town. I am retired from the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller and Chief.
Maternal DNA is on file with Military Forensics in Hawaii, in the event your remains are found.
Somewhere there is a 'weasel' who was probably exchanged, as most P.O.W.'s were. I hope I never meet him, if what we've gleaned from the crumbs obtained from our government is true.
It's ironic the Communists sealed your fate because in WWII Russia awarded you The Order of the Red Star for your part in ferrying our aircraft from Iran and Iraq to Moscow. Like I said, our enemies don't have our morals nor sense of values.
Kass, there is so much I would like to tell you, 54 years of memories. Most of all I miss you and love you. To me you were and shall always be, my friend and mentor. God Bless You Kass.
Shelly
Letter 115 - Written By:
Deborah Hopke
Seaford
NY
October 26, 2006
Mr. Robert J. Hopke
Lost ... Somewhere in Korea
Dear Uncle Bobby:
I've never met you, but have heard much about you. My father still shares stories about his heroic efforts to uncover some tiny fact that could offer a glimpse into what happened on the fateful day that you were lost in Korea. But that's his story to tell. This letter is about events thereafter, and to introduce myself to you.
You see, your older brother (my dad) eventually married and had four children, striving for the boy that would share your namesake. I am the third child, the youngest daughter, and my dad's biggest fan. I have yet to tire of the "war stories" my dad still tells -- both somber and humorous. In large part, these stories shape the man I know as my dad, and in some mystical way, they have influenced the direction of my life.
You see, I share many of your brother's traits. I love the adventure of exploring, especially outdoor activities, and have a creative streak. I have a sharp wit, a quick smile, and a love for humanity. I like to believe that I have strong survival instincts, and tend to be a bit rebellious - even foolishly brave at times. My creative streak led me to pursue a career in Architecture, but because of my sharp wit and analytical mind my career took a turn to law. Now, at forty two, I am a partner in a successful law firm. Having enjoyed every step of the journey, I am pleased with my career choices.
And now I am about to embark upon yet another exciting journey as I await the assignment of the child who will become my daughter through adoption. Within the next year, I hope to travel to China where my daughter and I will be joined as a Family -- not quite conventional, as I will be a single mother by choice. But I did mention that I tend to be rebellious, right?
An especially exciting aspect of this journey will be my trip to China, and my dad will join me when I travel next fall. We are both looking forward to this trip -- not only to meet a daughter and granddaughter for the first time, but for the appreciation of Asian culture. I will be united with my daughter's Asian culture, which will remain a part of my life forever. And, my dad will be reunited with the culture he shared during a very meaningful period of his life, having served in the military in Asia during World War II and the Korean War, where he lost his only brother, whose remains have never been recovered.
I would like to believe that this trip to China will bring some closure for my dad over the tragic loss of his brother. And, while my choice to adopt one of China's lost daughters was not motivated by any sense of obligation to my dad in this regard, I would like to think that when we bring my daughter home, we will be bringing a very special piece of my father's history back with us -- a child that grew from the soil of the continent on which you
perished. These thoughts simply add greater meaning to the fate that led me to choose China as the place where I would find my daughter.
I had not made this profound connection before I wrote this letter, but for months I have been searching for a piece of my family history to give to my daughter that will explain what brought her to me. Thank you for bringing a deeper meaning to the formation of my family, and for this legacy that I can share with my daughter.
With fondness,
Debra Hopke Seaford, New York
Letter 116 - Written By:
Patrick Weddle
Placerville
CA
To: Lt. Raymond P. Weddle, deceased, Korea April 1952 Dear Ray:
Well, Dad, it seems that the bad guys you wrote to me about in 1952 are still here. Their names and nationalities have changed, many times, but they are still around, some in our own back yard. It seems that you died for an ideal but not a reality. Let me explain.
You were 33 when you died. Today I turn 60. The day does not pass that I don't grieve for our loss, yours and mine. You see, since your young death we have averaged about one war per decade. Currently we call it "The War on Terror" and it has numerous battlefields. Each war has left young sons without their fathers and fathers without their sons. Unfortunately, the father's death has not prevented the next war. War goes on and we have become really good at it. But we haven't figured peace out yet. So what we now have is "perpetual war for perpetual peace". Am I making any sense?
Today, this letter and many others will be read at the Korean War Memorial. Yes, we still memorialize war and the men and women who fight it. Indeed, we too often celebrate war. Seems we have propensity for prosecuting it. War has become a major industry and a solid institution.
Our current war is fought for all the "right" reasons. You may have even agreed with it in your younger days. But, somehow I think, knowing what you know now, you would agree with me that the time for celebrating war has passed. My ideal centers on a concept of obsolescence of this thing we do so well. I think we have the knowledge and power to end war. Some others have similar thoughts. Most, however, can find ample justification for war as an instrument of public policy.
So I write this letter on your behalf in sincerest hopes that we will stop memorializing war and start celebrating peace on earth, an ideal that has too long been touted but ruefully ignored. I don't want to memorialize the loss you and I have suffered. I don't want other sons and daughters to suffer these losses. I don't want to see any more war memorials built. I don't want more veterans. I think you would have rather lived to know me and I you. I think our obsession with war at every level is obscene and beneath us. I think this flaw in our collective character is disgraceful. I think God chooses no side.
I have been asked to write this letter to honor you but the honor is anticlimactic. Even after all these years, I remain deeply angry and hurt because you and I never got to grow old together, you never met my beautiful wife and sons. You have always inspired me and I have honored you every day of my life. I hope my life has been a tribute to yours. I
could give you no more. My prayer is a prayer of peace for you and all the future fathers who will have their lives taken and their sons scarred by needless warfare.
I will love you always,
Your son,
Patrick
Letter 117 - Written By:
Daniel E. Berry
Binghamton
NY
PFC Richard W. Berry US 51050606
L Company 23rd Infantry 2nd Infantry
Dear Rich,
Since we last saw you in December 1950 and received news of your MIA status as of 18 May 1951 we have kept vigil and prayed that you would return when the Korean War MIAs were released in 1953. We were saddened when you were not among the returnees.
Dad died in 1960, Mom in 1998 at the age of 99 never to learn what happened to you.
I married Denise McHugh in 1957 and have five children. They are all grown and parents themselves.
I retired in 1990 and started my search to hopefully find out what happened to you.
I went to several of your outfit's re-unions, several POW re-unions and many meetings, which the government holds six To Light times per year. Since 1990 I have attended 7-10 of their army meetings in my attempt to learn what happened to you on the 18th day of May 1951. Sisters Marilyn, Marge and Carol and I have sent blood samples to Hawaii with the hope that some day we will find your remains. Then we will have peace of mind.
Brother Dan
Letter 118 - Written By:
Kenneth T. Young
Niantic
CT
U S Army Private 51183424
Joseph P. Young Jr KIA April 18, 1953
November 10, 2006
My dear Brother Joseph,
I cannot believe that fifty four years have passed since I last saw you.
I can remember that morning you said your last farewell and departed to a world away from our home in Massachusetts.
The night we received word that you hade been killed in action on April 18, 1953 was all the family could endure. I recall reading over our mothers shoulder the words "Killed in Action" in the telegram and could not believe it. You were so young.
Mom and Dad are resting alongside of you at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden Massachusetts.
Each year Mary (My Wife) and I visit the grave site and place flowers in your honor. Mom and Dad had purchased a handsome headstone which bears your name and theirs. Last Year I was able to obtain a bronze marker from the Government which has been place at the foot of the grave site. Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars place a flag and marker in your honor during Memorial Day. You have not been forgotten by many. I have visited the Korean War Memorial which is located in Washington DC and it is truly a moving site.
I have been married some forty three years to a wonderful girl from Quincy Massachusetts. We have three children and four grand children. Our children have visited you gravesite and know of your sacrifice that you have made to our country. I think and pray for you often and wonder what life would have been for you and me if you had returned safely to our home. What if, you had married had children enjoyed a nice home like I have? What if our children and grand children enjoyed each others company during holidays and birthdays?
I cannot thank you enough for your sacrifice and the freedoms we enjoy as a result of it. Until we meet again in Haven, You will always be in my thoughts and prayers' You loving brother
Ken
Kenneth T. Young
Letter 119 - Written By:
Jane Wayman Blackwood
Jefferson
MA
Dear Honorable Korean War Veterans,
It is a sincere pleasure to have the opportunity to thank you in this very special way for your service to your country. Each of you have memories of your service that have been with you for over 50 years. I can think of no better tribute to your fallen comrades than for them to be remembered by their fellow servicemen.
I am the daughter of a Korean War Veteran-Navy. My father made it his mission to ensure that each of his shipmates who were killed during their service are remembered on memorials in their hometown, their state, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In this way, he took comfort that those casualties of the Forgotten War would not be forgotten. Not only are they remembered by their shipmates, who will never forget, but also by citizens who visit the memorials.
I have been taught to understand that Freedom Isn't Free, and in turn I have taught my children the same. We remember and honor our military, our veterans, and those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It is with sincere thoughtfulness that I thank you all.
Sincerely,
Jane Wayman Blackwood
Letter 120 - Written By:
Mitch Libman
Hollywood
FL
Pfc Leonard Kravitz
10/27/2006
C/O Heroes In Heaven
Dear Lenny,
It is wonderful to be able to share with you some news about what we have both accomplished since you left for Heroes Heaven.
Since you were nominated for the Medal Of Honor For extraordinary heroism in Action against an armed enemy of the United Nations near Yangpyong, Korea, on March 6 and 7, 1951.
When the platoons were attacked by a large group of fanatical Chinese You took over the machine gun. When you were ordered to retreat, you refused and screamed back, "get the hell out of here while you can". For a long time your Comrades could hear your machine gun firing amidst the screams of the wounded and dying Chinese forces and the grenades and mortar rounds Falling on your position. When the area was finally re-taken, the next morning, you were found laying over your machine gun with only six bullets left. There were innumerable Chinese dead all around, including two in your fortification with you. It was determined they would certainly have been wiped out if not for your heroism and sacrifice...
Unfortunately after being nominated for the Medal Of Honor some had seen fit to downgrade your award to the Distinguished Service Cross. After many years of Accumulating sufficient evidence to convince the United States Congress and the Pentagon that this situation was possibly due to anti Semitism in the service at that time, a bill was written by Congressman Robert Wexler and passed unanimously by Congress, stating that all Jewish and Hispanic soldiers that received the Distinguished Service Cross would be reviewed to determine if the Medal Of Honor would have been the proper award.
So you see my friend, you have become a hero again. You have passed through a good part of the review and are now at the last step of approval that will finally get you the award you certainly deserve.
My family was invited to the White House and the Pentagon to witness the award of the first Medal Of Honor to be presented under these circumstances. You are right in line to be the second upon final approval
I want you to know how proud I have always been to have been your friend.
Mitchel Libman and Family
Letter 121 - Written By:
Anthony J. DeBlasi
West Newfield
ME
Dear Fallen Comrade-in-Arms:
I wish I could see you and speak to you, face to face. Then we could embrace and talk about that time, so long ago now, that our country called us to defend that war-torn land on the other side of the world. As it is, you sweated out the last days of your short life on a scorched hill or in a swampy rice paddy, in a frozen bunker or a muddy foxhole while I, lucky one, came home to start a new life in peace and freedom.
How or where you fell, good buddy, I don't know. I do know that you will live in the hearts of those who love you. And you will always live in the memory, not only of your loved ones but of me and the many Americans, Koreans and Korea-Americans who are deeply grateful for your sacrifice. We will never forget you.
Sure wish we could sit and chew the fat over a beer and talk about the good things in lifeour family, home town, the girl in our life. The one I wrote to got married while I was in Korea. My fault. Should've written more often. When I got home I met a wonderful girl from Scotland. I'm from Brooklyn, by the way. Well we married and raised two girls and a boy. Proud of them. They've gone on to make their own lives, with kids of their own. If I had it to do over I'd most likely do it the same way. Oh, some things I might have done differently. Like thinking twice about switching careers, so that we could raise the family in a rural environment in Maine. The computer job in the city was good. But we did what we thought was best. Growing older together, my wife and I have learned to shake off any regrets and take life as it comes, with its heartaches and joys.
I have often thought that it is given to us who are alive to live more fully, with a far deeper sense of the value of life than is common, as a result of the ultimate sacrifice and for the sake of those who thus left before their time. Sort of catching up a bit for them, if you know what I mean. When I think of all the guys who gave their all in battle, to make the rest of us live in peace, I am humbled and grateful beyond words.
And so, dear comrade, with deepest gratitude I thank you and salute you! God be with you, always.
Your brother-in-arms,
Tony
Letter 122 - Written By:
Joseph J. Foster III
Indio
CA
25 October 2006
To: Mr. Hal Barker
I salute your efforts to remember Korean War Veterans. Your father and his friends stood fast against a major Communist threat in the Far East.
I was in advanced flying school in July 1953 when the truce was signed. When I got my Air Force wings I was sent to a state-side assignment instead of flying the B-26 bomber in Korea.
Tomorrow I am having breakfast with a man who was a WW II B-29 pilot and who flew 55 missions in the B-26 in Korea. He also flew several missions in the C-47 helping to evacuate the wounded from the Chosin Reservoir.
The men who fought in Korea were for the most part new soldiers. Only a few had fought in WW II. The enemy, the terrain, and the weather were quite different than in the WW II battles in Europe and the Pacific.
China entered the war and changed things for a time. Russians pilots flew the Mig-15's for North Korea. America's friends were not her friends.
It was the first serious United Nations effort. And here at home in America we had protestors. We were in fact a nation very content with having someone else, not us, doing the fighting.
Those who served in Korea made huge personal sacrifices to defeat the North Koreans and Chinese. And they did it to keep us safe and free.
On November 11th my mind will be many places remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for America. I will remember your father and his friends in prayer.
Joe
Letter 123 - Written By:
Reyes Gonzales
Paige
TX
October 25, 2006
Domingo,
You went to the Army and then to the Korean War and did not return. You went to our Lord in Oct. 1951, I am Ray, your youngest brother. I am sending regards from your other 8 brothers and 4 sisters. I was 3 when you left us. I know you by pictures mainly, but I know I remember one memory you and I shared. You had a T Shirt with an Indian on it. I remember you telling me to kill the Indian. I would hit you in the chest with my fist. This is the only memory I have of you. I have been told, there is no way I could've remembered that memory. I am convinced that God permitted me to keep that memory, my only one of you. I do remember you laughing through your thick glasses when I would strike your chest.
You could not have known that you were going to give up your life for the security of us and all other Americans. My family tells me that is exactly what you were willing to do however, if that was what was required of you. I am now 57 years old and over the years, I have found it hard to understand how you were willing to chance your life for this freedom for us. I don 't have an answer, because as a normal human being it is so much easier to say to you that we needed you with us much more. I have over the years have been consoled by the knowledge that the courage you displayed in that foreign land, thousands of miles from Paige, Texas is monumental.
I do want to thank you for that, but still I have lived my life as my family has, saddened by the fact that you left us so early in life. As a small kid of 8 or 9, I clearly remember my mother crying to herself over having heard your name mentioned. You do know how much of a loving person she was. I want you to know that she went to her grave, just knowing that someday you would come back to Paige alive. I know you now have had that reunion with both her and dad. Dad was a hard man, as you know, but he too missed you dearly and was deeply hurt that he could not have you back alive.
Domingo, had you lived, I can picture your life like that of my brothers, Zac, Santos, Joe and Tony, my older brothers. I know you would have been a hard worker, would have loved sports, especially football as we all do and would have been a wonderful father.
From me and all of your family, Thank you for giving your life for our freedom. I hope to meet you someday with God's help.
Sincerely,
Reyes Gonzales
Letter 124 - Written By:
Peggy Ross
Placerville
CA
PFC Delmer W. Ross - 38th Infantry Regiment Company G
Placerville, California October 24, 2006
Dearest Delmer:
It seems like yesterday that we said our vows on October 16, 1950. Then before I knew it you were on your way to Korea. Declared missing August 27, 1951 and deceased on December 31, 1953.
After a few years I remarried. I have one son and three daughters. But life has not been all that I had hoped for, however my children do bring me lots of joy.
I worked for the county where I live for 21 years as an Administrative Assistant II, and retired from that position in 2000.
I have attended all the meetings for the MIA's that I could afford but to date have not learned anything about what happen to you. I pray every day that you will be found and returned to us, so that I may have some sense of closure.
Several years ago I did go back to court and had my name changed back to Ross. I have been told by many of our friends that you would have liked that.
My Love, your wife
Peggy J. Ross
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