LETTERS 175 to 199
Letter 175 - Written By:
Donald Bolt
Pompton Lakes
NJ
November 9, 2006
Dear Uncle Donald,
I came to know of you through my Dad, your brother Frank, who thought the world of you. He told me all about you and his other brothers and sisters growing up on the various farms and houses in and around Virginia and Maryland. And he also told me the sad story of your plane being shot down
and although you had survived, no one was able to go that far into the North Korean zone to rescue you.
That sad day in Oct 1950 was the last anyone had ever seen or heard of you since. The DOD told the family that you were MIA and were either unable or unsypathetic in doing anything further to investigate your disappearance.
Many years passed filled with grief and not knowing anything further...were you captured and still held prisioner or worse? I think that was the hardest for my Dad and his family.
When my dad started a family of his own he was so moved by this loss that he honored me with your namesake and retold the same sad story when I was old enough to know. It stayed with me and I often thought of your honor and bravery. I vowed to find an answer and/or hopefully the conclusion to your story.
More years passed and along came the internet age and computers and finally one day while dong a search, I finally found the answer to what we had been looking for. A Korean Vet who was writing for a magazine had highlighted your story and brave actions and retold the same tale my dad told me but with one heart wrenching difference. It seems that the Army had finally advanced far enough north 3-4 weeks later and were searching the area where your plane had gone down. There in a field in a shallow grave was
the lone body of a US pilot.
Was this you?...we can only assume this was your final resting place and trust in God that you did not suffer. My Dad, his entire family and me feel this to be true and know that heaven holds a special place for you.
I only wish that I could have had a chance to meet you myself and thank you personally for your bravery,sacrifice, and honor. Our history is filled with examples of well known heroes..but it is men like you...hundreds and
thousands of them, some nameless and faceless, who are to be remembered every time we celebrate Veterans Day!!
God Bless you,
Love, your nephew, Don
Letter 176 - Written By:
Kay Lawrence
Woodside
NY
To: Kenneth O. Brown
October 25, 2006
Dear Ken:
This is the first time I've taken pen in hand to write you in many years - not since 1949 when the army sent you back to the states. I still have the envelope you sent me with a drawing of a railroad train on the envelope - 5361 miles - Omaha to Frankfurt A/M.
Bridging the time - where do I start. I feel you know all this but as we shared then in letters, I'll do it again now. You knew my parents - remember Dad gave us the car when we went out, down to Heidelberg where we visited my family - Dad died too young, in 1969, only 67, emphysema.
And Mom - hey! she crossed over into her 2nd century, memory sharp to the end; couldn't read anymore (macular degeneration) but via hand held transistor radio argued with the news commentators and talk show hosts. She was home until the end; I had a caretaker here during the day while I was at work.
I'm still working, 3 days a week for the last couple years. Celebrated 40 years with the company December '05; will admit - I enjoyed the fanfare, fuss, flowers and recognition at the office Christmas party.
Right now I'm still in the process of finding your final resting place. Some where, some how - you'll show me.
Although you, as so many, died too young, the day, April 13, 1952 was Easter Sunday - it's a comforting memory for me that God took you to Himself on the day of His Resurrection.
I'm happy I was encouraged to write this letter. It is a togetherness and comforting.
You continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Kay
Letter 177 - Written By:
Joseph M. Ballasy
New Holland
PA
October 24, 2006
I would like to submit this letter for all of the GI's in Korea who had no family and no one at home waiting for them, as part of your Letters to the Lost - Korea
Dear Korean War Buddy:
I know that you were alone in this world with no family and no one at home to write to you, but I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and cared aboaut you. I want to thank you for fighting along side me to insure that all Americans and all human beings on every continent would have the right to live free from tyranny and oppression.
I was spared and came home to my family, my parents, brother and sisters were so happy to see me. I went back to my job as a truck mechanic where I worked until I retired at the age of 62. In 1959 I met the love of my life and married her in 1960. We have been together 46 years now. We had three beautiful boys early in our marriage, and now have three grandsons who are doing us proud.
Because you made the ultimate sacrifice, I was spared and came home to go on with my life. I thank you and speak for all of your buddies and know that you are happier where you are, among all those war buddies from all the conflicts our country has fought in. We will all be reunited some day and we'll talk over old times, about our experiences in Korea, and how great it was to fight for this wonderful United States of America, to keep it the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave like you.
Your Korean War Buddy,
Joseph M. Ballasy
SGT. U.S. Army
Jan. 1953 - Oct. 1954
Letter 178 - Written By:
Reese D. Street
Sebring
FL
LETTERS FOR VETERANS DAY
TO: 2Lt Roger Bascomb
522nd Fighter Squadron
27th Fighter Group
Roger,
I well remember Christmas Eve morning 1950. That morning, you and I were laughing about what we had done getting warm clothes for the CO. You had picked out a pair of shoes that was much too long and I had picked a coat that would drag the ground. Somehow I don't believe he thought it funny.
You were assigned flying slot position that day, our Operations Officer had put you in that position, you said "Oh well, I'll be here to watch your rear!" I drove you to your plane and helped you get ready to go to MIG alley. I slapped your helmet and told you to take care. I have wished a hundred times that I could have spent more time with you that morning.
It was not a common thing that that officers and enlisted men could fraternize, but we did and you insisted that I call you Roscoe instead of Roger. I guess we had so much in common, both of us kids barely old enough to wear uniforms, both tall and lanky, and both with a crazy sense of humor. I suppose that was our bond.
Well, Roscoe, I spent another three years in the Air Force, got married, had a family, lots of grandchildren and just recently lost my wife. We had a wonderful marriage, lots of love, much forgiveness, and a great family. My life after the Air Force was still in aviation, I worked with the FAA for 28 years, as an Air Traffic Controller and taught new controllers, worked in Flight Safety making speeches to pilot groups, colleges and high schools. After that, I had an appliance store, did rather well at it until Home Depot and Wal-Mart came to town and ran all the small business people out of business, so I retired again, and we did some traveling and enjoyed our senior years.
Every year our church honors veterans of all branches, and I am always proud to be able to stand to be recognized as a veteran, and this year, I'll stand taller, as I remember you as one of my best friends.
Thank you Roscoe for being that friend.
Reece D. Street
Letter 179 - Written By:
Frank E. Fay Jr.
Ocean Pines
MD
To: Eddie Guyer
Company A 180th Infantry Regiment
45th Infantry Division
Dear Eddie,
We have missed you over these many years. You were one of the first to leave us in Korea and I just wanted to let you know that Bill Keegan, George Betz, "Monk" Meyer. Rudy and myself took a long time overcoming your departure. I drafted the letter from our Captain that was sent to your parents and in all my succeeding years I did not have to face a more difficult task. I am certain you will remember our trip to New Orleans the few weeks before we departed for Japan and the fun we had. Of the times aboard ship that we talked about what we would do when we left the Army - the gals we knew and the ones we wondered if we would many. Of the careers we might explore and where we would settle down and live. The kids we would raise. We weren't looking to be millionaires - just enough to raise a family and enjoy some of the better things in life.
The rest of our gang were lucky. We all came home. I married the gal I talked to you about and we raised three sons and three daughters. All are married except the youngest daughter. We now have 13 grandchildren. We never talked about grandchildren - maybe we didn't think we would live that long.We bought a house and remained on Long Island for a short period, when I was transferred to Michigan. In my travels in that area I met a fellow who was in Company B and we exchanged all sorts of stories. Travel took me back to New Orleans and on one trip I took Ann with me and we visited all the spots that I could remember that we had done back in early 1951. I could not fail to remember Eddie Guyer on these visits.
Now I am retired. I watch the news about North Korea and I wonder? We lost so many buddies in our war that has never been officially over. Now, we are praying for our men in Iraq and Afghanistan. It never seems to end.
All for now dear friend. We remember and will always remember that you gave us the ultimate sacrifice.
Fondly,
Frank
Frank E. Fay, Jr.
Company A
180th Infantry Division
45th Division
Korea - 1950-1952
Letter 180 - Written By:
Dollie Ann Jordan Amirault
San Diego
CA
A LETTER TO THE LOST:
This letter goes to my father Louis J. Jordan SFC Member of Engineering Company 187th Airborne Infantry Regimental Combat Team born in Lackawanna, PA June 4, 1926, died of wounds in KOREA 5/25/1951.
I am your proud and loving daughter, wishing you could see your family all grown up with children and your grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am proud to tell you about my two sons, your grandsons, David and Jon and your two great grandchildren Colin 6 years old and Regan 4 years old who everyone says looks just like me. My goal was to get to know you over the last five years and by doing that I have met many proud and noble Rakkasans. They have taken me under their wings and I am an honorary member of the Rakkasans. I have fulfilled my dream to know all about you only by getting all your medals and certificates that you would have received if you were here today.
I am very proud to say I have even received your Purple Heart and cherish these small but powerful symbols of you and your very short life here on earth. I have cherished your pictures and proud to place them with the members of my family. I just wanted you to know how very much I have missed you and wished I knew your family members. I have lived a good life and I am very proud of you and all soldiers that have given up family, friends and life for us to have something better for our next generations.
I have so much to say, but I know as you look down you truly see how I have grown and hope you are as proud of me as I am of you. Mom is still with us and your son Louie and daughter Janie, too. Your family has grown and each generation grows more. As a fellow Rakkasan signs his name, I too will sign my as "Still Standing", your loving daughter,
Dollie Ann Jordan (Amirault).
Letter 181 - Written By:
Arthur O. Motz Ph.D.
Boise
ID
October 26, 2006
To My Fellow Comrades,
As a U.S.N. Hospital Corpsman, I had the distinct pleasure to serve with the Fleet Marines during the Korean Conflict, George Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. To those living, know that I was proud to serve with each and every Marine and U.S. Naval personnel. When I was discharged, I took it upon myself to visit every family whose son gave his life during my tenure in Korea. I was received in each home with extreme gratitude knowing that I knew their son, cared for their son and that his life was given in line of duty to God and country.
My evening devotions always have as a part, those service persons at home and abroad and ask my Lord and Savior to watch over and care for them.
Arthur O. Motz
Former Hospital Corpsman
Letter 182 - Written By:
Glenna Sloan
Garrett
KY
Jemes Brison Howard was born September 15, 1926. He is the son of Kelly and Effie (Reed) Howard. James was killed in the Korean War Conflict November 24, 1951. He is buried in the Kelly Howard Cemetery, Garrett, Kentucky.
Dear James,
My name is Glenna. I am your sister Alberta's daughter. I am one of 7 kids, mom named me after your little sister Glenna Jean. I live in Kentucky in the little house that your mom had. I have heard alot about you. I wish I could of known you. I am married. His name is David, and we have 2 beautiful little girls, Kaitlynn is 8 and in the 3rd grade and Emily is 5 and just started school this year she is in Kindergarten.
I have seen a lot of pictures of you when you were young and some of you while you were in Korea. Your car is still in the garage here at home. When I would show your picture I would tell everybody isn't he handsome. I miss you and I love you very much.
Love, your niece
Glenna and Family
Letter 183 - Written By:
Penny Nelson Robichaux
Branson
MO
Dear Daddy:
I sure do miss you and have longed for you since 1952. I know you would have been here for me if you could have been and that you missed all the great moments you planned for us as a family. I wanted to tell you how much I love you and I wanted to tell you about your buddies. You would have been so pleased with them Daddy, they didn't miss a beat from the moment you were shot down. I was really sick and for awhile the doctors didn't think I would live, then they thought the fevers from polio might have caused some brain damage the only thing they seemed to agree on was that I would never walk. Well, you know Mom, she was having none of that. She was going to have me back on my feet again to go hunting with you or fishing or just hanging out at the cafe. Your buddies got wind of the trouble we were in and they rallied. They wrote me letters just like you did and they signed them Daddy. They were standing in the gap until you made it home. Dick Francisco wrote my name on his Corsair the "Miss Penny" and they sent some money home to mom to help out. I just found out they bought some land for the orphans in Korea and daddy I have an orphanage today funny how things turn out.
Mom is strong and doing well she never found anyone like you to dance with - but did she dance daddy. She was injured in a car accident a few years ago and hurt her back so she isn't dancing now, but she still works 6 days a week helping others stay healthy. Jon looks just like you and he has done really well for himself. He is married and made you a grandpa with three girls and one son. You have some great grandchildren from Jon. You know Jon got his pilots license and tried to scare me in a small plane years ago a bit of a dare devil, I imagine that came from the fighter pilot blood in him. He joined the Marines as a young man and I think he has looked for you all his life.
I was sick a long time but then the worst was over and I finished high school with just a limp, I married, made you a grandpa with two fine boys my sons looked like grandpa Nelson and me, blue eyes and blond hair.
I remember asking God to let you know when my first son was born that you were a grandpa - they held Brian for me to see and I told my husband later. "He looks just like my Daddy, brown eyes, dark skin and dark hair", my husband laughed and said I had been given strong gas because our son was bright pink, silver hair and dark blue eyes. I thought later that maybe God let me know you knew. From then on I asked for a chocolate baby, you know "Hersey" eyes and olive skin like yours but my second son looked just like the first. Well late in life I remarried a wonderful Cajun guy and we started a home for children. Our first adopted son had Hersey eyes and olive skin and his blond headed brothers adore him. We raised lots of children together and through all this you have become a great, great grandfather.
I have no braces, wheelchairs, or brain damage - just a wee limp and I have been busy trying to give back to God all He has given me. So Daddy, this is just a note to say "I'll see you soon and we will catch up on everything. Thank you for my life, thank you for giving yours to keep mine free."
I love you, Penny Nelson Robichaux
Letter 184 - Written By:
Alberto Gonzales
Arlington
TX
Monday, October 30, 2006
Hello Domingo,
When I finished high school, I joined the US Navy. I was in the aviation side.
I became an Aviation Electrician's Mate. When I left the Navy, I went to work at American Airlines. I worked there till I retired in 2003.
I live in Arlington, with my wife Martha. I have 5 granddaughters from my marriages. I would have enjoyed having you over to see the Dallas Cowboys play some weekend. My daughter, Julie is about to have a baby boy. This will be a wonderful time.
Adios mi hermano.
Alberto Gonzales
Letter 185 - Written By:
Bruce Littell
Spring
TX
Jasper Clyde Lomax, Jr., 1107678
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Died (KIA), 09-19-1951
Dear Jasper;
Has it really been fifty five years? I guess so. September 19, 1951 to November, 2006 comes out to be fifty five years, no matter how you cut it. We were kids, man, and prior to that day, life was good and no harm could come to us.
I think it was the first day we met, second or third grade. At our favorite drinking fountain, you told me the second fountain from the left was the best one. I never questioned why it was the best one, but if you said it was the best one, then by golly, it was the best one. Then you transferred schools, and the next recollection was reading in the paper that you had made All City as a running back at Lanier Jr. High. Then, as fate would have it, we were in the same homeroom at Lamar, doing our best to drive Mrs. Buchanan nuts. Did a pretty good job of it too, didn't we?
How about the camping trips, Jasper? You, Lew, Harry, George, Bo, Lynn and I. The Texas Hill Country, Hamilton's Pool, Bender's Lake. I hate to tell you, but Bender's Lake is now a subdivision. Screwed up a perfectly good camp ground. It was there that you emptied your old .45 into an Oak tree, rapid fire. Pretty good grouping, too. I've often wanted to go there, see if I could find that old tree, and stand where you stood. Maybe I will some day.
Let me get you caught up with what has become of this band of semi-delinquents. Lew is a successful lawyer. A bald headed successful lawyer. Harry, after a couple of unsuccessful tries at college, finally got it right and is an entomologist. George is still around. Last I heard he was doing the night watchman, security thing, just being George. Bo made a career out of law enforcement, a probation officer, I believe. Lynn got a degree in structural engineering, had a very successful business, then we lost him a few years ago. Complications after surgery. I got my degree in landscape architecture, and spent my time designing golf courses. And Joan; I haven't kept up with Joan, but I'm sure she still thinks of you and misses you, as we all do, as it was a given that the two of you would have married.
When you guys joined the Marine Reserves, I wasn't all that interested, but when you got called up, I wanted to go too, but that summer, Mother had cancer, and in fact died that October, so I couldn't very well go with you. While you were at El Toro, you asked me to take Joan to the Senior Prom, which I was happy to do, and damned if you didn't show up half way through the thing, resplendent in your dress blues, I might add.
I tried college, finally gave it up after a couple of years and joined the Corps. Better late than never, I guess. Three good years. Many a time I have wished that I had made a career out of it.
Harry, George and Bo, as you know were at the Reservoir, while you were stuck at El Toro doing your best to get shipped over. Just being a Marine wasn't enough for you, was it Jasper? You had to be a combat Marine. Finally got your wish, seeing action at what is known as the Punch Bowl, and on a September Friday, 1951, your folks got a letter from you saying "We're catching hell." The next night they got a telegram saying that their only son had been killed in action. Damn!
The boys made it out of the Reservoir all right, if one can say frost bite is "all right". While there, Harry won himself a Bronze Star as well as a dandy case of frost bite, and is presently drawing sixty percent disability because of it. He says to tell you while your there at the Memorial, he's the one wearing glasses. Look him up.
Well Jasper, reckon that about wraps it up. No one's forgotten and we think of you often. We're all getting along in years, in various stages of health, both good and bad, so it won't be long now. We'll all be together again, meet at that big PX in the sky and maybe sing a few verses of the Hymn.
So long for now, Jasper. Semper Fi.
Bruce
Letter 186 - Written By:
Jerry R. Boyer
Bloomfield
IN
27 Oct 2006
In Rememberance of Captain Ben Porter and Sergeant Robert Bird.
Marine Air Group 12
K-6 Bomb Dump, Pyongtaek Korea, 1953
Two marines who went the way of Gods will in 1953.
I know Capt. Porter had a wife and family, I intended to contact when I got home, but that never happened, and I am sorry about that.
Sgt. Bird said he loved the marine Corp because that's how he met his wife, I think they wrote each other every day.
I'm sorry that Sgt. Bird never got the opportunity to have a family and to see his Kids grow up like I have.
I hope their deaths, and all the others who were maimed and killed was not in vain.
Capt. Porter and Sgt. Bird names will not appear on the KIA list. But they gave all they had.
Semper Fi, Marines
1953 Sgt. Jerry Boyer
Letter 187 - Written By:
Chuck Carr
Appleton
WI
October 25, 2006
1st Lt. John B. Goery, USMCR 053549
Marine Attack Squadron VMA 312, MAG 12
Off the coast of North Korea
Dear Scotty,
So many years have passed but my memory is still very clear about the time we served together. As enlisted members of the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Philippine Sea CV 47 we dreamed of becoming Marine pilots and flying Corsairs. For a short time you lived both our dreams for that I am thankful.
It took 48 years to learn your fate on December 27, 1952 and that of your fellow mission pilots. In my search I learned the fateful mission leader Lt. Col. (Maj.) David Cleeland died in a crash in Vietnam in 1966. Later I located Capt. Daniel Gillon in Nevada in 2000 and Capt. Charles Mullins in Washington in 2002. I was fortunate to have had several conversations with each prior to their deaths. I learned in detail about the 1 1/2 hour failed rescue attempt due to faulty hoists on two Air Force rescue helicopters plus the air battle with four North Korean MIG 15's while you were floating in the Taedong-gang Estuary.
I also learned Lt. Col. Charles Wallace (Ref) and Capt. Alexander Watson who died in a plane crash in 1956 also can to your assistance. For their heroic efforts, Col. Cleeland was awarded the Navy Cross and the other pilots Silver Stars.
As the only resident of your hometown to loose his life in the Korean War I assembled a booklet about your military service and presented copies to your sisters and the public library in your hometown as a memorial to my friend and fellow Marine.
I've thought of you often over the years, especially when good things happened to me, a loving wife and four children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, a successful career and good health. All the things you missed. When things did not go so well I reminded myself of all the things you never experienced and the price you paid for my family and I.
As in the past, you will always be remembered as a friend and fellow Marine not only on special occasions but when little things occur where I'm reminded that you never enjoyed or experienced.
Semper Fi.....good buddy,
Chuck Carr
Letter 188 - Written By:
Alex Lee
Franklin
OH
PFC Charles Edward Lee
DOD: July 20, 1950, S. Korea
Uncle Charles you don't know me! In fact, you died in Korea 10 years before I was born. My name is Alex, named after my father (your younger brother). He served honorably in the Army reserves until he retired from there as well as Ford Motor Co. He was an honest, generous and hard working man like his father and brothers. He died in November 2000 just 4 days after thanksgiving. My father also had another son, my older brother, whom he named Charles, after you. Charles retired from the navy after more than 20 years of honorable service. I myself have served honorably for nine years in the Air Force. The men of our family have served our great country for many generations. You made the greatest sacrifice to secure the very rights and freedoms I enjoy today, and I humbly and sincerely thank you.
My younger stepson, Cpl. Joshua L. Carpenter, Marines, is serving our country at this time in Iraq to carry on our family's tradition. I pray he is not called to give his life in this war we are now fighting. I am very proud of him and support his decision to serve. I believe there is an after life and that we will see each other there. I look forward to thanking you for the life you lived and being such a profound influence in my fathers' life, which in return, was a profound influence in my life. Thank you on behalf of your entire family and a grateful and blessed nation.
Alex Lee
Letter 189 - Written By:
Dudley Connor Sr.
Russell Springs
KY
Cpl. George W. Conner RA15258964
32nd Infantry Regiment
United States Army
Dear Brother George,
Man, a life time has passed since I seen you last, in fact (58) years, as you know I was off the coast bombarding up & down the coast for weeks on end and by the Grace Of God, I made it back. I will never forget that awful day that I was notified that you were missing.
Our ship was of the coast bombarding at the time 12/02/1950, I suppose if you are still alive you have experienced a whole lot of hell at the hands of the Koreans, China, Russians, you know we were so young, me 20, you 23. We both matured very quickly during that hellish war. I hope and pray that you are still alive. If you are alive you would not know our country today, it has
changed so much, hundreds of yellow bellied cowards ran to Canada to keep from serving and of course after the war they were welcomed back, they should have been put in prison for life.
Ok, now some thing about your family, Mom & Dad are gone so is all the males in our family except me, you have two sisters left one is (86) the other (88) and I am (76), wow It doesn't seem possible, does it?. You are a great uncle big time, I have three children, a Daughter & two Sons, the youngest son is named after you and brother Joe, George Lewis They would make you proud.
Life and God has been really good to me, upon my return from service, went to college a short time and then became a Policeman in Louisville, Ky (boy I bet that surprises you Huh) I spent most of my life in Louisville my children live there still. After almost ten years as a policeman I went into the insurance business and needless to say the business was good to me, as you know when we went into the service, there was nothing doing here as for as work, I traveled a great deal and made lots of money, I moved back to Russell Springs in 1984, I managed to retire at age 54.
My brother, never a day goes by that I don't think of you and wonder what your future might have been. I searched for you all the way to the Punch Bowl in Hawaii, you are listed there in the aisle of the missing. We now have the internet and it is just an awesome thing I found you on there and a lot of other things about your company. I found a M/Sgt who was in your company, but did not know you, he said our ship made two beach heads for you, your mother went to her grave believing you were still alive, she would never give you up, I live on the old home place except now it is a subdivision off, two and three acres of mini farms.
George, I better finish this and get it in the mail, so it can be read at Korean monument On Veterans Day. Where ever you are , remember your family loves you and misses you terribly, maybe one day we will meet again.
Your Loving Brother,
Dudley C
Letter 190 - Written By:
Jean Brown
Chapel Hill
NC
November 9, 2006
This is my letter to my father, Captain James Benjamin Brown, lost in 1953.
Capt. James Benjamin Brown, USMC
513 VMF (N) Squadron, 1 MAW
Unknown Location of Loss
Date of Final Status, June 15, 1954
Dear Dad,
As I even begin to write this, tears are standing in my eyes. I was 5 years old when you were first reported as MIA,in 1953. I clearly remember the Marine officers coming to our house to deliver the news to my mother, and I remember her running through the house crying out her
pain and loss. My younger sister was only a year old, and so has no memory of either you being our dad or of that terrible day when they came to tell us you were missing.
I do have my memories, though, and I've always treasured them. I take them out frequently to look them over once again - the walks along the beach when we lived in Corpus Christi and Laguna Beach, the time you took me crab-fishing in the Gulf, you teaching me to ride a horse, when we lived in California and you walked with me down to the beach and
played in the surf with me, teaching me not to fear the water. I even remember the spanking you gave me because I tossed the dog into the creek to see if she really could swim (she could), because you explained before the punishment that it was my job to look after anything smaller
and weaker than I. I knew in later years that that was part of why you, a husband and father, went back to war, when you didn't have to. Anyone would have said that since you served in WWII, you had more than done your part. I can't say that I've always totally understood or agreed with your choice, since it left our family fatherless, but I have always respected the honor that led you to make it.
I think you'd be proud of our family, Dad. You might have wished that Mom had gotten married again, so that she wasn't alone, but she chose not to do that, because in the end, she was determined that, if she couldn't find someone who'd look after us as well as you would have, then she'd do it herself. So, she did. I don't believe that we ever
lacked for things we needed, and we were sort of spoiled, besides, receiving many things we didn't actually NEED, but that we wanted, and so Mom tried to get them for us. But I say spoiled in a good sense, not a bad one. We learned responsibility and self-reliance, and how to work for things we'd like to have - not lie back and wait for them to fall in our laps.
But, though we didn't have a father in our home, we still were a family, Dad - just not one like most others of my friends had. We grew up in mom's parents' home, on the farm, in a small southern town in North Carolina, and the values we learned were those that you learned, growing
up in a small town in Oklahoma. To me, it was quite natural that our family was me and sis and Mom, and Grandmama and Granddaddy. And we did just fine. Both of us went to college - you paid for it, you know. We both were on full VA Scholarships, and went to the same University -East Carolina University. We both graduated, and we are both hard-working citizens today.
Mom retired from nursing back in 1988. Jo lives in Raleigh, and I live with Mom, but not in the house were I grew up. We built another house on the land that Granddaddy left us, and we are quite happy there. It's still in the family.
Neither Jo nor I ever did marry (at least not yet- I
suppose it's never TOO late), but that was a choice I think we both made - not to "settle" for just any man, with the example of our parents' devotion to compare to any of our relationships. Who knows, perhaps even now, things could change. So, although you've never been made a grandfather, it wasn't because we didn't want to so honor your memory.
Our family has traveled quite a bit, and we've seen Europe, the British Isles, Canada, and Australia, as well as quite a lot of our country, the United States. I consider that I've had a great life, and that the things I've done and continue to do would make you proud that I'm your
daughter.
A few years ago, Dad, we had an awful shock. Your great-nephew, Jimmy, acting on a wistful request from his grandfather, your brother Cleo, went looking to see if he could find out, once and for all, what really happened to you that day so many years ago. We've never known, Dad, and
we just took the military's word for the whole thing and believed that they'd come to us and tell us if anything else, anything more, became known. Anyway, there were actually 2 parts to the shock.
First, Jimmy found a book called Soldiers of Misfortune that discussed the fate of American POW's and MIA's in the wars of the 20th century, beginning with WWII. According to the writers of the book, a great many men named as MIA or even KIA were actually taken to Russia (right after WWII) and China (Korea and Viet Nam), to work camps, and were never released to go home. Presumably, they lived the rest of their lives and died as POWs abandoned by their government. Also according to the writers, our government officials knew about these "disappeared" men,
but wrote them off in the name of politics, of taking some sort of political stance and keeping to it, regardless of the fate of those men. Imagine our shock, Dad, when we found that YOUR name appeared in this book, as probably having been in a mainland China POW camp. I've looked, but have not yet found the witness the book attributes this
information to. I may never be able to find him. But it was deeply disturbing and horrifying to consider that, instead of having quickly and cleanly been killed in the crash of your plane, you may instead have been a prisoner of the Chinese, waiting in hope and then despair for
rescue and release that never came.
You know, Dad, for years after we received the final word that you were declared KIA, we still watched the television if there was an announcement of release of POWs from Korea, hoping against hope to see your face in the crowd, sad and quiet when we never did. And to have read so many years later that indeed we MIGHT have one day seen your face, that you were alive after the crash, grieves and sickens me beyond description. My heart hurts in my chest at the thought.
The second shock we received was when Cousin Jimmy notified me that he'd found out that the body of your radio operator had actually been recovered, out of a shallow grave on a little island in the Pacific, not 10 miles from the coast of Korea! We found this out a few months after the remains were repatriated and buried with honors in Arlington. No
one ever contacted us in any official capacity to tell us this, and I cannot understand how it was apparently assumed that we, the family of the man in that plane with him, would not be at least interested in this discovery.
Dad, I was more angry at that cold disregard of your connection to the man they recovered and thereby the failure of our officials to extend us so much as the courtesy of notification, than I had ever been in the
long years after your loss. I was angry, and for perhaps the first time it crossed my mind that the honor you did our country in giving your life was not returned in kind. In any case, our family entertained the thought that similar recovery might be made for you, and we asked your
sister, Aunt Ruth, to please provide DNA to aid in identification, if that were possible. She saw her doctor, and they got the DNA sample and sent it to Quantico. So far, we hear nothing.
Unlike others of my friends, whose fathers are dying now of age or disease, and with whom I grieve the loss of their fathers, I lost you again and again over the years. Every time something in my life was great or important or painful or remarkable, I thought, "I wish Dad could be here for this." When I was named primary grade Halloween
Carnival Queen. When I got my driver's license. When I learned to play the coronet, and marched in the Christmas parades in the band. When I made the varsity basketball team. When I graduated from high school, and won the literary award. When I graduated from college, and then
earned acceptance to grad school in the graduate fellow program. When I used to train and show horses, and won an event. When I hit home runs in softball games, or pitched a winning game. When I traveled and saw incredible sights. When I started to breed and show Manx cats, and my
cats won (and are still winning) awards. When I sang in church. When I was elected an elder of the church. So many times, so many opportunities, and any and all of them would have meant so much more to me if I could have shown them to you, received a smile and a congratulations from you.
Oh, I won't say I did it all for you, Dad. But I can say that a lot of what I did and continue to do, I was and am able to do *because* of you. You were a singer, and passed that talent to me. You loved animals, and I inherited that love. You were not afraid to try new things, to open new doors and seek new experiences, and I surely inherited that sense of adventure and willingness to try from you. You were a scholar, and so was (and am) I. You had a strong faith, as do I.
Most of all, Dad, I think I received a determination from you to always try and see how things could be better. Oh, I'm no Pollyanna, to turn blind eyes away from problems, but I don't face life negatively, either. I think life is good, I think I *can* win if I keep trying. When I lose
(and of course that happens more than I'd like!), well, that's life, and I try to move on and not let loss permanently scar me.
I have a temper, Dad, and my grandmother used to say I got it from your side of the family. Right, like I never saw any of the relatives on the OTHER side blow up!! But if I did, I'm proud of that, too, because although very often my temper makes me be reckless and say unwise things, it is usually fired up because of some inequality that I see.
Sure I get angry on my own behalf, but I also get angry on somebody else's behalf as well. And the thing is, I don't really like conflict, but I'm much more likely to enter into it in defense of another person than in my own defense. And of course that's gotten me into trouble on
more than one occasion.
So just maybe I'm your daughter, huh, Dad? Because you went to a war that you didn't have to go to, in defense of an ideal as you saw it - opposing communism and oppression of one people by another. Perhaps you should have stayed home - that would have been wiser. Perhaps, though, you did the unwise thing for the right reasons. Yeah, it got you into more trouble than I ever hope to get into myself. And I don't know what you'd say today if somebody asked you if you would do it again, knowing what we all know now. But Dad, if I got my stubbornness from you, then I KNOW what you'd answer - Hell, yeah! You'd do it again! Because it
was what you thought was right. Because that's what I do - I go ahead and do what I think is right, even if it isn't what others think I should do. I don't like having my dreams disregarded, and even when it's a family member, I get VERY stubborn about doing it my way (I bet you liked Ole Blue Eyes, didn't you, Dad?).
Today's world is very much about accommodation, and compromise, and let's all get along together, and giving in, giving over, giving up. But Dad, I think you'd have had something tough to say about that. I know that your strong faith would have opened you to forgiveness toward others, but at the same time I'm very sure you would not have condoned or dismissed wrongdoing from those people who need to be forgiven. I am certain that you'd be very much in favor of people taking responsibility for their actions. When I tossed the dog into the creek, I had to take
the punishment for that action, and I needed to understand WHY it wasn't right to do. I was responsible for my actions and had to take the consequences.
You taught me that, Dad. You were only physically a part of my life for a little over 5 years, but I am convinced that I am the person I am today because of you.
I love you, Dad. I miss you, Dad. I hope we will meet again one day,and I hope you are proud of the daughter I have turned out to be.
All my love,
Your daughter,
Jean
Letter 192 - Written By:
Nancy (Spence)
October 26, 200
Dear Albert, (Spence)
Though nine years separated us in age I've always missed you. I was age eight when you graduated high school and joined the U.S. Marines in 1948. I was so angry that you left me and went off to lead your own life. Your leaves at home were never long enough.
I remember when you took me to the movies to see Bing Crosby in "White Christmas."
I remember a lot of things and how much a big brother meant to his little sister.
Your death was so painful to our parents and grandparents that they didn't share their grief with me, a child of ten, when we got word. Mom and Dad and I went for a long drive that day, August 17, 1950, and on our return found our grandparents and great aunt and uncle at the house. They told us. It was a year before your casket was returned to us, and your burial at the Puyallup cemetery with a Marine guard. The flag that covered your casket is now in a case in my living room.
Serving in Korea with "The First Provisional Marine Brigade" was very brave. So many of your fellow Marines didn't come home again. Many were wounded, and many carry the scars in their hearts and minds. Though the brigade was only in existence for about six weeks and was merged into the Marine 1st Division you made a huge difference in the world as we know it.
I never knew the circumstances leading to your death that fateful day until I found the email address of your buddy and fellow Marine on the Marine web site in the year 2000 where he dedicated a page to you. I emailed Dick Olson. He was very kind. He told me what had happened and sent me stories, pictures, and names of other Marines you knew at that time. I'm convinced there are no better men in this world of ours. They introduced me to you as a young man. I had only known the boy until then.
Your girl friend, Betty, visited us that year and until our mother's death in 1983 she sent Christmas cards. She kept your letters for fifty years. In the year 2000 she sent them to me along with the cards she had received from her friends and family. I put them in the notebook I made to celebrate your life.
I've always wondered how you would like my husband and children and know they have missed out on knowing a wonderful man. You have been missed and remembered by a great many people including family, schoolmates and Marine friends.
I have the Bible you were carrying. I pray Our Lord will allow me to be rejoined with my big brother some day.
Love,
Your Little Sister Nancy
Letter 193 - Written By:
Dinah Lane
Ozark
MO
Capt. Leonard Schneider, USMC
KIA-BNR
October 25, 1951
Dear Daddy,
This letter is from your daughter Dinah, and I have written down some feelings I want to share with you.
First, I want you to know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers, and my family is so proud of you, for your sacrifice and for your courage. In addition, please know that my life as a military wife and mother has helped me better understand, and accept the sacrifice you made.
I do wish I had been a little older when you left for Korea, so that I could have gotten to know you on a more personal level. I grew to know you, and appreciate you over the years, from the many pictures and letters you sent home to Mother before you died. I have a love and respect for you, which only continues to grow stronger.
Daddy, you have a grandson who is also a Marine. He feels a very close connection to you, and he admires you as much as I do. He tells everyone about you, and he even carries your picture with him. I know you would be as proud of him as he is of you.
Finally, I want you to know we will never forget you. We feel your spirit is near us, and know it guides us daily. We will always carry your memory in our hearts ... Semper Fi.
Letter 194 - Written By:
Carol Clauss
November 6, 2006
Here is my letter to my uncle followed by one of his letters. He wrote it two months before he went MIA on April 25, 1951 at Taejon-ni.
October 30, 2006
Dear Uncle Johnny,
I looked after Grandmom as best I knew how after the telegram arrived in May, 1951, saying you were missing in action in Korea. It took nearly forty years for me to understand how sharing her grief bound my life to hers.
For six years she wrote the U.S. Army, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. President for information to support her hope that you were a prisoner somewhere. I shared her faith that she would see you walk through the front door one day. It was only with her death in 1992 I knew for certain she would not.
After her death, I asked for your letters to her from Korea. You were certainly a devoted son trying to reassure her you were doing okay. After reading through them all I realized they told the story of the final chapter of your short life. I researched the events surrounding the letters, your relief to be on a troop ship leaving North Korea Christmas 1950; the devastation you found in Seoul a few months later; the refugees you encountered fleeing with: "their belongings on their heads and their children on their backs always moving, their houses ripped apart, no food, no clothing. It all goes with a war. That's why it is the most awful thing imaginable. It is truly a disgrace to every person on the face of the earth."
What happened to our family when you didn't return, the emptiness your absence left, had a great affect on my life. I believe war must be made obsolete and I work toward that goal.
I love you Uncle Johnny
I've tried to "keep the home fires burning." Carol.
Feb 25, 1951
Dear Mom,
I received a letter from you and one from Alice today. I was glad to hear from both of you.
Today being Sunday we had church. Our chaplain is John Brown he is an old fashioned kind of chaplain, a real nice guy.
Since we have been in this rest area we have done a lot of things. We had a shower, got washed and shaved another day and even got a haircut.
I wrote a few letters a couple of days ago, to people who have written me in Korea. Barrett, Alberta & Paul, LeRoy and Bill Huston.
I guess everybody is getting ideas about buying new or late model cars now.
The weather is very nice not too cold nor too hot. Being behind the front lines gives us a chance too rest up a bit and get fed. We eat pretty good here for example
Breakfast, fried eggs, pancakes cereal & mild, coffee
Dinner, Roast beef, potatoes, corn, biscuits, cherries, coffee.
Supper, Spaghetti and beef, string beans, pickles, cherries, coffee.
The one gripe we have is not enough bread.
It sure is a shame that people have to go through this kind of a mess. I don't only mean myself or other U.N. men that are here, but also the Chinese and the Koreans. You can always see the refugees with their belongings on their heads and their children on their backs, always moving their houses ripped apart, no food, no clothing. It all goes with a war. That's why it is the most awful thing imagineable. It is truly a disgrace to every person the face of this earth.
There is only one thing that can keep a fellow going when he comes face to face with something like this and that is faith, faith in God, without it you could hardly do the things a soldier is expected to do.
Well it is getting dark and as we have no lights I guess I will close.
God bless everyone at home. Tell them all too be good.
Love son John
Xxx for Carol & Cathy
Letter 195 - Written By:
Robert B. Cox
Olympia
WA
October 24.2006
PFC Edward Taasevagen USMC
Butte, Montana
Easy Company 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment
KIA September. 1951
Dear Eddie,
Just like that, you are gone and I am having difficulty trying to remember what you looked like. It took me many years of thinking about you and saying prayers for you before I made the adjustment to remembering the loss.
And now, the Korean War Project has given me the opportunity to say Good-bye one last time. Good Bye and Thank you for your sacrifice.
Bob Cox, Sgt, USMC
Hq and Svc Company
1st Marine Regiment
Letter 196 - Written By:
Larry Wertz
Spring Hill
KS
November 8, 2006
I would like to remember pilots of the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron lost in Korea from 8/07/1952 to 7/10/1953 just 17 days before the cease fire.
Capt. Francis L Treat-08/07/1952
1Lt. Calvin E Hodel-09/18/1952
1Lt. Robert F Dees-10/09/1952
1Lt. Bill G Fain-02/08/1953
1Lt. William W Graham-02/08/1953
1Lt. Leonard O De Luna-04/12/1953
1Lt. Grady L Hinson-05/16/1953
2nd. Lt. William T Haines-06/15/1953
1Lt. Robert P Gaude Jr.-07/10/1953
I haven't forgotten.
Larry Wertz
Letter 197 - Written By:
Patricia A. (Pat) Arnold
Barren Sprintgs
VA
November 7, 2006
CPL Robert M. Henry was declared Missing in Action on July 11, 1953 on "Pork Chop Hill", North Korea.
CPL Henry was a machine gunner with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, 3rd Platoon.
Bob was born April 12, 1932 in Sidney, NY, the son of Albert and Mary Henry. Bob was 20 years of age when he was inducted into the United States Army on October 22, 1952.
He went to Fort Devens, MA, then sent to Fort Breckenridge, KY and then went to Fort Lewis, WA on March 21, 1953 on his way to fight the enemy in Korea.
Dad and Mom, brothers and sisters remember Bob as being a fun loving guy who never hurt anyone, always hard working, always had a smile for everyone. Bob enjoyed life!!!
He had a very special dog - Toby that was his side kick and a horse Trigger. Needless to say, he loved people and animals. We have several pictures of him with Toby, Trigger and any stray cats from the neighborhood.
Thou it has been 53 years and 4 months since Bob became Missing in Action, we have not given up on seeing Bob come home and today many have gathered at this Memorial Service on Veterans Day in Washington, D.C. to honor Bob as our "HERO".
Pat
Letter 198 - Written By:
Bud Steere
Winchester
VA
24 Oct 2006
Nick Palmiotti
Formerly of the 8th Bomb Squadron
Who lost his life on his last mission in Korea
Hello Nick!
This is a good opportunity to send along some thoughts I've had since you were lost on your last mission over Korea.
I remember when I was introduced to you in Japan in Dec of 1950. The First Sergeant of our squadron said to me,"This is Nick Palmiotti, a gunner in our Wing." You were a tall, good looking guy in an OD flying suit. We were both young and a little scared of this new situation we found ourselves in. The war was new and both of us were relatively new to the Air Force.
We shared a room in the barracks with bunks about ten feet from each other. Because you were a gunner and I was in the Electronics section, we didn't get to spend a lot of time together, but evenings when you weren't flying, there were the usual "bull sessions" in the barracks with the other troops. That's when we got to know and enjoy your personality. You were full of stories about your home town in New Jersey.
When we made the move to Korea, to Kunsan Air Base, you were in a different barracks with other gunners, but you always remembered your friends who had fellowshipped with you initially. Because we were a Night Intruder outfit, your missions were always after dark. Before each mission, you'd always drop into our barracks to trade stories with your old buddies. While we'd be sitting around playing cards, you'd come in like a blast of fresh air. We always noticed you'd take something of one of the guys; a lighter, a pack of cigarettes, a pen - some little thing and then return it the next morning after the mission. We always noticed it, but only commented among ourselves about it. We figured it was important to you and we didn't want it to be a cause of embarrassment by our mentioning it to you.
Anyway, the night of your last mission, you came in as usual and there was a hot game in progress. You told us it was your last mission and we all yelled, "good luck", but nobody tossed you anything to take with you. You left and it wasn't until the next morning we got the news that your plane had been shot down. A ray of hope remained because three chutes were seen on the ground by recon flights the next day. You were listed as "missing in action" for a number of years. But eventually DOD listed you as MIA and gave a date.
The thing that still haunts me, Nick, is that you told me privately that in addition to your holstered .45 that you carried, you also toted a .38 and that you'd never be taken alive because the last round would be for you. I've hoped all these years that it never came to that.
So for all the years that have gone by, I'd like you to know I still think of you and recall the many instances where we shared things. The years have gone, but memories are still fresh. If it were ever possible, I'd like you to know that.
Your friend from long ago,
Bud Steere
Letter 199 - Written By:
Lee Schuff
Neenah
WI
November 7, 2006
For Paul Tipton Baker, USMC F/5/1 1st Marine Division
As narrated by the Leroy Schuff Family
Leroy Schuff, USMC, F/5/1,Inchon.
This is a letter my daughter wrote that was printed through Wounded Warriors. It tells her dad's story.
Dear Wounded Warriors:
There are never enough words to tell you how much your sacrifice has meant to me; you are all hero's in my book.
My father was in the Marine Corps for seventeen years. After a tour in Vietnam and continuing hearing loss, he received a Medical Discharge.
My father was wounded about 5:00 a.m. on September 24, 1950 in Korea. His fellow Marines were in the first wave at Inchon on September 15th. They marched toward Seoul, with stops for sleep. On the morning of September 24th, he got up and went to his machine gun emplacement and a sniper shot
rang out. He fell to the ground, tried to get up and fell again.
A fellow Marine ran to his side and pushed him back into his foxhole. While rendering aid, another shot rang out and he was mortally wounded, falling across my father. A medic came, pulled the other Marine off and laid him in the foxhole. The sniper bullet had gone through my father's right led, shattering both bones before entering his left leg, again shattering bone with bullet fragments. The medic applied tourniquets and gave him morphine for the pain along with several more syringes until the could evac him.
Twelve hours later, after a day of more sniper fire and trying to keep dirt piled up alongside the foxhole, he was finally taken off the hill. He spent six months in the hospital in Japan, where they were able to save both of his legs, before they sent him back to Korea to complete his tour of duty.
My father never talked about that day until fourteen years ago when he gave a sermon in church about "No greater love than a man lay down his life for a friend". He talked about Pfc. Paul Tipton Baker of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He wondered about his family and wanted them to know how Paul died; he wanted to know where Paul was buried.
He tried to get answers and I wanted to help. I am an invalid and use the internet extensively. I got online and contacted newspapers, the Dept. of Defense, Library of Congress, the War Library, Census Bureau, Headquarters
Marine Corps and state offices for Tennessee. An amateur genealogist and historian saw an article about my search in the newspaper and wanted to help. The Adjutant for the Department of Tennessee Military Order of the
Purple Heart got involved, and the rest is history. They found Paul's parents had passed away. He was the only son and had six sisters. It was heartbreaking to me to realize they had lost their only son and didn't know how bravely he had died on the field of honor.
My parents visited one of his sisters. They visited his gravesite on a hill in Greendale Cemetery in Chattanooga and thought about that hill on the other side of the world, outside Seoul, South Korea.
Letter 200 - Written By:
Lewis Dale Whipple
Benton
LA
Cpl. Kenneth P. Darden
Born: March 6, 1932
Died: Feb. 13, 1951 Near Hoensong, Korea
Status: Died while missing (MM)
Oct. 24, 2006 - Benton, LA
Dear Kenny,
I remember when we enlisted in the USAF on
January 28, 1948. We were inducted at Cleveland, Ohio
and boarded a train bound for LacklandAFB, San
Antonio, Texas.
You were only 15 and I was 17 at the time. We
were with 12 other men from Ohio, all quite young. We
went thru Basic Training with no serious problems and
you celebrated your 16th birthday there Of course the Air
Force was unaware of this. After graduation, you and I
were treated to a Mexican lunch in San Antonio, courtesy
of an old classmate of my mother's. We had a great meal
and a wonderful time
After our 30-day leave at home, we reported to
Hamilton AFB for our assignment with the 808th Engr.
Aviation Bn. at Tachikawa AFB, Japan. I later was
transferred to the 317th Troop Carrier Wing and we lost
touch as your unit was transferred to Okinawa. I later
heard that around July 1948 they discovered you were
only 16 and sent you back to the States for discharge. Our
Unit was transferred to Germany in support of the Berlin
Airlift. I was discharged on January 29, 1952 after four years in the USAF. I met my wife in Shreveport, LA and
we have been married for 56 years. After the USAF, I
worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 1985.
We have two daughters, six grandchildren, and 10 great
grandchildren and my life has been as perfect as it could
be.
Your Buddy,
You are not forgotten,
Dale
P.S. Kenny, I heard that after you were sent home in July
1948, that you worked around Akron till you reached 18
and then you enlisted in the US Army on March 13, 1950.
You were then sent to Korea, where you remain today. I
only wish you could have experienced some of the life I
have had. I thank you for your Service to my Country.
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