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Memorial Day 2005
This edition is dedicated to the family of Captain Troy Gordon Cope
USAF no longer MIA!
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Newsletter for May 29th, 2005 - Memorial Day
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Table of Contents
1. Editorial, Memorial Day Message
2. Unit pages - Looking For - Reunions - Adopt a page
3. Filipina Gold Star Mother - Afghanistan - Associated Press Story
4. Websites of interest, a sampling
5. Colonel David Hackworth, USA Ret. 1930-2005 - RIP
6. Memorial Day Thoughts
7. MIA Burial, Captain Troy Gordon Cope - Dallas, TX - May 31st, 2005
8. Bookstore
9. GIs and the Kids - A Love Story: US Forces and the Children of Korea
1950-1954
10. KDSM - Korea Defense Service Medal being delivered
11. Agent Orange information by CD Rom
12. 765th TRSB trip to Busan, Korea
13. Belgian Battalion Vets take a trip in June 2005
14. DMZ War - Memorial Day 2006 at Korean War Memorial, Washington DC
15. Where Is He Laid To Rest? D/2/5 1st Marine Division
16. Membership Pledge Drive
17. This Mailing List Subscribe | Unsubscribe
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1. Editorial, Memorial Day Message
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We shall be covering a lot of territory with this newsletter and wish
to start with a huge "Thank You" to the women and men of the Second
Infantry Division Korean War Veterans Alliance who were gracious to invite the Korean War Project to speak to them on a range of topics.
Ted Barker attended this marvelously coordinated event and met many of
his pen pals. He also met several of Hal's friends. The reunion was in
Houston from May 22-24th.
The Association had some things up their collective sleeves catching
Ted by surprise. He was introduced at the business meeting and then
given space at the Hospitality Room for meeting vets and answering
questions. Late Sunday at the combined unit dinners, President
Ralph Hockley (Ret Col, USA 37th Field Bn/82nd AAA, 2ID) introduced the KWP to
roughly 200 veterans and family in attendance.
What started out as a 10 minute talk to introduce the KWP turned into a
one hour and half question and answer session. The questions echoed
just about all of those that most of you have posed on this website
over the years.
This session allowed Ted to ask to the podium another pen pal whom he
had never met, Ret Col USA, Dan Baughman, of the DPMO - Dept of
Personnel Missing, Department Of Defense, the Pentagon.
Ret Col USA, Solomon Jamerson, 503rd Field Artillery Bn. and Col.
Hockley also helped to moderate the detailed questions and answers.
The next evening Ted was further surprised to be introduced as one of
the special Guests, a very special moment. Hal and Ted of Korean War
Project were made Honorary Life Members of the Association. Ted
accepted on behalf of our Members and visitors.
The Guests of Honor were:
The Republic South of Korea Counsel General, the Honorable Min Dong-
Soek and his wife.
Counsel of the Netherlands, The Honorable Geert Visser and his wife.
Ret. Col Leendert Schreuders, Netherlands Battalion and his wife.
Second Infantry Division Assistant Commander (Maneuver),
Brigadier General Joseph Martz, featured speaker.
General Martz gave a detailed picture of current day force capability
for both our mission on the Korean Peninsula as well as the Brigades of
the 2nd ID currently fighting in Iraq.
Earlier on that event filled Monday, at Bear Creek Veterans Memorial
Park, an emotional and stirring outdoor Memorial Service was held. A
wonderfully soothing invocation was delivered by Arden A. Rowley,
former POW (more on Arden later in the news).
The Honor Guard and Color Guard was composed of both the 2nd ID
Alliance and compatriots, the Lone Star Chapter of the KWVA- Korean
War Veterans Association, Houston, Tx.
The Rifle Salute was given by VFW Post 8790, headed by Lyndon Howell,
Commander.
Dan Ammerman, 5th Cavalry Rgt, 1st Cavalry Division, Korean War, was
the keynote speaker.
From Ted: "In closing this preface to the rest of the newsletter I want
to emphasize the speeches made by the Honorable Guests of this Reunion
of the 2nd Infantry Division Alliance."
"General Counsel Min Dong-Seouk, made it crystal clear at the Memorial
Service what the sacrifices of American and UN Forces meant to the
Republic of South Korea." "He also made great emphasis on the continued
support of the USA and the combined work that US Forces in Korea and
those of the ROK - Republic of South Korea undertake."
"The comments made by General Counsel Min Dong-Seouk, Counsel Visser
and Col Schreuders and Brigadier General Martz leave no doubt about the
appreciation of Korean War Veterans by those who needed such help.
General Martz painted a very clear picture of the continued commitment
of the United States to support the Republic of Korea." "He also
described the mission of 2nd ID Brigades deployed to Iraq and the
sacrifices made by the Division in that current and dangerous war."
All who read this editorial should take with them the understanding
that this depiction of the reunion in Houston should mirror what
certainly must be the same level of comradeship, hospitality and respect
for Korean War Veterans and their families at similar reunions that
take place across the globe.
Watching from a short distance the affection the vets (to include many
former POW's) have for Dan Baughman (DPMO) as they were interviewed for
the ongoing mission of DPMO and JPAC, gave a strong impression of the
dedication of the teams who are tasked with bringing back our MIA -
Missing in Action.
Being able to interview and converse with veterans of the Naktong,
Chongchong River, Kunu-ri, Chipyong-ni, Bloody Ridge, Heartbreak Ridge
and the later artillery and infantry probe battles of 1952-53 offered a
rare face to face opportunity for Ted.
Ted noticed and felt the palpable brotherhood, comradeship and love
these veterans displayed towards each other. He witnessed the attention
and support the of the many wives in attendance, no small part
of any reunion or support group!
"These folks get up early, stay up late and are on their feet for well
over 12 hours per day, or more", says Ted. He asked Bill Potashnick,
38th Infantry, Treasurer of the Association, how the guys could endure those hours.
Bill responded very quietly and directly. He said, "because we may
never see one another again."
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2. Unit pages - Looking For - Reunions - Adopt a page
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Unit Associations, heads up!
By now most of our site visitors have seen the second phase of our
upgrade. We especially urge all Associations Presidents, Secretaries,
or Reunion Coordinators to please check legacy information to be sure
that we have contact information displayed that is current.
If you are not an officer but know of a reunion, please do go ahead and
post with as much information as possible.
Please add your Association data and Reunion data directly to your
respective page. Do that in the actual unit or command pages. You can
also continue to post to the Reunions
page.
Start with Looking For, click branch of service and then unit.
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/looking_for.html
or
Add Reunion:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/korean_war_project_data.html?com_url=add_reunion
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3. Filipina Gold Star Mother - Afghanistan - Associated Press Story
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From Hal Barker, Executive Director, Korean War Project:
This past Saturday, I read an Associated Press story about a mother who
lost her son in Afghanistan.
She applied to the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., for membership in
that organization. She was rejected.
Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman was killed last year. Serving his
country. He was an American citizen.
However, his mother, Ligaya Lagman, a Filipina, although a "permanent
resident and taxpayer", was denied membership in the Gold Star Mothers
for failure to be a U.S. citizen.
This is not about the Gold Star Mothers. Please, please don't contact
them.
This is about a mother who is grieving. And was rejected in her grief.
I spoke yesterday with Ben Spadero, a veteran from VFW Post 2285.
Spadero led the attempt to obtain membership for Ligaya Lagman.
The whole story just breaks my heart.
If you have 5 minutes this Memorial Day, would you send a simple letter
to Mrs. Lagman?
Just a simple "I Remember" and your signature will be worth a million
words.
Please send your letter to:
Ligaya Lagman
c/o
VFW Post 2285
433 White Plains Road
Eastchester, NY 10709-2803
Thanks. My letter is in the mail. On Memorial Day 2005. I Remember...
Hal
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4. Websites of interest, a sampling
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This category will be sparse this issue:
SCARWAF - Special Category Army with Air Force
Air Force Civil Engineering magazine article, web link;
https://www.afcesa.af.mil/userdocuments/periodicals/cemag/AFCE_Winter01.p
df
This is in .pdf format, Adobe Acrobat
See more links and post yours on the Korean War Project at:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/history_and_reference.html
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5. Colonel David Hackworth, USA Ret. 1930-2005 - RIP
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Our last newsletter got out before we were notified of the passing of
Col. Hackworth. Hal had become pen pals with "Hack" after an accidental
meeting at our local grocery store with a former NCO.
A former First Sergeant from the Trieste, Yugoslavia deployment of US -
UN Forces in the early days of the Cold War, spurred Hal to write
to "Hack". The result was an interesting series of email over an
extended time. Col. Hackworth later became an internet personality
as well as print and television regular, everywhere!
The Colonel was no doubt colorful, well liked by those who served with
him in Korea, Vietnam and elsewhere. He was opinionated and
controversial. Col. Hackworth crossed swords often with those at the
Pentagon or in many US Presidential Administrations via print or
television or in person.
However, Hackworth deeply angered Korean War Ex-Prisoners of War for
statements he made in recent years. That anger has spurred Ex-POW's to
speak out concerning the Korean War. Good came from this dissent.
He served in Korea with the 27th Infantry Regiment, the Wolfhounds as
an enlisted man, later promoted to officer and returned to Korea with
the 223rd Infantry Regiment.
---
Excerpt: Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 12:41 PM
Subject: REGIMENTAL BEREAVEMENT: COL HACKWORTH
Col. David. H. Hackworth,1930-2005, died Wednesday May 4th, in Mexico.
He was an author, writer, war correspondent and critic of the Military,
Talking Head, military consultant, and a highly decorated Warrior. He
was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, along with 10 Silver
Stars and eight Bronze Stars. When asked about his awards, he was
proudest of his eight Purple Hearts. [He was recommended three time for
the Medal of Honor.]
He was also a member of the 185th Armor Regiment -- he joined the 3rd
Squadron, 111th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Los Ageless - Pasadena
between W.W.II and Korea. Where he served for about a year -- when he
was released to re-join the Regular Army. He latter contacted the
Squadron's Commander and Executive Officers and was provided Letters of
Recommendations to attend OCS. In 1952 as a Regular Army 2nd
Lieutenant, was assigned to the 223rd Infantry (Regimental Combat
Team), 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, while it
was fighting in Korea. LTC(R) Mohr, the Second Colonel of the Regiment
became great long term friends while they both served in Vietnam as
Advisors. Sadly, Hac was not able to attend the Regiment's last Dining
In although RSVP for the next one. [The Regiment is directly descended
from the 3/111ACR and 223IN(RCT).]
I have often disagreed with him, however, I greatly respected his
lifetime service to our Nation's military an countless acts of VALOR --
I have long admired him always doing and saying "what he thought was
right!" He cared very much for our "soldiers" and Great Nation's
military strength.
I shall always remember him, his Warrior Sprit, and wish him peace.
Respectfully, Nathaniel T. Robertson, Regimental Historian
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6. Memorial Day Thoughts
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When I was young Memorial Day was a day off from school and the local
swimming pool opened. As I got older and learned more about history I
realized the significance of the day that was set aside to honor our
military dead.
Putting a flag on the graves of these veterans and having a ceremony in
their behalf helps to show our respect for the men and women who gave
their lives for all of us.
While I can't participate like I used to I still take time to pay my
respects. We should be grateful to have had these people, who paid the
ultimate sacrifice, so we can enjoy the freedom we have as Americans.
Let us not forget their families who were left behind to mourn their
loss. God bless them all.
Respectfully,
John Kronenberger Jkronen809@aol.com
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7.MIA Burial, Captain Troy Gordon Cope - Dallas, TX - May 31st 2005
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A short couple of months ago, a news alert featured the recent
repatriation of remains of an Air Force Captain who, for decades, was
one of the Korean War MIA. This, forever young, man, a pilot, has
become emblematic of the hopes of over 8119 families who yearn for
news that their family member will be found and identified and returned
for burial.
A few short years ago, Doyle Cope, brother of Troy, made contact with
the KWP. We have been able to follow events that led the Cope family to
China to the site of the crash of Captain Cope's F-86 and now to the
funeral of Captain Cope in Dallas this coming Tuesday, May 31st 2005.
The Captain was flying a mission with the 335th Fighter Interceptor
Squadron when he was shot down over North Korea on September 16th,
1952, crashing near Dandong, China.
The Dallas Morning News features the Obituary of Captain Cope, this
Sunday. Please refer to the paper for a long descriptive narrative of
his life and service.
Hal and I shall pay our respects on behalf of all of those who share
the commitment for the mission to account for those who did not come
back as well as those who gave their all while coming to the aid of
South Korea.
The family and friends urge all veterans to attend the services which
shall be held at:
Service: Hunters Glen Baptist Church, Plano, TX at noon, 31st May 2005.
Burial: DFW National Cemetery, 3pm same day, with full military honors.
"Lest We Forget"
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8. Bookstore
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===a.===
A History of 40th Division Army Aviation in Korea 1952-1954
by Hugh W. Ketchum, Col. (Ret) MSARNG
This 193 page book offers a very good look at Army Aviation in Korea
from the perspective of the 40th Infantry Division. Aviation units
played a key role for spotting, artillery coordination as well as on
the spot intelligence gathering.
The light aviation aircraft, single-engine could be a lonely and
dangerous place to be during the war. The men on the ground all knew
their backs were being covered by these slow-flying missions.
Capstone Publishers
928 Reaves St
Jackson, MS 39204
ISBN: 1-931168-83-0
Cost: $17.95
===b.===
Letters to My Sons: Korea, The Final Days
"But~~ Not the End"
By Bruce Bottum
From Bruce: Enclosed are about 70 of 150 pages I've written with a few
drawings." .... "This story is just my impressionistic views~ not a
treatise.
"To my sons: Here is a part of my life you know little about. (It will
be years before I marry your mother and you and your sisters will be
born...."
July 27th 1953
This is in booklet format, spine-back. Reprints are available, one at a
time by reprinting.
Cost: $25.00 each
Order from:
Bruce Bottum
1142 E. State St.
Lafayette, IN 47905
PH: 763-742-6254
Email: bottumland@webtv.net
===c.===
U.S. Prisoners of War in The Korean War
Their treatment and handling by the North Korean Army and the Chinese
Communist Forces
Compiled and Edited by Arden A. Rowley
(Arden was a Korean War POW)
This is "the" definitive work regarding the Korean War POW experience
from a veteran of the war who served with the 2nd Engineer Combat Bn, A
Company, 2nd Infantry Division who was taken prisoner during the fierce
days of the First Chinese Offensive, date: December 1, 1950. Arden was
taken captive with 360 fellow 2nd Combat Engineers as well as several
thousand other fellow servicemen, then, earlier and later.
With many years of thought and writing about his experiences, research
led Arden to the Center For Military History in Washington, DC. There
he found the lengthy official report to which he has added his
commentary as needed. This is not the full report, rather an edited
version.
The original and full report was published in 1954. It is part of the
official body of work which includes many reports, medical studies
among other reports. Original title: U.S. Prisoners of War in the
Korean Occupation.
Turner Publishing Company
P.O. Box 3101
Paducah, KY 52002-3101
rowleyxpowk@juno.com
2002 ISBN: 1-566311-831-9
Cost: $45.00 US $4.00 Shipping
This is must reading and is offered to the public by the Korean War EX-
POW Association.
===d.===
Korea-POW
A Thousand Days with Life On Hold 1950-1953
by Arden Allen Rowley (see above)
This book is the personal recollections of Mr. Rowley and contains
copies of unit Morning Reports for A Company of the 2nd Engineer Combat
Bn, his unit. Sections of the above mentioned report are also included.
Mr. Rowley points out in the preface that others in the same situation
may have had different impressions and experiences. Several of his
buddies recollections are also part of this important work.
A retired educator and historian of merit, Mr. Rowley resides in Mesa,
AZ.
Published by Arden A. Rowley, Third Edition, Revised
ISBN: 09727546-1-X
Cost: $25.00 $3.00 Shipping
Order:
Arden A. Rowley
1041 E. 9th Drive
Mesa, AZ 85204
rowleyxpowk@juno.com
Legend eXpress Publishing: https://www.legenexpress.biz
===e.===
U.S. Korean War POWs
From Calumny to Vindication
Written and compiled by
Arden A. Rowley
This is the third of the suite of books written and compiled by Mr.
Rowley. His 33 months of captivity then release are the basis of his
continued works.
This book has focus upon the many misstatements-statements about the
actions of those who were interned in North Korea during the war. The
rebuttal's of those inaccuracies are contained herein.
All three books must be read as companion pieces to more fully
understand the grim situation that all POWs faced during the fateful
years of the Korean War.
Publisher, Arden A. Rowley
ISBN: 0-9727546-0-1
Cost: $15.00 $3.00 Shipping
Order:
Arden A. Rowley
1041 E. 9th Drive
Mesa, AZ 85204
rowleyxpowk@juno.com
===f.===
Prolific writer Robert Dorr has another great book out. He specializes
in air operations and has several of his works featured on our
bookstore and Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Chopper: A History of America Military Helicopter Operators from WWII
to the War on Terror
by Robert F. Dorr
"Chopper" is a beautifully printed and illustrated history of
helicopter pilots and crews in combat. It includes never-before-seen
material on the first helicopter combat in Burma in 1944 and on Marine
Corps operations in Iraq in 2003, among others. There is much Korean
War content.
The book is fully illustrated and with many photos.
Bob says the best pricing is via https://www.barnesandnoble.com
https://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?
ISBN=0425202739&pdf=y&userid=qz32iKYBV4
(type in the whole string, or click the blue text)
Robert F. Dorr robert.f.dorr@cox.net
3411 Valewood Drive
Oakton, Virginia 22124
(703) 264-8950
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Note: for all the books listed on the Korean War Project:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/bookstore.html
Tip: to see all the reviews and book covers, simply click the blue text
of a title.
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9. GIs and the Kids - A Love Story: US Forces and the Children of Korea
1950-1954
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MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Memorial Day, May 30th 2005
Most of you have seen previous postings on the newsletter about the
work George has undertaken to remember the Orphans of the Korean War.
He single-handedly created the "Korean War Children's Memorial Project"
in Bellingham, WA.
If you are in the Las Vegas this Memorial Day, do drop by to visit and
celebrate the first showing of the photo exhibit "GIs and the Kids - A
Love Story: US Forces and the Children of Korea 1950-1954."
George F. Drake, Ph.D., Korean War Veteran, Coordinator
Korean War Children's Memorial Project
1421 Cornwall Ave. #B
Bellingham, WA 98225
More Information:
https://www.koreanwar.org/html/korean_war_childrens_memorial.html
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10. KDSM - Korea Defense Service Medal being delivered
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For all of you who served in Korea from July 28th 1954 "to date to be
determined by The Secretary of Defense", the delivery mechanism is in
place.
This is the culmination of years of effort by many of our friends at
the KDVA, headed up by Norm Tredway.
The KDVA - Korea Defense Veterans of America is the best source of
information and provides key links to the background and conduit to get
the award.
From John MacLean, member KDVA (from his website)
The Secretary of Defense approved the implementing instructions and
criteria for the KDSM on 3 Feb 2004. The Korea Defense Service Medal is
authorized to members of the Armed Forces who have served on active
duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from 28 July
1954 to a date to be determined. 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.
Effective 2 Feb 2004, the Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) is no longer
authorized for overseas tours in the Republic of Korea. Service members
must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in
the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive or for 60 nonconsecutive
days, or have been in combat, wounded in the line of duty, a member of
an aircrew flying within the area of eligibility.
Only one award of the KDSM is authorized for any individual. In order
of precedence, the KDSM will be worn below the Global War On Terrorism
Service Medal (GWOTSM) and above the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM).
John has created ready-made Form 180's to copy and print for mailing
his website. He has them computer ready and one version has an update
for DD 214, the DD 215!!
https://www.cavalrycountry.org/kdsm.htm
KDVA website documents:
Official Documents: https://kdvamerica.org/KDSMinfo.html
Medal and pictures to include background of KDVA
https://kdvamerica.org/AboutUs.html#kdsm
Note: The Department of Defense is the sole distributor of the award!
Each branch of service will set the requirements for qualifications.
Thanks to both Norm and John for this information release.
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11. Agent Orange information by CD Rom
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In Panama, Vietnam and Korea in the mid-to-late sixties through early
1970's, AO was utilized. Over the years we have featured information on
our DMZ Vets BBS and by newsletter regarding this chemical and sister
chemicals.
Visit our DMZ Vets BBS for the threaded discussions regarding this
important health issue.
See:
We just got the following:
On Friday, I received a CD "THE LAST BATTLE" Agent Orange.
Please take time to visit this web site and order your free CD.
https://www.AgentOrangeFilm.com
This was sent out by Mr & Mrs R.A. Schol, 3125 Whisper Blvd, Loveland
FA
32724. phone 863-646-1237
Respectfully
Bill Keller - Tucson AZ
520-886-8004
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12. 765th TRSB trip to Busan, Korea
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From Nancy Cunningham:
Hal and Ted
Our group of Korean war veterans just got back from Busan, Korea- as we
were the guests of a man who was once an interpreter for the group and
is now a business man.
The page is here:
https://www.griffincunningham.net/765reunionorg/765th_t.htm
Reunion group:
https://griffincunningham.net/765reunionorg/main.htm
unit page :
https://griffincunningham.net/Griffin/MAIN/765th.htm
As I am only a daughter of a deceased member of the group I would
prefer- if you're interested - in this amazing story that you talk to
Bob Kalan- our newsletter editor and who helped Mr. Lee organized the
trip
Newsletter:
Bob Kalan
2158 King Mesa Dr.
Henderson, NV 89012
email: bob@kalan.net
Thanks, Nancy
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13. Belgian Battalion Vets take a trip in June 2005
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From: Edgard Debruycker debruyckered@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2005
Subject: Revisit to Korea
Dear Ted
Towards the end of next month (June) I plan to visit Korea in
remembrance of the departure of the last contingent of the Belgian
Battalion which departed Korea in June 1955.
I am going to rent a vehicle and retrace all the places we had our
camps and take pictures and video's of those places to show how they
look like now. This will take me to Seoul, Yong-Chon, Pochon, Pango-
ri, Unchon-ni, Chorwon and kumwha, and perhaps the "White Horse
mountain" if allowed.
I was there last in 1967 with Mlle Gailly pointing out the general area
where her brother Captain Gailly had fallen.
If there are any Belgian Vets reading this and are interested in
joining me (Room for 4 in a car) get in touch with me right away at
debruyckered@yahoo.com
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14. DMZ War - Memorial Day 2006 at Korean War Memorial, Washington DC
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Hello from Ohio. My name is Mark Hartford. I served from 1966-1967
in the Korea DMZ. I plan on celebrating the 40 anniversary of the
start of my tour of duty and the start of the DMZ war next Memorial
day, 2006. I plan on placing a small plaque at noon on Memorial Day
2006 at the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC with the names of
the soldiers who died or were wounded during my tour of duty: 6/66 -
7/67.
I originally planned on this being a private moment, but in
talking about it with others, have found an interest in others
participating. So I was wondering if you might place notices in a
series of your newsletters asking those that might like to
participate, to send me a note to that effect and I will set up a
process for reminding people as we get closer to Memorial Day next
year.
Thanks for your work in remembering. Thanks for your interest and
help with this.
Sincerely,
Mark Z Hartford mzh@columbus.rr.com
RA19875883
US Army, 1966-1969
Korea DMZ 1966-1967
Note: The KWP is working up a new listing of DMZ erea KIA and hopefully
WIA thanks to Marty O'Brien and David Benbow. More on this combined
effort and Mark's project in coming months.
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15. Where Is He Laid To Rest? D/2/5 1st Marine Division
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The following is from posting on the Looking For USMC on the KWP:
Firstname: Sherry Lee
Lastname: Bayer (Schuff)
Street: 243 MacArthur Avenue
City: Brillion
State: WI
ZIP: 54110
Country: U.S.A.
Phone: 920-756-3473
Service: Family Member
Keywords: On 10/26/2004, I wrote a message for my Father. We were
searching for the grave of Pfc. Paul Tipton Baker.
Pfc. Paul Tipton Baker saved my Fathers life almost 55 years ago, at
the risk of his own. Through new friends, including Sid Shown, TNMOPH
and Ed Tankesley, from Chattanooga, TN, we were able to accomplish our
mission.
Comments: Our search was twofold. First, we were looking for family who
might still be alive, who were related to Pfc. Baker, and second, find
where he was laid to rest.
With our Tennessee friends assistance, we found Pfc. Baker's obituary
in the Chattanooga Newspaper.
Our friend Ed tracked down the cemetery where Pfc. Baker was buried. Ed
also found Paul's oldest sister, Mrs. Crisp, who resides in
Chattanooga.
My Parents were planning a trip to Atlanta, and took a day trip over to
Chattanooga. They met with Ed, visited with Mrs. Crisp, who
unfortunately is suffering from senility or Alzheimer's. She remembered
very little and could only find a picture of Paul, when he was six
years old.
My parents, then went to Greenwood Cemetery. There, they found the
bronze plaque bearing Paul's name, along with his new rank. Cpl. Paul
Tipton Baker. My father placed a bronze flag holder with an American
Flag and red, white, and blue flower arrangement. He said his prayers
to this brave man, thanking him for his life.
The story does not end there. Since my Father's visit to Chattanooga,
we have done more searching, including what happened after September
24, 1950. My Father knows that Paul died, not on Sept. 25,1950, as his
records with the military say, but September 24, 1950.
My Father said, they were just outside of Seoul, when he awoke,
stood beside his foxhole, and reached for his weapon. He was instantly
shot, the bullet going through his right leg, shattering bone, before
entering into his left leg. He said a Marine he vaguely knew, ran over
to his side and pulled him into the foxhole.
That Marine was Pfc. Baker. My Father said he heard another shot, and
Pfc. Baker did not move. A Medic came to check on Pfc. Baker, pulled
him off from my Father, and assisted my father with dressings for his
wounds and pain medication. When my Father asked about Pfc. Baker, the
Medic shook his head.
They were unable to evac my Father for several hours. When they did,
they couldn't remove Pfc. Baker's body until the next day.
Also, since the visit to Chattanooga, my Father has talked more about
that day. He is receiving counseling for Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder. Through other information from the military, we also found
out that Paul's family did not know the circumstances of his death. He
is listed as Killed In Action.
The Journey, my Father and I started last fall does not have a Happy
Ending. It never will. There is no such thing as closure. There never
will be, especially when it comes to War. There is only a search for
inner peace, and that can be accomplished with your loved ones.
We continue to search for more of Paul's family, to let them know of
Paul's heroic act. We know he had five sisters, who live around the
Chattanooga area.
In the meantime, with our help my Father will continue to heal and put
his demons to rest.
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Many of our previous
donors no longer can assist. We are recruiting from those who
have not participated, so if you can, jump on in, it will be
appreciated.
Donations, memberships are tax deductible, if you use long
form IRS reports. Our EIN: 752695041 501c3
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17. This Mailing List (going to 32,000 + persons)
==========================================================
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. Thanks for being
part of the Korean War Project family.
Hal and Ted Barker
Korean War Project
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