|
===========================================================
Newsletter for February 17th, 2004
===========================================================
Table of Contents
1. Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) Approved
2. 8228 MASH - Looking For
3. VA Drug Costs, TRICARE, Revisited
4. West Perry High School Korean War Memorial
5. Poem: Just A Common Mud Marine
6. Pictures of VS-23 aboard CVE115 Bairoko 1951
7. The Fifty Year History of the Korean DMZ
8. British National Ex-Prisoners of War Association
9. American Armed Forces Radio 'Kyushu Cowboy'
10. Bookstore
11. The Shot Heard 'Round the World Oct 3, 1951
12. Columbia's Role in the war - film
12.This Mailing List Subscribe | Unsubscribe
13. Thanks to all who have made this possible.
==========================================================
1. Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) Approved
==========================================================
Mike Davino sent us the first alert on the new approved KDSM. The Secretary of Defense gave final approval on February 3rd, 2004.
This document details the time period, who qualifies and how to do so.
Excerpt from DOD Press Release:
"Public Law 107-314 legislated the creation of a new medal to
recognize military service in the Republic of Korea and the surrounding waters.
Members of the armed forces authorized the KDSM must have served in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea. The area of eligibility
encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas."
DD 214 information and supporting documents will need to be
forwarded to NPRC, St. Louis. per the document instructions. Veterans, active duty, retiree's all need to read the DOD release.
Note: The application process is not fully detailed as of yet.
Time period: Service in Korea from July 28, 1954 to DTD (date to be determined).
The Korean War Project would like to give a tip of the hat to Norm Tredway andthe yeoman work of the KDVA- Korea Defense Veterans Alliance
(formerly Korea Deployment Respect and Recognition Committee) to getting legislation introduced and passed!
Hal and I are proud to have assisted in fostering networking among veterans who served and continue to serve in
Korea via our website to make the award possible.
See: https://www.koreanwar.org/html/dmzvets.htm (KWP Looking For)
See: https://kdvamerica.org/ (Official Website)
See: DMZ Vets BBS
https://www.koreanwar.org
==========================================================
2. 8228 MASH - Looking For
==========================================================
Most of our readers will be familiar with our Looking For and BBS forums.
That is where the networking takes place on our site. We feature messages from time to
time on this newsletter as a "how to" for our users.
Lee Bazzo, a former member of the 8228th want to make connections with those who served in this unit. Lee (Leland) nicknamed " Bazz" was with the unit
Dec 5th, 1951.
He has pictures and memories to share of all who were with the unit. He was the night ramp NCO overseeing all nighttime personnel. " You could not eat midnight chow if I did not have you on my list".
The unit was in Chungju in an old abandoned school until April of 1952 when it moved to just south of the DMZ and later to permanent facilities at Yongdo.
Lee invites all MASH members to email to him: LandL54@CCINET.COM
Editor note: Visit our Looking For area, contact anyone listed and
do leave a message of your own. Keep the Korean War Project advised of any changes in contact information.
Looking For: https://www.koreanwar.org/html/looking_for.html
==========================================================
3. VA Drug Costs, TRICARE, Revisited
==========================================================
The KWP continues to receive input from veterans, spouses of veterans, etc. about the continued legislative mis-steps or
inaction regarding the wide range of VA related programs, costs or inadequate measures taken or planned.
For example: over $10,000,000.00 was put into the VA hospital in Waco, Tx for upgrades to that facility. It is on the
list to close. Over 17,500 persons were served in this unit in 2003, per the Dallas Morning News.
In January of 2003, Ken Kohler, a KVET and pen pal of the Korean War
Project wrote:
" Hal and Ted ; As I know you are aware of the huge jump in the cost of
prescription drugs from the VA, copay jumped from $2.00 to $7.00 , creating a real hardship on veterans on a fixed income , also the VA has chosen to
stop medical care to retired veterans , I was wondering if you couldn`t put out a message to all veterans to email , or write their elected officials, that we are not going to stand for this kind of treatment, if they want to be
elected for another term, they had better get this problem fixed, NOW!!!, not next year but NOW, thanking you for any help you can give.
Ken Kohler "
Feedback from widows, former POW's and
retiree's, current service men and women all echo Ken's plea.
This is an election year and we urge you to find out where your elected officials stand on the new legislation and changes/amendments pending for VA and TRICARE.
Do not email to Congress, the Senate or the White House, most messages never get read. Do consider sending fax letters to the local offices and DC offices. Surface mail is delayed by anthrax scanning.
==========================================================
4. West Perry High School Korean War Memorial
==========================================================
From a High School in PA:
I am writing because
I thought you would like to learn about another Korean War Monument that is not on you're site. I have just recently graduated from West Perry High School in Perry County Pennsylvania. Here I belonged to the history club and last
year on May 24,2002 the history club unveiled a Korean War Memorial, which all the members worked on very hard.
The memorial was student designed and student produced. It is wonderful and if you ever have a chance to see it
I would highly recommend it.
Sincerely,
Danielle Mellinger
Former club Secretary
==========================================================
5. Poem: Just A Common Mud Marine
=========================================================
Poem, unknown origin submitted by Norm Callahan, C/1/1 Horseshoe Ridge
Just A Common Mud Marine
He was getting old and paunchy, and his
hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Reunion telling
stories of his past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the
deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies - they
were heroes, every one.
And thought sometimes to his family,
his tales became a joke,
All his Marine buddies listened, for they
knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for he
has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for he
has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a
Marine died today.
He was just a common mud Marine, and
his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may
need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we
find the Marine's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that others
often start.
If we cannot give him honor, while he's
here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage, at the
ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that
would say,
"Our Country is in mourning, 'cause a
mud Marine Passed away."
==========================================================
6. Pictures of VS-23 aboard CVE115 Bairoko 1951
==========================================================
Dan Meinhard sent a few color photos shot by his father while with the Pacific Cruise of 1951.
==========================================================
7. The Fifty Year History of the Korean DMZ
==========================================================
Filmed by Michael Slee of Zaragoza Productions, Burbank CA. this history was recently presented on the History Channel. The KWP missed the airing and was delayed in presenting David Benbow's notice.
David wrote:
The History Channel will be showing a documentary in January, 2004 entitled "The Fifty Year History of the Korean DMZ". Mike Slee of Zaragoza Productions in Burbank is heading the project.
He has already interviewed Sen. John McCain, Dr. Henry Kissinger, the current 2nd Infantry Division Commander (Gen Wood) and Chief of Staff (Col. Dan Bolger, author
of "Low Intensity Conflict in Korea - 1966-1969", the best publication about that time and place), a dozen vets in Virginia, LA, Washington state, Ohio, and Miami and he
provided an all expense paid trip to Korea for 5 of us to be interviewed in the DMZ.
Bob Bailey told of being a private in 1953 and actually drawing the line for the MDL
when the war ended. Gene Bickley, Steve Ankley and Mark Lutrell told of their friendships with Capt. Bonifas and Lt. Barrett, who were axed to death at the Bridge of No Return in 1976 as they led a tree trimming work force.
I was the 5th vet to be interviewed in Korea. I told of some experiences during several nights in 1968 and of hearing the Pueblo crewmembers on the North Korean loudspeakers while they were prisoners in 1968.
We went out to training with the 2nd Infantry Division (the Bradleys'live firing at night at Rodriguez Range was awesome), went to the Bridge of No Return for filming, filmed at
Freedom Village and OP Ouellette in the DMZ and interviewed US and ROK soldiers who are currently serving in the DMZ.
It was a trip of a lifetime for the 5 of us. We are grateful we had the opportunity to tell
our stories and in so doing, we told the stories of thousands of other vets who have served in the Korean DMZ after the war "ended".
David Benbow, Co C, 3/23rd Infantry,
2nd Infantry Division 1968 and 1969
david@statesvillelaw.com
==========================================================
8. British National Ex-Prisoners of War Association
==========================================================
Philip Chinnery, author of books on treatment of UN POW's during the Korean War notified the KWP of a new website and book on Korea.
The site: https://prisonerofwar.freeservers.com
New book: Korean Atrocity published by the Naval Institute Press
See Phil's current book on our Bookstore on the KWP:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/bookstore.html
Contact: PHIL@chinnery49.fsnet.co.uk
==========================================================
9. American Armed Forces Radio 'Kyushu Cowboy'
==========================================================
Hi,
My mates and I served in the Korean War with the Royal Navy on HMS Charity.
I receive a regular newsletter from you, for which I am most grateful - Thank's a lot.
We meet up now and again - on our last get-together we was reminiscing and remembered how we used to listen to the American Armed Forces Radio to the 'Kyushu Cowboy'.
He kept us entertained with his chat and selection of music that he presented so well. We wondered if he was still around -who he was -what did he do after the Korean War etc.
I don't know if it is possible to throw any light on the situation. It would be most appreciated if you could.
Miracles do happen,
Best Wishes to you and your Organisation,
Sayonara,
Joe Spencer jospen@supanet.com
=========================================================
10. Bookstore
==========================================================
Notices:
a) Tomahawk and Peace Pipe, The 179th Infantry Regiment - update
Penn Rabb writes that his fine book Tomahawk and Peace Pipe, The 179th Infantry Regiment, has sold out. The book is featured on our Bookstore, start looking for it in used book stores.
Congratulations to Penn!
b) Fightin' George Light Infantry, 31st Infantry Rgt
Glenn Justice (Justpub) writes that the book has a new price of $21.00 and there is no
shipping charge added. If the person orders from your listing KWP will get $10.00 per book.
Many thanks,
Glenn M. Justice (Justpub)" justpub@surfsouth.com
c) Out of Savannah: Dog Company, USMCR
James McAleer writes that his fine book has just been reviewed by Leatherneck Magazine. The write up is excellent!
============== New Books==========
===a.===
"The Price We Pay"
by Ralph Adams
125 photos, 300 pages, depicting dozens of units in the war. Ralph was a
squad leader with
the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea.
Price: $20.00 US, prefers money orders
shipping included
Veteran discount for $14.00
shipping included
Ralph Adams adamsrent@hotmail.com
1920 Atwood Dr
Pensacola, FL 32514
===b.===
"Flame Dragons of the Korean War 1950 to 1953"
by Jerry Ravino 1st Tank Bn 1st Marine Division
Jerry is a former Marine tanker and has been working on his book(s) for
quite a while now, noticed
in previous newsletters. He writes:
"The book as you know is about the 9 USMC unique flame-thrower tanks that we
served in plus we have included supporting arms and other individual stories such as Recon Company. "
Cost: $27.95 plus shipping
Review and Order at: https:www.flamedragons.com
Turner Publishing
Flame Dragons
P.O. Box 5145
Hudson Branch Post Office
Hudson, FL 34674-5145
===c.===
"B29 Navigator; Korean War 1951"
by Ralph Livengood rlivengood3@carolina.rr.com
Previously mentioned as pre-release, the book is now online and in the stores.
Okinawa based b-29 aircrew. The author revisits the turmoil of entering, leaving and re-entering military service. Recalled to active duty for Korea, the story commences.
19th Bomb Group.
1st Books Library, ebook, hardback,paperback
https://www.1stbooks.com/bookview/19552
===d.===
"I Remember Korea"
Veterans tell their stories of the Korean War, 1950-53
by Linda Granfield w/forward by Russell Freedman
Long time coming, this book, as a work in progress the KWP helped put Linda in touch with many veterans. Linda is a known writer of books for young persons.
"What is it like to go to war? How does a war affect the men and women who are
fighting in it?
32 stories of men and women who were part of the war hailing from the US and Canada.
Published by Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin
https://www.houghtonmifflingbooks.com
In bookstores $16.00 US
===e.===
"The 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion"
Cowboy Cannoneers in the Korean War
by Wyoming National Guard 300th Armored Field Artillery Bn Association
William W. Day, author of The Running Wounded forwarded this new fact filled book
on the 300th. Running Wounded also chronicled the 300th. This new book rounds out the information on his unit.
514,036 rounds fired in 805 days of combat.
Contact: William W. Day, Historian
4019 Prestwick Place
Riverton, WY 82501
===f.===
"Enduring Devotion"
A glimpse into the life of DuWayne Donithorne, An American Hero by Roan Adams McClure
To ensure that his children never learn of the horror of what he had gone through, he shared his POW experience only later in life during the year before he died.....
21st AAA AW SP Bn
Omega Foundation
424 Logan Cut Dr
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Email: PMR@CAVENET.COM
===g.===
"In The Hills of Korea"
with the 61st Field Artillery Headquarters Battery 1950-1951
by Master Sergeant Howard Kenneth Inderdahl
1st Cavalry Division in Korea per Howard contains 100 short stories and parts of
letters home from the front. There is also a list of trooper names from Howard's
brown pocket notebook, carried all over Korea.
The Battalion was cited for bravery during fighting in Jong'ni Aug 4-6, 1951.
Order:
Howard K. Inderdahl
PO Box 156
Scandinavia, WI 54977-0156
Email: hkisr@yahoo.com
Cost: $10.00 includes shipping
===h.===
"SOS Korea 1950"
by Raymond B. Maurstad
They were there then.. & write about it now. Eyewitness Accounts of Americans in South Korea when the North Attacked
Hal is a Ham Radio operator and could not put this book down. This is must reading.
Ray dedicates this book to the thousands who perished in the war so that others may live in freedom.
Larry Zellars, former civilian POW - Tiger Survivor and author of "In Enemy Hands" writes the stellar review.
Beavers Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Ste 216
Edina, MN 55439-1465
1-888-430-0044
https://www.beaverspondpress.com
Cost: 16.95 US 26.95 Canadian
===i.===
"From the Hudson to the Yalu"
West Point '49 in the Korean War
by Harry J. Maihafer
Gripping firsthand accounts of the men who graduated in peace but enrolled at the end of WWII. The author served as an armored officer winding up leading an infantry platoon.
School is out: June-July 1950 starts the book off.
Texas A&M University Press
College Station, TX 77843-4354
===j.===
"Sacrificial Lambs"
24th Division Korea July 1950
by Raymond C. Colton, Sr.
Ray came home WIA- Wounded in Action, treated differently than when he went off to war, zealous, earnest, eager. His book bares the ordeals of a Korean War soldier and the difficulties of a disabled vet.
Member of the DAV, VFW, Ray lives in Connecticut.
Ivy House Publishing Group
5122 Bur Oak Circle
Raleigh, NC 27612
1-800-948-2786
Cost: $15.95 plus shipping
==========================================================
11. The Shot Heard 'Round the World Oct 3, 1951
==========================================================
Josh Prager has been researching for a book on Bobby Thomson of the NY Giants. The KWP had previously announced Josh's desire to hear from vets. Well, he did, many of you.
He has a follow-up question, probably for Marines who were in the Punchbowl area.
Ted,here's the info. on 4/8/98, ira berkow wrote an article in the ny times about a man who
had been in a bunker in korea on october 3, 1951, listening to the game when bobby thomson hit his home run to give the ny giants the pennant. the man was a marine and was next to a friend who was a giants fan.
when the home run--the 'shot heard round the world'--was hit, the friend fired his gun, triggering gunfire in return. the man who told his story to the ny times was from boston
and told bobby thomson that his friend the giant fan was killed in action about a year later. i'm trying to figure out who these two men are as always, THANK YOU!
josh jhp@nyc.rr.com
212-787-1804
==========================================================
12. Columbia's Role in the war - film
==========================================================
AJ has been working on this project for a long time, he writes:
Hello,
I wish to keep you informed of the status of my documentary about the Colombian battalion that went to Korea in 1951.
We are working at this time with the national network in Colombia RCN to air the
program sometime next month as well as an exclusive presentation in Bogota for all the veterans with the help of the Ministry of Culture. For those that are interested and
wish to know more about Colombia's role in the war, please visit us at
https://www.colombiaencorea.com.
Thanks,
A.J. Garces ajgarces@earthlink.net
==========================================================
13. 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 leave the
list at will. It is compiled from our Guest book 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.
==========================================================
14. Thanks to all who have made this possible.
==========================================================
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
Hal and Ted Barker
Korean War Project
|
