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Korean War Project Newsletter - April 19, 2004
Editor Comment:
The Korean War Project has created a lot of "ink" regarding
the efforts of family, friends, veterans and US Dpt. of
Defense efforts to find, recover and identify remains of
those still not fully accounted for in Korea for the time
period of June 1950 thru 1957.
As we have mentioned in other issues, a small army of
volunteers has assisted our "Finding the Families"
initiative. This is also in conjunction with the efforts of
the first family groups, Alliance of Families for the Return
of America's Missing Servicemen, The Coalition of Families,
among others.
Those efforts have resulted in many dozens of news media
articles and a live interview on CNN (May 29th 2001) with
Jan Curran, Hal and Ted Barker.
We are proud to announce that the KWP was recognized by the
Dpt. of Defense DPMO - Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office,
in it's 2002 annual report.
The efforts of volunteers to assist this valuable program
cannot be over emphasized. The same can be said of the
dedicated, often dangerous, work of the CILHI/ Joint
Recovery Teams. The scope of the Joint Recovery (JPAC)
teams includes WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and current
operations.
See: https://www.koreanwar.org/html/pow_mia.html
New data unsurfaced by John Zimmerlee with the help of NARA
- National Archives puts new light on data to assist the
DPMO in the overall effort. More reporting on this for our
next issue. Way to go John!!
See:
https://www.coalitionoffamilies.org and their glossy
print magazine. Must reading!
See: https://www.jpac.pacom.mil/
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Newsletter for April 19th, 2004
===========================================================
Table of Contents
1. VA web site for National Cemeteries, all burials!
2. US Army seeks Jewish and Hispanic DSC recipients
3. All SCARWAF Reunion | All Reunions
4. Last POW Exchange, heading North
5. POW Processing, San Francisco - 1953
6. Books | Films
7. This Mailing List Subscribe | Unsubscribe
8. Membership, Sponsors
9. History Channel and the DMZ flm - delayed
10.Revisit Korea - correction
11.South Dakota Memorial
12.KVETS adopt Afghanistan bound troops
13.KWVA National Elections - voting is ongoing
14.SAC 509th Air Refueling Squadron
15.Operation Moonbeam
16.USMC Marine Corps Depot, Parris Island, SC
17.8225th MASH and 47th Surgical Hospital (Mobile Army)
=========================================================
1. VA web site for National Cemeteries, all burials!
==========================================================
John Pope (member of the KWP) reports to us, excerpt from
news release follows:
Washington--The Department of Veterans Affairs has made it
easier for the public to get answers about family history,
old ware buddies or famous war heroes. The agency has put on
the web 3.2 million records for veterans buried at 120
national cemeteries since the Civil War.
The VA's Nationwide Gravesite Locator also has records for
state veterans cemeteries and burials in Arlington National
Cemetery since 1999.
The Web site is https://www.cem.va.gov
==========================================================
2. US Army seeks Jewish and Hispanic DSC recipients
==========================================================
The Library of Congress has been charged with contacting
former US veterans who are either Jewish faith or Hispanic
origins. The time period covered is 12/07/1941 thru
12/12/2001.
This request comes on the heels of the Army Human Resources
Command taking a review of previous examinations or
omission(s) of examination.
Any person who received the DSC or researched for DSC award
is the target of the inquiry. Possible upgrade to MOH -
Medal of Honor is the reason.
Full details of the letter at this link on the Korean War
Project
Library Of Congress Letter (Note: document in Adobe .pdf format)
Please forward this information to all veterans groups with
American Veterans in them.
==========================================================
3. All SCARWAF Reunion | All Reunions
==========================================================
The founders of the SCARWAF reunion group are trying to
reach all former Engineers who were in Korea and working
under SCARWAF. That engineering group was all Army personnel
attached to 5th Air Force to build, repair and maintain the
airfields.
Dates: Oct 4th - 8th 2004
Place: Las Vegas
Hotel: Texas Station
Russ Delaney is the contact point:
Ph: 702-256-2356
Email: russethel@cox.net
Hotel Website: https://www.texasstation.com
See all reunions listed on either unit pages or at our
Reunions link:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/reunions.html
Post your reunion:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/korean_war_project_data.html?data=02
See SCARWAF postings at:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/lookarmy.htm
==========================================================
4. Last POW Exchange, heading North
==========================================================
John Hall provided this picture of Chinese and North Korean
soldiers boarding trucks for the trip from Yong Dong Po to
the Freedom Bridge area.
From John: I believe this compound was close to Yong Dong
Po, and I don't remember the name of it. These were Chinese
and North Koreans. I don't know where he got it, but one
prisoner had a small Red Chinese flag.
The returning Exchange prisoners were supposed to have been
South Korean, but there were 21 Americans among them, five
of which had died of exposure reroute to this compound. I
believe it was in February 1954 (note; some were wearing
parkas, including me.).
We were not supposed to have cameras there but I hid mine,
and was able to snap several shots without being caught.
John C. Hall johnh2all@earthlink.net
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5. POW Processing, San Francisco - 1953
==========================================================
The KWP has received many email, letters and calls over the
years regarding the issues of POW's. With current missions
ongoing, right now, between China, the USA, North and South
Korea, it was timely in March to get an email from a new
visitor regarding her job helping to process US veterans,
recently released POW's as they hit port.
From: Iva Narvaez firefly9@airmail.net
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004
I was a WAC, stationed at Ft. Mason in San Francisco in
1953.
Ted, my job was to try and locate the waiting families and
reunite them with the returning Korea POW's. It was a very
sad and emotional tho satisfying experience. So many of the
returning American soldiers were ill and injured. This took
place at the ship dock's and we tried very hard to not keep
any family or soldier waiting.
I am enclosing a photo of myself, (I am the one inside), the
supervisor of the Ft. Mason On Post Telephone System and a
fellow WAC during this experience in 1953.
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6. Books | Films
==========================================================
===a.===
20 Miracles
by Nathaniel Nicholson
published by Higher Standard Publishers
Nathaniel was a member of the 159th Field Artillery Bn as
Forward Observer (FO) for the 24th Infantry Rgt. He had been
in Japan since 1948.
Cost: $10.00 US and $3.00 shipping
Nathaniel Nicholson
156 Reid St
Elizabeth
New Jersey 07201
Email: NITTYNATE@aol.com
===b.===
Book in Progress: Tom Lombardo, 38th Inf Rgt - KIA Spt 1950
Tom's nephew, Bob McFarland, is working on a book about Tom.
He is looking for input from 38th IR vets and especially
anyone who already has copies of Morning and Command Reports
for that fateful month.
Address:
Robert E. McFarland
32300 Northwestern Highway, Ste 230
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Bill Temple, prior to his death, related to Bob the eye
witness account of Tom's demise.
===c.===
"Profiles of 100 Sergeants Major of Color"
Good news reported to the KWP from CSM Harold Hunt USA Ret.
The third edition printing of "Profiles of 100 Sergeants
Major of Color" is ongoing. It is not often that veteran
published books sell like this.
So, a big tip of the hat to CSM Hunt and to those who have
supported his effort to profile the contributions of these
great Americans.
Command Sgt Major Hunt served with the 23rd Inf Rgt in
Korea, post war and the prestigous Old Guard in Washington
DC. He participated in the internment of the Unknown
Serviceman of Vietnam at Arlington Natl Cemetary.
Order:
Hunt Enterprises
6408 Michael Elizabeth Way
Hanover, MD 21706
PH: 410-796-1866
email: sgmofcolor@aol.com
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7. This Mailing List Subscribe | Unsubscribe
==========================================================
We began this newsletter mailing in December of 1998.
This list is a private list for our visitors and members. A
person may join or eave the list at will. It is compiled
from our Guestbook and is for public service messages of
general interest to veterans and families.
To join or leave the list: email to:
Ted Barker tbarker@kwp.org
with Subscribe or Unsubscribe
in the subject line.
Consider forwarding the Newsletter to your friends.
==========================================================
8. Membership, Sponsors.
==========================================================
Consider supporting the mission of the Korean War Project by
donations in the form of Membership/Sponsorship.
See: https://www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html
You will find first donors, current, top group and
individuals listed as well as our background and mission.
If you find this site of value, jump in and help out.
Hal and Ted Barker
Korean War Project
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9. History Channel and the DMZ flm - delayed
==========================================================
Back in January 2004, the KWP jumped the gun on announcing
the imminent viewing of the History Channel's (A&E) effort
to chronicle the DMZ War and the hot spots of 1966-69.
David Benbow relates that the scheduling of the film is
delayed indefinitely.
For DMZ Vet issues via the KWP see:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/dmz_war.html
That is where you will find the great article by Van
Jenerette which we used to kick off our area for the post
truce period back in 1996.
The message groups cover the 50's to current day. Hot topics
can be found on our DMZ BBS area, to include Agent Orange
health alerts.
See: https://www.koreanwar.org
==========================================================
10. Revisit Korea - correction
==========================================================
Correction on "free trip" info. As you might expect the KWP
got an earful from readers from posting Ben Youman's well
intended email to us about the Revisit Program.
Carlos Smith (23IR) wrote: "I want to call your attention to
the above subject tour service."
"I, and I'm sure others concluded that the tour was free
i.e. the cost of the tour was picked up by the South Korean
Government, that is not the case. As you know there was in
fact a program last year where a coalition of Korean
business people paid the entire cost for a limited number of
invited veterans to return. This is not an extension of that
program."
"The Korean Government does in fact pick up a portion of the
cost incurred while in their country but it is far from
free. Total cost for one person for five days is about
$1200.00 plus an additional charge for single occupancy in
the hotel. Departure is from LAX."
" If you live on the East coast as I do then that will add
several hundred more dollars."
end comment
We also received a lot of email from fully qualified tour
companies. Although we have not advertised these companies
in the past, next issue will feature a couple of highly
regarded commercial companies. Our previous notices always
referred to vet groups to make connections via that route.
That avenue did not always get the vets in touch with a good
value trip.
==========================================================
11. South Dakota Memorial
==========================================================
From: Don Hegdahl
Email:
don_hegdahl@msn.com
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2004
Subject: Looking for the Rakkasans of South Dakota
The State of South Dakota is sponsoring a Korean War
Memorial Dedication, September 18th, 2004, at our capital,
Pierre. I want to get all the names of our members,
alive, KIA, MIA or deceased that are or were from South
Dakota.
I plan on having a board or plaque made up with their names
with home and unit or company in honoring them at a
memorabilia display of the 187th ARCT at our capital,
Pierre, South Dakota. I have 14 names now.
Please contact me by phone: 605-996-4024
or by e-mail: don_hegdahl@msn.com
Don Hegdahl
319 West 14th
Mitchell, SD 57301
==========================================================
12. KVETS adopt Afghanistan bound troops
==========================================================
This will not be the last information regarding troop
support in Iraq or Afghanistan, but it is the first notice
of "adoption".
Hawaiian KWVA group adopts troops:
Dear Sir:
Would you also carry an article that the 25th Infantry
Division at Schofield Barracks now has one Brigade (2d) in
Iraq and the 3d is now on its way to Afghanistan.
There is a point of contact within the Division and they
are looking for units/persons/ organizations to participate
in their "Adopt a Platoon" system.
My unit, the Korean War Veterans Association, Hawaii Chapter
No. 1 has adopted Hqs Co., 2d Bn, 27th Infantry. If you
desire more information on this program I will be more than
glad to forward the point of contact address. I have been
told that sponsors are needed for 125 more platoons.
In comradeship and Aloha,
1SG (R) Charles W. Aresta
ra1sgt@hawaii.rr.com
Editor Note: not only does the Aloha chapter support current
force deployment, the unit and former POW's attend each and
every return of remains to the CILHI forensic laboratories
in Hawaii.
==========================================================
13. KWVA National Elections - voting is ongoing
==========================================================
Follow up on March 10th notice: See:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/newsletter_march_10_2004.html
The KWP did not receive biographies of all candidates and
are therefor not publishing the "bio's" of any candidate, at
this time.
Ballots are printed in the official magazine of the
association, "The Graybeards", and they are being delivered,
so HEADS UP! (March/April issue).
Check your mailing label to be sure you are current with
dues!
Two slates and one independant.
Slate #1
President:
Lou Dechert, Lousiana, Pres/Cmdr, Chptr 180 - 4 yrs, MOPH
Cmdr. Email:DechertUSA@earthlink.com
1VP:
Dick Adams, California, Past President and Past Director of
the KWVA Email: damadams@juno.com
2VP:
Byron Dickerson, Texas, Judged Advocate, Dpt of Texas, KWVA
Email:
JDi435@sbcglobal.net
Director:
Edward Cutler, Florida, Pres. of Richard Cronan Chptr 7,
KWVA Email:MadeItFinally@aol.com
Director:
Lee Dauster, California, Pres. of Tuolumne County Chptr 137,
KWVA Email: LeeDauster@aol.com
Director:
Dean McClain, Ohio, Past Pres. of Mahoning Chptr 137, KWVA
Email
DBM521@aol.com
Director:
Bob Morga, New York, Past Dir, KWVA, and Pres, Central Long
Island Chptr 64, KWVA Email SalBalboa@2ol.com
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Information for Slate #1, surface mail to KWP
----------------------------------------------
Slate #2
President:
Jack Edwards, Current 1st VP, KWVA
1VP:
Don Byers, Current Director, Resolution Chair, KWVA
2VP:
Michael Mahoney, VA/Vs Ntl Chair, KWVA
Director:
Kenneth B. Cook, Past 2VP KWVA
Director:
Harley J. Coon, Ohio, Current Pres KWVA
Director:
John (Jack) Delap
Director:
Paul Sutphin
Director:
James K. Hall
Director:
Harry Rawley
----------------------------------------------
Information on Slate #2, from indirect email
----------------------------------------------
Independant:
President:
J. D. Randolph, Allen, TX, Pres. Sam Johnson Chptr 270
---------------------------------------------
Editorial Disclaimer: Dechert and Dickerson are also
members of the Korean War Project.
Information resources:
1) KWVA National website: https://www.kwva.org
2) "The Ferret" newsletter, USPS only
Ken Buckley
207 Forest Avenue
Bangor Maine 04401
Email: KBuc263924@aol.com
(Send self-addresses w/postage,please)
3) Korean War Educator: https://www.koreanwar-educator.org
KWVA Info: https://www.koreanwar-educator.org/kwva_index.htm
Email: Lynnita Brown lynnita@tuscola-il.com
4) KWVA Ad-Hoc message list server:
Don Finch, Owner KWVA-AD-HOC
Editor Western NY KWVA Newsletter
Kenmore, NY
List owner: KWVA-AD-HOC-owner@yahoogroups.com
==========================================================
14. SAC 509th Air Refueling Squadron
==========================================================
From Frank Sheldon:
Appreciation abounds for the news items that come from this
web site and my mailings from the Korean War Vet Assoc.
My work was that of Aircraft Commander with the 509th Air
Refueling Squadron of the Strategic Air Command.
As former flight instructor for fighter pilots (WWII) was
recalled during the Korean Conflict and assigned to the SAC
Bomb wing which refueled the F84Gs across the Pacific to
Japan.
(They wouldn't let our Tanker close to the Korean Border).
I'm writing to learn if there are others from either the
Bomb Wing out of El Paso TX or Roswell NM who may have
shared with me the experiences in the developing of
In-Flight Refueling techniques which took place
during 1951-53.
Frank Sheldon fsheldon_7720@yahoo.com
Also see, Looking For Air Force (KWP) at:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/lookusaf.htm
==========================================================
15. Operation Moonbeam
==========================================================
Questions posed on the newsletter often yield a great new
topic area, so hear goes:
From: Edwin Hebbjr canon28@earthlink.net
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004
Does anyone remember " Operation Moon Beam " ; the huge spot
lights set up behind the MLR with the result the light would
bounce off the clouds and light up the area in front of the
MLR..The snow ground cover accelerated the impact. The
problem was when the lights were either shut off or shot
out, we would be blinded for a bout 15 minutes until our
eyes became accustomed to the darkness.
SFC Ed Hebb Oct 1950 -1952
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16. USMC Marine Corps Depot, Parris Island, SC
==========================================================
From: Gerald F. Merna gmerna@adelphia.net
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004
Subject: Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Eastern Recruiting
Region Parris Island, S.C.
In case you are all still looking for that old boot camp
picture. And for E-2-5, remember, we'll be there in
September.
Jerry
https://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/
Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Eastern Recruiting Region Parris
Island, S.C.
Welcome to the official website of the Marine Corps Recruit
Depot/Eastern Recruiting
Region Parris Island, S.C.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is one of the
birthplaces of basically trained Marines.
It is here where America's young men and women are
transformed into Marines. We believe that Marines are forged
in a furnace of shared hardship and tough training. This
shared, intense experience creates bonds of comradeship and
standards of conduct so strong that Marines will let nothing
stand in their way. This belief will continue to be the
basis upon which we make Marines.
=========================================================
17. 8225th MASH and 47th Surgical Hospital (Mobile Army)
==========================================================
From: Hockings, Phillip L LTC
phillip.hockings@lewis.army.mil
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Subject: 8225th MASH and 47th Surgical Hospital (Mobile
Army)
Hello,
I am currently the Executive Officer of the 47th Combat
Support Hospital. The hospital is currently on active rolls
at FT Lewis, Washington. The unit recently redeployed from
Kuwait after 10 months overseas service where it supported
Operation Iraqi Freedom serving as the Hub for all patients
moving out of theater.
We are doing some research on the history of our hospital
during the Korean War. The unit was created from the
personnel and equipment of the 8225th MASH which deactivated
in Korea and was reincarnated as the 47th Surgical Hospital
(Mobile Army) in 1953 in Korea.
We are seeking veterans of either unit who may be willing to
share anecdotes and unit history and photographs. We would
like to make copies of relevant photo's for our Battalion
Headquarters in an attempt to to preserve and share our unit
history with members of the unit.
I was wondering if you could place this in your next
newsletter. My contact information is listed below
LTC Phil Hockings
XO, 47th Combat Support Hospital
COM 253-966-5320
DSN 347-5320
Cell 253-255-3827
--------end----------------------------
Thanks to all who have made this possible.
Hal and Ted Barker
hbarker@kwp.org tbarker@kwp.org
Korean War Project
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