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Korean War Project Newsletter - May 25, 2009 Volume 12 - 3
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Table of Contents:
1. Editorial
2. Our Newsletter, Help and Info tools
3. US Navy Resource
4. False Medal Claims - Stolen Valor
5. Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Kings Regiment
6. Bookstore | Films
7. Membership
8. This Mailing List
9. Paralyzed Veterans of America
10. OP Harry Movie
11. Photographs near Camp St. Barbara
12. Aussie looking for 24th Recon friends
13. Reunions and Associations
14. Organizing trips to DC for Tennessee KVETS
15. Veterans Affairs
16. Arizona Korean War Memorial
17. Cold War Times - Cold War Museum - Gary Powers, Jr..
18. Poem
19. New Jersey Korean War Veterans Memorial
20. Early months of the war, 35th Fighter Group
21. Purple Heart Stamp Drive
22. 91st Strategic Recon Squad - Sunbonnet King
23. U.S. Army Releases Official Korean War Photo and Video Archive
Photograph:
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USS Consolation at Hungnam, John Darby
HMS Jutlandia at Hungnam, John Darby
From John Darby:
On 27 November, near eastern North Korea's Chosin Reservoir, the Chinese fell on the First Marine Division and a nearby U.S. Army task force, almost wiping out the latter and provoking a Marine response that ranks as one of history's greatest feats of arms. Over the following two weeks, the Marines battled their way to the port of Hungnam, from which they would be evacuated by sea. In their wake were the ruins of the opposing Chinese divisions, which suffered so many casualties from combat and the bitterly cold weather that they were out of action for months.
You may recall seeing these ships in Pusan harbor. I was on the Consolation and heard many war stories..
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1. Editorial
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Today we all pause to Remember the sacrifices made by men and women of the Armed Forces who have served, bled and died while performing duties to keep safe the countries they represent.
I would like to recommend an HBO Movie for those of you who have access. The movie is called Taking Chance. The core of the movie chronicles the treatment of remains of US fallen in action.
A good friend and colleague from Army Mortuary Affairs, Korea Desk, made the initial recommendation to us.
The movie steps through the process of repatriation, mortuary and funeral preparation. The final leg of the journey is quite moving and reminds one of the many photo stories seen via email in the past 7 years.
The entire film bears witness and honors those young men and women who have fallen during the War in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We Remember
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2. Our Newsletter, Help and Info tools
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You may send email to news@koreanwar.org to obtain latest editions. The news is also found on the main KWP website.
Link: www.koreanwar.org/html/newsletter_archive.html
We created our first email newsletter on Thanksgiving 1998. Ted's son, Bryan, helped to create the concept. Two months later, we lost Bryan. So, we continue to honor his life with our newsletter.
Our other email tools send anyone our Help file and Info file.
help@koreanwar.org
info@koreanwar.org
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3. US Navy Resource
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Stan Ellexson sent the following link that will be valuable to anyone interested in US Navy ships. The site was created by Dave Schultz who served with the USS Newport LST-1179
Link: www.hullnumber.com
Dave provides a great networking resource for all Navy Veterans.
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5. Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Kings Regiment
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Eric Roper informed us that the new website address for the association is located at:
www.liverpoolkingsregimentassociation.org.uk
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6. Bookstore | Films
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========a.==========
Keeping Memories Alive: Our Aging Veterans Tell Their Story
by Arnold Rosen
The book includes 35 profiles of veterans that live in Sun City - Hilton Head, SC that served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The vets range from PFCs to Generals and describe their military memories--before time runs out.
This is the 22nd book that Arnold has written. All but two have been textbooks.
To order send an email to Arnold or write to him at:
email: arosen@hargray.com
Arnold Rosen
(843) 705-7070
15 Nightingale lane
Bluffton, SC 29909
========b.==========
I was in Korea from December 25th 1951 to February 13 1953. I received the Purple Heart and others.
In 2001 I wrote a book about my "Tour of Duty and Beyond." I have had some success in sales of the book. I was wondering if you in the news letter could help me with sales. My book has a price of $18.95. If someone is interested I will pay the postage.
My address is 23 Mill Road, Hyde Park, New York 12538-2065
Respectfully
William Stedman ,Former SFC USA
I enlisted November 27, 1950. trained at Fort Lewis Wash. went to leaders school at Fort Ord CA. Shipped to Korea early December 1951, Assigned field artillery, DS to 1st FA Obs Bn. DS as FO with 3rd Inf Div Arty. Promoted to staff Sgt. Heavy fighting at Kotori, made two strategic withdrawals. Every time we gained, we lost.
I got to Korea and was assigned January 1st 2oo2, wounded by incoming artillery in March , spent 3 days at 8055 MASH, one day at the 121st Evac Hosp and then sent back to duty. Most of our fighting was artillery, occasionally infiltrators had to be dealt with.
Upon returning to states I was assigned to 3rd Infantry Regiment Fort Myer. While there I spent time at Fort Belvoir Army Hospital in Virginia for rehab
========c.==========
"A Cape Cod Kinship; Two Centuries, Two Wars, Two Men"
by Dana Eldridge
Dana takes great pains to write about the comparison of his Korean War experiences with those of his great, great grandfather.
This is a very skillfully crafted book and comes highly recommended.
ISBN: 978-0-9677008-0-9
Price: $14.95 Paperback
Web Review: www.danaeldridgebooks.com/CapeCodKinship.html
Books By The Sea
www.booksbythesea.com
Booksmith/ Musicsmith
email: Booksmith.musicsmith@verizon.net
Brewster Book Store
www.brewsterbookstore.com
1-800-823-6543
Main Street Books
1-508-255-3343
Market Street Books
www.marketstreetbookshop.com
1-508-539-6985
Titcomb’s Bookshop
www.titcombsbookshop.com
Yellow Umbrella Books
1-800-471-0144
========d.==========
My latest book "Destination Evil" is now available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, PublishAmerica.com.
I hitchhiked across America on my way to the Korean War. I was there at Kimpo when Lt. No Kum Sok landed the Russian MIG-15 he had flown from North Korea. I was there when he got out of the MIG, I guarded the plane for about 4 hours, and He and I were re-united at the Southern Museum of Flight here in B'ham Alabama last year and the PBS filmed a documentary of Myself and Lt No and it aired on Public Television several times. Quiet a book and quiet a story. A young man's journey from Short Creek to the Forgotten War.
Just thot I would let our veteran's know about the book.
Cheers
Thomas Feltman,USAF Retired
Alabaster Alabama
email: afret7@charter.net
See: www.amazon.com
========e.==========
Anthony Sobieski is back with another great book.
A Hill Called White Horse, A Korean War Story
Published by Authorhouse
www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=33061
The battle of White Horse lasted ten days, with many lives lost. This story concentrates on the first two days of the battle, as recounted the men from 213th Field Artillery Battalion who were there. These two days coincide with the letters and personal remembrances of these men and this story is based on their real life experiences. The events and people are real, coming from those personal interviews, declassified documents and historical reference. What they went through is real, documented history. This is a ‘story’ in that their actual minute-by-minute interactions and words have been interpreted, all with the spirit and intent of their every word. Not one of them has ever bragged about what they did or thought of themselves as some great warrior soldier.
ISBN:9781438925721-Paperback-$14.95
ISBN:9781438940366-Hardcover - $19.95
========f.==========
Kids of the Korean War
-Father of a Thousand-
by Russell Lloyd Blaisdell with John Patrick Kennedy
This coffee table quality book is 332 pages with 100 plus photos
Published by Chaplain Blaisdell
Order:
Carter Blaisdell
PO Box 1346
Black Mountain, NC 28711
PH: 828-669-7733
Chaplain Blaisdell and Sgt Mike Strang began picking up orphaned children off the streets of Seoul after the Inchon Invasion, as many as 50 a day. They ended up caring for 1059 with the help of city leaders. In early December 1950 the North Korean and Chinese armies were massing on the outskirts of Seoul to re-take the city. Nearly everyone fled. They were promised a boat at Inchon harbor, but after waiting four days and no boat, and with all the US military planning to pull out of Inchon the next day, they returned to Seoul desperate and praying.
Within 24 hours airlift was finally provide on C-54’s dubbed the Kiddy Car Airlift.
Price $40.00 US postage and handling.
========g.==========
The Expanse of War
by Daniel W. Gatlyn, US Navy Retired
-A Simplistic Overview -
Dan gives us a glimpse of WWII, Korea and Vietnam where he served with multiple Fighter Squadrons, retiring in 1967.
He gives concise recollections of his tours in a short and well-written book.
ISBN: 0-910487-65-0
Published by Royalty Publishing Company
Bedford, IN – 2008
Order:
Daniel W. Gatlyn
4343 Chickadee Ln
Macon, GA 31216
PH: 478-784-9875
========h.==========
Korea: I Remember “The Forgotten War�
by James Hollis
This book is not meant as a chronology of battles fought and units who participated in each battle. It is primarily the story of my service and how the Korean War affected my life, and the lives of thousands of young men throughout America in the early 1950’s,
In May of 2008 I returned to Korea, to travel across the peninsula along the Demilitarized Zone. It was well worth the effort, I saw how the citizens of South Korea are moving forward with their lives. My son, Terry, accompanied me………
Published by: Authorhouse
www.authorhouse.com
PH: 1-800-839-8640
ISBN: 978-1-4389-2752-7
========i.==========
Andrew Salmon writes:
To The Last Round: New Book on Korean War
As some of you know, my book To the Last Round: The Epic British Stand on the Imjin River, Korea, 1951 was published on 22nd April, the battle anniversary.
In this savage action, 29th Infantry Brigade (the Belgian Battalion, Glosters, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Ulster Rifles) held China’s 63rd Army at bay for three desperate nights – but when the smoke cleared, an entire battalion, the Glosters, had been wiped out. Although other books have appeared, mostly focusing on the “Glorious Glosters� this is the first comprehensive account of the full brigade action to be published. Today, 60 years later, Imjin River remains the bloodiest battle fought by British troops since World War II.
The book was officially launched with a dinner reception at the British Embassy, Seoul on Thursday, 21st May. My thanks go to Ambassador Martin Uden and Mrs Fiona Uden for their hospitality, to Judge Hwang Ju-myung of law firm Hwang Mok Park PC for sponsoring the event, and to Korean War legend General Paik Sun-yup - and all other guests - for their attendance.
The book should, by now, be available in UK bookshops, and can also be purchased on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. Any Amazon reviews would be appreciated! And of course, if anyone has connections with media who review books, I would love to hear from you.
To The Last Round: Website
To see more about the book, please visit the website here:
tothelastround.wordpress.com/
Watch an eight-minute audio-visual presentation on the battle here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBAvVBVGkSE
Andrew Salmon
c/o Insight
2nd Floor Mokeunkwan
91 Susong Dong
Jongno gu
Seoul 110-140
South Korea
Tel: ++822-739-6633
Mobile: ++ 82-11-792-6315
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7
Thanks for being part of the Korean War Project family!
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9. Paralyzed Veterans of America
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Here is good information for all paralyzed veterans:
www.pva.org/site
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10. OP Harry Movie
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From Mike Slater, author of Hills of Sacrifice, The 5th RCT in Korea (see Bookstore).
The movie's website is as follows: www.holdatallcosts.com/
It will air in June 2010 on the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the KW. It will feature US, Greek, and even Chinese veterans of the fighting for OP Harry
Mike will be one of the narrators for a part of the film.
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11. Photographs near Camp St. Barbara
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Bruce Richards has created a neat photographic website chock full of photos dating from 1953 to present day. The contrasts from the older to more current show the incredible changes.
Visitors to his site will really enjoy browsing. Be sure to follow all the links as it will be well worth the effort.
He features I Corps, 4th Maintenance Bn and photos of what has been called “The Chinese Tunnel� which was actually carved out by Japanese stone cutters.
Also featured, Happy Valley, Dragon Valley, Camp Kaiser, Camp Stanley, Camp Humphreys, Camp Casey and Camp Red Cloud.
Link: www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/stb-now.htm
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12. Aussie looking for 24th Recon friends
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A long term pen pal, Basil Steed, from Australia, has been looking for his buddies from Korea. They served with the 24th Recon. If you know any of these men give Basil an email reply.
From Basil: Can you pass on these 24th Rcn.24thn Inf. Div.names? Don Lennon, Belcher, Hammes, Brag, Halgren, Jefferson de R.Capps, George A.Smith [WIA],Koch, Coghill, Thomas, Bremmer, all at Camp Crouch, Yamaguchi-City,
Yamachuti=Prefecture,Honshu Japan, 1949. Bremmer was in Ikes Class at the Point. Advise who's stil around.
Thanks,
Bacil H. Steed bacilbsteed@homemail.com.au
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13. Reunions and Associations
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Be sure to look at our reunions page and if your reunion is not posted, be sure to add it.
www.koreanwar.org/html/reunions.html
Tip: click the blue link that says “Add Reunion Here�.
Remember that we also have a tool to allow users to post unit associations.These postings show up in the unit pages on our Looking For section.
www.koreanwar.org/html/korean_war_project_association.html
Tip: click the blue link that says “Add Association Here�.
On just about every page there is a margin leading down the left side with text that are links to other sections.
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14. Organizing trips to DC for Tennessee KVETS
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From: Paul Hawkins paulhawki1@charter.net
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Hi Hal,
Locally they have organized trips to Washington D.C. to the WW 2 memorial, for WW 2 veterans. We are trying to do the same for the Korean Veterans.
We are looking for the number of Korean Veterans in Knox & Blount County, Tennessee
Thanks,
Paul Hawkins
Maryville, TN
Be sure to contact Paul. We hope that this effort will snowball.
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15. Veterans Affairs
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Over several years the KWP has featured information about veterans issues to include governmental agencies. In the United States, the VA or Veterans Affairs continues to make the news and not always good news.
Just recently, news media have alerted the public to disturbing practices running the gamut from shredding of claims documents to 196 days for average claim processing to unsanitary medical practices. Other issues of concern are TRICARE benefits.
For those of you in the US, each Congressional representative should be reminded of the urgent need to not let this slide continue.
The entire system is stressed to the maximum, something easily noticed when trying to set appointments for health care or benefits.
The young men and women who have been injured from Gulf 1, Gulf 2, or Afghanistan have to face the systemic delays and frustrations that most of our readers have faced for a long time.
Each day the KWP gets phone calls from KVETS or family concerning inability to obtain needed records or rejection of claims. That group also includes those vets we call ‘DMZ Vets’, serving after the truce and especially during the period from 1966-75.
There is no magic solution to care and benefits as each VA region seems to operate somewhat differently, in our experience.
Veteran’s organizations usually lean on their VSO’s – Veterans Service Officers as well as state veteran’s offices to assist those who need help.
Most often, the average person does not have the savvy to get things moving in the right direction. That is why the KWP always urges those who are having difficulty to ask their elected representatives to become involved.
Each Congressional Representative can make a difference. They also need concise letters stating the needs of any one person with attachments of official communications or records.
We always suggest a phone call to the local office prior to sending a letter requesting assistance. Phone numbers are located in the Blue Pages of any phone book.
The National Personnel Records Center, an arm of NARA or National Archives has made positive strides in records request processing. However, the tragic fire of the early 70’s has been an issue, as most of our readers know only too well.
Alternative records exist that can impact claims. Unit daily histories, command summaries, and muster rolls are on microfiche at the St. Louis office of NPRC – NARA.
The main National Archives at College Park, Maryland is a huge repository of records. Researching these records requires a physical visit to be truly effective. A serious issue exists at the Maryland repository. Thousands of pages of documents have been stolen and/or misplaced over the decades with no back up whatsoever.
Several companies exist to do the needed research, for a fee. The KWP does not have any personal experience with any of these companies and cannot make any recommendations.
Finally, one of the key reasons the KWP created our BBS and Looking For sections has been to foster networking among veterans who may already have unit documents saved over the decades. Unit rosters, General Orders are just two examples of important documents the KWP has seen being shared.
Link: www.va.gov/
Link: www.vba.va.gov
Link:
Recent article:
www.tampabay.com/news/military/veterans/article868654.ece
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16. Arizona Korean War Memorial
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Tthe following link is to the page for the Arizona Korean War Memorial in Phoenix. It is located on the state capital grounds.
https://www.kwva.org/memorials/az/p_mem_az.htm
Bob Herschelman
Sun City, AZ
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17, . Cold War Times – Cold War Museum – Gary Powers, Jr..
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If you have never seen Gary’s website or known of his Museum project, visit the site.
www.coldwartimes.com
Cold War Times Transformation into Cold War Journal
The Cold War Times will transform into the Cold War Journal during the first quarter of 2009. Beginning later this year we will take the next step toward this goal by transforming the Cold War Times from a newsletter to a quarterly digital magazine. The new format will be released as the Cold War Journal for 2009, and will offer articles, news, announcements, interviews, and other content of interest to readers. Helping me on this project, and heading up editorial duties and development will be Mr. Dennis Kosmetatos, along with a small staff of volunteers that will help ensure the editorial quality of the publication.
Francis Gary Powers, Jr.
Founder
The Cold War Museum
P.O. Box 178
Fairfax, VA 22038
703-273-2381 Museum
703-273-4903 Museum Fax
gpowersjr@coldwar.org
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18. Poem
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My father, Edward D. Erwin, served in the Korean War on the USS Point Cruz in the mid 50's. For his 70th birthday I wrote him a poem that I'd like to share: https://www.angelfire.com/wa2/wishes/tribute.html
He has since passed away, but I still proudly display his poem next to his photo on the bookcase in my living room.
Dena Erwin
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Far away, but near at heart,
you did your best, and your part.
From dusk till dawn, and back again,
you stalked the jungles, and desert sand.
Helmeted head, and weapon in hand
you came from our far away land.
Stand forth dear brother
it is duty's call
you stand with the others
and perhaps risked it all.
Where stands your duty,
when your day is over
will it call to you loudly
when you pull on your cover?
Will the dreams come nightly
to ruin your slumber?
Jeffery G. Scism, IBSSG
Local Coordinator Representative,
NE/NC Region, USGenWeb Project
usgenweb.org/
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19. New Jersey Korean War Veterans Memorial
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www.nj.gov/military/korea/index.html
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20. Early months of the war, 35th Fighter Group
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Hal and Ted
You know, I've been reading, on and off, the news letter’s for several years now. I have never seen any information on the early months of the war, of which I was a part.
I was stationed at Yokota AFB outside Tokyo , and on that Sunday morning June 25, 1950 when the army bull horns sounded all around the city advising us to get back to the base where we belonged immediately. All of us packed on the trains and were called to the main hanger where Gen Hoyt Vandenbeerg gave us a speech about what Pres Truman was saying. We'd all be back in a couple weeks. Needless to say, they were in error. I was sent to Ashyia AFB and then Po Hang at the front lines then, attached to the 8th Army in fox holes (I don't know why) and the story goes on.
We lost many guys and airplanes, the old P-51s we had 'cause you couldn't take off the mat runways with F-80 jets. We lost 75 mustangs in six weeks to enemy ground fire.( Hard to believe) .25 caliber and so on from the No Koreans since we were at the 1 mile point behind the lines ,the planes were unable to get up fast enough carrying one 500 lb and all the rest of the ammo, they would shoot (en masse) and eventually hit the cooling lines and the pilot would ditch into the sea of Japan.
Anyway, to cut this short, If anyone has any information on the first few months of the war or if someone reads this and was in my old outfit I'd greatly love to hear from them (from June 29th,'50 when I landed at Po Hang,or any info I'd like to hear from someone.
35th ftr grp 39th ftr squad 314 bomb wing.
Sgt Daniel H. O'Dell
AF 18302325
email mail: Danomavo@aol.com
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21. Purple Heart Stamp Drive
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My father, Thomas Desmond, of West Nyack, NY is a Korean War Veteran. He is currently trying to obtain 15,000 signatures to make the Purple Heart Stamp a "Forever" stamp. It is my understanding that there is only one other stamp in existence that has this distinction, the Liberty Bell Forever Stamp. He has been interviewed in his local newspaper (The Journal News - Rockland County, NY) concerning his effort as well as promotes the cause throughout the many government organizations and private enterprises he frequents. Please copy & paste the following link in your web browser to view the article: www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200901260230/NEWS03/901260320
I am sending you this e-mail in the hopes that you can help him obtain the necessary signatures required for this great and noble cause. I have attached his contact information below should you want to get in touch with him to discuss his efforts.
Tom Desmond
Pama Associates
20 Jeffrey Court
West Nyack, NY 10994
web site www.pamaassociates.com
Phone 1-845-353-0359
Cell 1-845-558-6136
E mail pamainc@optonline.net
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22. 91st Strategic Recon Squad – Sunbonnet King
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Jim Watson wrote to us in February about the Sunbonnett King crash/downing during the Korean War.
Quite a few of the 91st Strat Recon squadron KIA/MIA were not listed properly on the KWP KCCF KIA/MIA file. We did have the Air Force list of KORWALD losses as featured on the DPMO web site.
The issue has been matching names, service numbers, and units between all the older Dpt of Defense archival data files.
We now have this remedied and continue to work on several hundred other cases from all service branches that are not properly documented. This includes two crashes of Air Force planes headed to Korea..
Note: if you spot missing names, do let us know.
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23. U.S. Army Releases Official Korean War Photo and Video Archive
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I would appreciate it if you would consider placing a link to these historical resources on your website.
You can view our entire Korean War video archive at: www.youtube.com/warinkorea
Our Korean War image archive is available online at: www.flickr.com/photos/imcomkorea/sets/72157607808414225/
I am sure that your viewership would find both of these sites useful in learning more about the Korean War. You are also welcome to embed these photos and videos on your site.
v/r
Ed Johnson
Chief, Public Affairs
Installation Management Command
Korea Region
U.S. Army
Official Site: imcom.korea.army.mil
As we prepare for the 60th anniversary of the onset of hostilities, we plan to also add more photos from our local archives - as well as our resources at the Pentagon.
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Thanks to all who have made this newsletter and the website possible!
Our full list of donors will be updated Dec 2nd 2008.
Donors: www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html
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Hal and Ted Barker
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