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Newsletter - April 3 2006 Table of Contents 1. Editorial =============================================== Here we go, back in the saddle again. Since the
December issue both Hal and I have been wrestling alligators. We have been fixing all the 'stuff' we use to make the site work properly. Those chores have really taken a huge chunk of time. We are not done yet. If you
have not visited the site in some time please visit to see the ongoing upgrades. Often dial-up connections were not getting through or not retrieving a full page, creating confusion or frustration for our users. This has been
a real issue for us over the years while transitioning from a slow 128k ISDN to our DSL broadband location. All those issues have changed for the better. Software and hardware upgrades now help to create a more pleasant visit to
the Korean War Project. Changes to allow redirect linkage to related pages or to return a user to the previous page are two of the much needed improvements we have completed. Two of the December 2005 newsletter
topics resulted in hundreds of email inbound to the KWP. The first topic concerned the section on Many other messages related to the announcement that remains of a =============================================== We began this newsletter mailing in December of 1998. The first issue went to just over 2000 persons. This list is a private
list for our visitors and members. A person may join or leave the list at will. It is compiled from our Guest Book and comprises public service messages of general interest to veterans and families.
To join or leave the list: email to: Ted Barker Place: Subscribe or Unsubscribe in the subject line. Consider forwarding the Newsletter to your friends by email or print. Word of mouth is how we grow.
Thanks for being part of the Korean War Project family! =============================================== I have a
page (see below) that includes a history of PsyWar/VUNC in Korea during late 50's and into the 60's. I am trying to put some of the missing pieces of history together and left a message on your site. The 14th PsyWar Bn
known as Broadcasting and Visual Activity Pacific came into existence in 1958 and moved to Okinawa in 59. VUNC or Voice of United Nations Command was already in existence in Korea but became incorporated into the 14th
from what I can determine I am trying to find out the origin of VUNC and the units incorporated into the 14th. I was told that the unit was formally known as the 107th Radio Broadcasting and Leaflet Bn but can find no record of
their existence. The 14th PsyWar was reorganized from the 14th RB&L in 58. They were located at Ft Shafter Hawaii. Tim Yoho
Website: =============================================== Most long term visitors to the site and/or newsletter subscribers know most of the answers to the questions
included below. For this first issue for 2006, some repetition is worthwhile. We just never know who gets the newsletter due to full mailboxes or bad email addresses. A.) How do you finance the website? The KWP is financed
by voluntary contributions from the general public. Individuals who are interested in what the site provides comprise the majority of our donor-sponsor-member base. The rest of our donors are from matching funds from employers or
from veteran based organizations. All of our donors are listed online. We do not list amounts for privacy issues. See: Link:
Our nonprofit financial information filed with the IRS is listed on the Guidestar.org B.) How may I help? Content: Anyone may help the site by contributing articles for the site or the newsletter Spread the word! Another way to help is to alert your veteran
organizations and your newspapers about the Korean War Project. TV, radio, and print news media have featured the KWP over the past decade. Media exposure works double-duty by directing people to the site as well as increasing
the person to person networking via the site. Financial: The KWP exists on a month to month basis. (See Topic 7, this newsletter.) Not having a budget creates havoc with our goal to keep the website online.
C.) How many people visit the website? More people have been able to access the site in the last two months than in any previous period of time. Programming work we have undertaken is responsible for increased access. Last
month, March 2006, a total of 3,012,799 (3 million) hits were recorded. Those hits translated into 1,629,765 page views. On average, 8,265 unique visitors per day came to the site with 106,648 total visitors for the month
of March 2006. Many of the visits were due to Internet Search inquiries via Google, Yahoo and MSN. Of these 8,265 unique visitors per day, on average, 3 (three) donate to the Korean War Project. This translates to one donation
or membership per 2700 visitors. The figures show a clear increase for each month since November of 2005 when we installed new software. November saw 1,788,192 (1.7 million) hits with 92,034 visitors.
D.) Why don't I get the newsletter? We have not published a newsletter since December 2005. A choice had to be made on priorities. Getting the mechanics of the website in order took precedence.
Not getting email from us is a somewhat complicated issue. Users often do not type in a complete address. Many others do not type the address correctly or fail to update us with new addresses. Spam filters on email
clients and/or not adding us to your 'Buddy' or 'Approved' list round out the list of reasons. Visit our Link: E.) How do I get help to find friends, records, units, KIA/MIA information, etc?
These questions comprise the bulk of daily inquiries to the Korean War Project. We created the interactive areas such as the BBS, Guestbook and Casualty Lists to facilitate communications. For each entry, Hal and I send out an
automated email to let you know that a posting has been made. If one of those messages doesn't reach you, then see Item D.). Each section of the site has columns with blue or magenta text. Click that text for links to
other sections. Columns run vertically in the middle of the " You may also receive basic information about the KWP by sending email to the following email addresses. Tip: if you see these email addresses in
blue, just click them. No subject or other information is needed. F.) How do I get information on Cold Weather Injury, PTSD, and Agent Orange? The KWP has tried to deal with this on a person to person basis or by directing
inquiries to the message groups on the site. We have hundreds if not thousands of persons who use the site interactive message capability to assist others. These volunteers make a huge impact by sharing information they have
personally acquired. As time permits both the Barker Boys try to get involved with assisting those in need. Note: for those veterans who served in Korea in the late sixties there is a growing crisis. Agent Orange illnesses are
cropping up more often. The VA has recognized this problem as has Congress. We continue to be dismayed by the number of veterans who served from 1950 - 1953 who continue to have problems obtaining benefits for Cold Weather and
PTSD. Symptoms often take decades to become evident. The VA system does have computer based and print information for all these issues available on the Internet. I know as I was just given some pertinent documents by
my VA doctor last month! See our Our BBS area has much discussion about health issues from veteran to veteran interaction. Post any question on that forum. G.) Why do you keep repeating topics on the newsletter? New
subscribers and continuing problems with non-deliverable email newsletters are the core reasons for repetition. We are also required to repeat how to 'Subscribe and Unsubscribe' as seen in Topic 2.). AOL among other Internet
Service Providers requires such notice so that the KWP can continue delivering email to their subscribers. H.) Who are you guys? This question gets asked by new visitors who get email from us. Most often the question is posed
by TV and newspaper reporters by telephone calls to research possible stories. Start with our ' Hal got this concept started in 1979. I joined late, in 1994, after seeing the good work younger brother was undertaking.
H.) Why is the website down? The web server is located at our apartment. Severe weather in North Texas is often the reason for downtime. Other reasons include temporary loss of Internet connectivity or updates which require the
system to be taken offline. I.) Why is the newsletter delivered in plain text? Many of our readers do not have web browsers only email readers. Many others use the default of plain text as precaution against hacking
exploits Tip: to review in .html or 'web format' do the following; If a person uses Microsoft products and most do, go to the Tool Bar on your Outlook or Outlook Express, click 'Tools'. Next, click 'Options' and then the 'Read'
menu. Uncheck the 'Read all messages in plain text'. The result will be a web formatted view. Or, at the top of each newsletter is the website based version and the archive. Archive: Link: From Robert King What a great project, looking for a place to "plug-in". Anybody remember American Forces Korea Network?
All those guys Like Gypsy, Vagabond and us in Pusan at Homesteader. I managed to get off the line back to Pusan and was the Musical Mail Man for a lot of guys at 8:00pm every night. The big names were "The Rice
Paddy Ranger", "The Jolly Green Giant". I've lost touch with everybody. I'm the oldest living MC for the Army Field Band (The Army's traveling Band). They are celebrating their 60th this year
=============================================== Always check our Reference section for new entries.
Here is one by Ned Scholz, titled "My time in the Forgotten War" Link: 1st Shoran Beacon Unit Here is Carroll Everist's 5th Cavalry Regiment website. Link: Send us links directly by posting our 'Add URL' link which can be found on the vertical navigation
bar on the left side of almost every page on the site. =============================================== The site is free for all to use and those who participate help to ensure that we remain online whether
the donation is $1.00 or more! Some of our site visitors cannot participate due to health or income restrictions. Sadly, many of our long-term contributors have passed away.
For those persons or groups who cannot participate, we certainly understand. Donations/Memberships are tax deductible, if you use long form IRS reports. Our EIN: 75-2695041 501(c)(3)
=============================================== A recent email forwarded by Dave Hillier featured a fantastic program currently being
developed by the US Air Force. This is a must see project! From Dave: Ted, would you include this information in the next newsletter for all the enlisted Air Force readers. The Air Force is looking for help from all
its past & present enlisted personnel with this Flight Photo Project. Check this web site to send in photos or see if you can find yourself in one already submitted. Excerpt from email: ….'this is an official
project being conducted by the 37th Training Wing Historian and approved by their Public Affairs Office. I thought this would be a worthy effort for you to send out to Chiefs, First Sergeants and Top Three mailing lists. This is a
great opportunity to capture an important piece of our Enlisted Heritage.' Sirs: Maine Maritime Museum is looking for photographs or other information on the tugs used in your outfit, as we are developing a replica pilot house of a
diesel tug of this era. Thanks for any help you may be able to extend. Christopher G. Hall We note the passing of General Farrar-Hockley with this excerpt and the link to the Telegraph Limited Group website.
Farrar-Hockley went to Korea in 1950 as adjutant of the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. In April the following year 29 Brigade was holding the line along the Imjin with the Gloucesters defending the main river crossing, an
ancient invasion route to Seoul. Full story at: From: John Gilmore Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 7:14 PM Subject: Father Emil Kapaun I would appreciate hearing from any members of the 8th Cavalry with personal
knowledge of Father Emil Kapaun a Catholic Chaplin who served with the regiment from Feb 1950 until his capture by Chinese forces at Unsan, Korea November 1st 1950. The insights will be useful in the preparation of a
screen play on the life of the dedicate priest/soldier, his heroic actions in the field and as a POW, and the moral values he instilled in those around him. Robert C. Gilmore =============================================== (Editor Note: Mr. Thompson is a prolific military
writer. See our Bookstore for some of his offerings. The photos are always marvelous.) I appreciate anything you can do to help me get the material I need to get this book published. If I can do it, the next one will
be Navy F9F Panther Ops in Korea followed by the AD Skyraider. If you can get the following blurb out to the guys, I think it'll get me some response: I would like to hear from any ex-Navy types that
were involved with the F4U Corsairs during the Korean War. I have been a military aviation historian / contributing editor and writer for over 40 years. I am hoping to write a book on this subject and it is crucial that I include
all thirty of the squadrons that served. Please let me know if you have any personal stories or mission accounts that you would like to be included in the book. I am also in need of any photographs and /
or color slides that show the aircraft and / or personnel. I will promptly return anything loaned to me. Thank you very much, Warren Thompson (901) 754-1852
Email: ===============================================
From email and telephone inquiry to Hal Barker via US Senate staff:
Company E, 23rd Infantry Regiment - Chipyongni - February 13-14 1951 We are seeking contact with any veterans of Company E, 1st Platoon, 23rd Infantry at Chipyongni on the night of February 13-14, 1951. Senator Norm
Coleman of Minnesota is looking into a possible award for Eugene Becker for action during the opening night of the battle of Chipyongni. If you remember the attack that began with the Chinese marching out of the tunnel on the
southeast perimeter, please send an email to BA History - Dallas, Texas Korean War Project Email:
=============================================== Ted, So far I have had no response from anyone that served in the 501st ASA Bn. I'll keep trying. My unit, the 568th
Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Company was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation twice for activities in 1951 and 1952. I saw the SR's in 1954. They were dated 1953. How can I find a copy of the description of the awards and why
they were presented? Is it possible? I also remember that in early 1952 all enlisted promotions were frozen until late in the year. Is there any record of the dates that this happened? Grant Cole =============================================== From email: Date: 3/31/2006 Inchon Landing and 2/5/1MARDIV I am contacting you on behalf of Vantage
Point Productions. We are currently producing a thirteen-part documentary series on military battles and law enforcement confrontations for the Discovery Channel. One of our stories will evolve around the Battle of
Inchon / Red Beach. Our interest is the moment in which Marine 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez leads his men over the Inchon seawall, September 15, 1950. We are looking to interview some of the men that were there with him on the ground,
in the battle. Need: 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Division Marines, recalling how they scaled the wall and the excursion to Cemetery Hill afterwards. At this point we're targeting the 2nd - 3rd week of
May for interviews. I would like to have interviews confirmed within the next 3 - 3 ½ weeks. Best regards, =============================================== While discussing the beating the First Cav. took early in the war and continued on into North
Korea...no one knew what to expect next….end excerpt. =============================================== November 2nd, 2005 Korean War Veterans everywhere will note the passing of a hero who was a truly great guy
on top of his distinguished military record. I met Joe at the dedication of the Texas Korean War Veterans Memorial in Austin. Col. Rodriguez wore his Medal of Honor as a tribute to all those with whom he served. He was
very active in the San Antonio community. Notification came from Roy Aldridge who is the President of his local KVET organization, Chapter 249 Joseph C. Rodriguez MoH, KWVA.
=============================================== Several years ago an entry was made on the KWP about John not
appearing on the casualty list. Spelling was the issue. Read on: Excerpt: Comments: After several years of frustrating processes, my Uncle John E. Kutschbach, who died July 15, 1953, is now officially recognized as
a Korean War Casualty. His name is in the Korean War Honor Roll at I would like to thank everyone at the Korean War Project for their support and advice over the years so that I could do this one last thing to honor my Uncle John, who died too young. Thanks Again!
Tina Kutschbach ===============================================
We shall leave all of you with this great newspaper story sent to us by Bob Selzer. More than 50 years after Paul Johnston left Korea, a chance encounter in a Lincoln restaurant led him to a piece of his past he
thought had disappeared. Twelve three-ring binders filled with memories line a cabinet in this southwest Lincoln home. For more of this story, click on or type the URL below. Tip, click on blue text.
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