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Korean War Project Newsletter - Nov. 11, 2009 Volume 12 - 5
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Table of Contents:
1. Editorial
2. This Mailing List (Join or Leave)
3. Our Newsletter
4. Bookstore | Film
5. Membership
6. Our Father’s passing
7. Looking For | BBS | Remembrance
8. Military records
9. Maps on the Korean War Project
10. Founder of the KDVA - Norm Tredway dies
11. Poem for our Vets
12. Website Notices
13. KWP Litigation Update
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1. Editorial
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I remember the first time my grandmother pinned a red paper poppy on my shirt. That was in 1949 while we were visiting her in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Our grandfather was gravely injured in the Battle of the Somme, gassed and left for dead among all the thousands of casualties. He ultimately came back to Canada but the injuries played a key role in his early death in 1947.
Remembrance of the sacrifices of military personnel has changed dramatically since my youth. We are now able to use television to witness ceremonies around the world as provided by the multiple networks now on the air.
This Veterans Day is one that we should all remember for a long time with the aftermath of the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, last Thursday, so fresh in our minds.
The ceremonies at Fort Hood on Wednesday, attended by President Obama and the key Defense Department leaders of the United States Army were carried out with a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who choose the Armed Services as their vocation.
All Americans share the shock and grief of the Fort Hood shootings, the impact on the lives of those wounded and the family or friends of those killed or injured. We, collectively, hope for speedy recovery and a return to duty for those injured.
Each of those who have served and those who continue to serve will be taking time, this day, to reflect and remember.
Hal and I share our thoughts today as the Korean War Project continues to Remember the sacrifices of all those who have served or paid the ultimate cost of such service.
Hal and Ted Barker
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2. This Mailing List (going to 40,000 + persons)
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We began sending 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 tbarker@kwp.org
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 to all who have made this newsletter and the website possible!
Donors: www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html
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3. Our Newsletter
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This news is also found on the main KWP website.
Link: www.koreanwar.org/html/newsletter_archive.html
The 60th Commemoration of the beginning of the Korean War is just around the bend. Our newsletters will address the upcoming events to include reunions, worldwide events and more.
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4. Bookstore | Film
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----a.----
Black Tuesday Over Namsi: : A True History of the Epic Air Battle of the Korean War
by Earl J. McGill, LTC USAF (Ret.)
The book originated as an article for the VFW Magazine in October of 2001. Earl reported that the response from that article pushed him to publish as a book about this venture into Mig Alley.
The KWP has made a glaring error in not posting this data prior to today.
Published by Heritage Books, Inc. the cost is $27.00 plus shipping. ISBN: 0788446193
Order: Orders@heritagebooks.com
100 Railroad Avenue, Suite 104, Westminster, MD 21157
PH: 1-800-876-6103
or from author
Email: mcgilwe@comcast.net
Review: Alan Reeter: This is required reading for anyone interested in military history. It is the story of the greatest jet fighter engagement in history. And, it forever changed the way the USAF conducts war.
It was also one of the most disastrous missions ever flown by US bombers. Only one of nine B-29s returned to their original base. Although it was a big news at the time, the story was almost forgotten.
Author Earl McGill spent years interviewing survivors, and researching US and Russian documents. He was also a B-29 pilot stationed in Okinawa with the ill fated 307th. Although he was not on the Black Tuesday mission, he flew other missions to the same area and was engaged with the same Russian fighter pilots He tells much of the story from the viewpoint of the combatants on both the US and Russian sides.
This is not the typical book-by-a-pilot. McGill is an experienced writer and historian. "Black Tuesday Over Namsi" is meticulously researched and well written.
------b.------
These Guys
Cold War Stories Told By Cold War Warriors
by Trish Schliesser
Trish has been working on this book for years. From Trish:
This is Trish Schiesser. My new book: THESE GUYS: Cold War Stories Told by Cold War Warriors, covering intelligence communications, pilots, Vietnam, etc. is now in my hot little hands.
We are sending orders out tomorrow. It has taken me six and a half years to research, find those of the USAFSS, and others who served during the cold war and VN, Korea, and other parts of the world.
The book is 718 pages long, contains 240 stories by cold war warriors and if you desire to purchase one the pre-publication price is $24.00 (tll May 31) then price increases to $29.95 plus $1.50 (tax) plus $6.00 (s&h) total of $37.45. Multiple orders of three or more books will receive an additional 10 percent off the price of the books. Tax of 5% of the book total will be added. (S&H of $4.00 per book will apply.) Three books - $89.85 less 10% is $80.87 plus $404 (tax) plus $12.00 (s&h), total of $96.91.
If anyone is interested in purchasing THESE GUYS . . . please send your check, made out to OLD LIEUTENANT PRESS, mailed to OLD LIEUTENANT PRESS, One Harbor Court, Ste. 19D, Portsmouth, VA 23704.
---c.---
Life on a Short Fuse
by Jack Drain, LTC Ret USAF
Jack spent years preparing for this book. It was released in April of 2009.
Review by the Fort Worth Star Telegram:
By PAT NIMMO RIDDLE
February 1, 2009
Bedford war pilot recounts his 'Life on a Short Fuse'
Few people get to know a real-life hero, but family, friends and acquaintances of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jack Livingston Drain know he is such a man.
Drain, who lives in Bedford, flew 100 missions in an F-84 during the Korean War and later 168 missions in an F-4 during the Vietnam War.
About seven years ago, Jack began writing a book about his adventures and those of pilot friends who served with him. His book, Life on a Short Fuse, is expected to be out in March. The title comes from a story about a military cover-up of defective fuses that caused bombs to explode upon release. The fuses continued to be used even after some military officials realized their danger, he said.
"At least 20 pilots died and 12 F-4s were blown out of the sky," he said.
"Two other pilots were captured, enduring unspeakable torture, and one of them died while a prisoner."
The one who lived, Col. Thomas N. Moe, whose story is in Jack’s book, was introduced by vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin at last year’s Republican National Convention.
Born in Dallas and a graduate of Hillcrest High School, Jack was 17 when he began studies at Texas Tech University. He was 21 in 1950 when he entered the Air Force, and later, while still in the military, he received a degree in political science from Oklahoma State University.
Jack completed pilot training in 1952 and immediately left for the Korean War.
Upon his return, he married Carolyn Burgess and they spent more than five years in Yuma, Ariz., followed by tours of duty in France and Spain and an assignment in Enid, Okla., as an instructor pilot...
Website: www.mylifeonloan.com (includes color dust cover)
----d.----
A KWP member, David Homsher is also an author.
Korean War Veteran Writes Guidebook to American Battlefields of World War I
AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS OF WORLD WAR I: CHÂTEAU-THIERRY--THEN AND NOW--Volume One: Enter the Yanks, As Told in the Words of the Soldiers
Winner of TWO 2006 Military Book Awards: Military History Category, USA Book News Best Books Award; Best War History--Bay Area Independent Publishers Association Book Award. This is a comprehensive guidebook to the battlefields of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France during WWI.
304 pages, 285 photos, 22 maps, 58 illustrations, index and bibliography. Text written in the words of the American, French and German soldiers.
As a 'crossover' book, it is both a travel guide and informal history. ISBN 978-0-9702443-0-7. Now available for $19.95plus $4.05 shipping. Available online, from bookstores or via the Battleground Productions website: www.battlegroundpro.com
Email: daveh@battlegroundpro.com or telephone: (650) 347-6073. California residents please add $1.87 sales tax. Battleground Productions, 85 Tilton Ave, # 4, PO Box 624, San Mateo, CA 94401.
---e.---
Caught in a Draft
by Gunnar Osterberg
Gunnar, a member of the KWP and Korean War Vet of the 45th Infantry Division, released his book in late August of 2009.
Caught in the Draft is a memoir about one of many men who were drafted into the army during the conscription wars and, in particular, during the Korean War. It will bring back memories for those who were called from their civilian life and went through the military experience of serving their country. The story relives the author’s memories of quickly going from a care-free civilian, through infantry basic training, and on to the front lines in Korea. Readers will read of a mixture of humor, misery, carnage, and the unanswered questions of war as experienced by the author.
For those millions of men who took part in this war, this memoir will bring back many memories of their army military life. It will also answer questions to those who wondered about the Korean War and how the infantry dogface fought in this war."
Published by Publish America
ISBN: 978-1-60749-546-8
Price range: 19.95 to 24395
Contact:
Gunnar Osterberg at: gunsbabs@cox.net
23 Monarch Bay Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
PH: 949-499-1512
---f.---
Taking on the Burden of History,
Presuming to be a United States Marine
by George M. VanSant, Col USMCR-Ret.
A new memoir of his military service from the flyleaf:
is a lively memoir of the author's active service in the United States Marine Corps. It recalls in plain terms what it was like for an ordinary young man to enter the military, get disciplined in a strict fashion, and live the rest of his life as a patriot. The book brings back to life the responses, the anxieties, the disasters and the triumphs of a young man who was not particularly well-suited for military life, especially as it is lived in the U. S. Marine Corps. The book also introduces readers to some of the extraordinary men and women the Colonel came to know during his years of service. Last but not least, the horrors that came with war are vividly expressed and fundamentally prove that fighting for freedom and for country always comes with a price. From the first page until the last, the text is an inspiring memoir that young people can learn from and relate to, especially in today's age of terrorism.
Published by Xlibris.com
ISBN13 (TP)978-1-4363-2925-5
ISBN13 (HB)978-1-4363-2926-2
Web: www.presumedmarine.com/index.htm
---g.---
A Brief History of the 1st 90MM AAA Gun Battalion, USMC
by Walter H. Cheely
Walt was with H&S Battery and when the unit arrived in Korea in August of 1951 the Bn was assigned to the First Marine Air Wing.
The book is short but full of details on the unit. Self-published, orders may be directed to the author or www.lulu.com
Walter H. Cheely
906 Park Ave
River Forest, IL 60305
---h.---
The Golden Mountain Goats
History of 2nd Radio Relay Squadron, 5th Comm Grp.,
5th Air Force, FEAF - Korea 1950-55
by Robert S. Furrer, Major USAF (Ret.)
The book was created in limited publication and distribution.
We feature the book in order to see if interest may be levied to publish more of the fine book which has color photos and great detail on the squadron.
Contact:
Robert S. Furrer
19 SW Greenridge Ct.
Lake Oswego, OR 97035-1428
---i.---
From the prolific desk of Robert F. Dorr, writer of many books featured on the KWP Bookstore, comes another riveting book.
Hell Hawks
by Robert F. Dorr
The book features the P-47’s and crew with personal narratives and loaded with photographs never before published.
We'd love to have your support for our book "HELL HAWKS."And it's the perfect gift for that World War II buff.
"HELL HAWKS" is our Stephen Ambrose-style history of a World War II "band of brothers with planes." In their words, P-47 Thunderbolt airmen of the 365th Fighter Group describe the war nobody told you about, fought with their boots on the ground on the European continent during the winter of 1944-45.
We have a chapter about fighting the German jets. A chapter compares the P-47 to the Messerschmitt 109 and Focke-Wulf 190. But it's the ground war that makes this such a great air story: Our guys went ashore at Normandy and fought across Europe into the Battle of the Bulge.
Co-author Thomas D. Jones (Tom) and I spent five years researching and interviewing 171 of these ordinary men who became heroes. Tom is an Air Force Academy graduate and former B-52 pilot and astronaut who flew four shuttle missions. I'm an Air Force veteran, retired U. S. diplomat, and author.
"HELL HAWKS" uses never before published photos and first-hand personal accounts. The book can be found in stores and on https://www.facebook.com/l/4e17a;amazon.com. You can get a personalized copy from me.
See more about these veterans and this unit on our Facebook page "HELL HAWKS.
If you'd like a copy inscribed by both authors, send me a check for $ 31.64, for the book, an inscription from the authors, and priority mail packaging. Overseas shipping is slightly higher.
Best wishes
Bob
Robert F. Dorr
3411 Valewood Drive
Oakton, Virginia 22124
(703) 264-8950
robert.f.dorr@cox.net
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5. Membership/ Sponsors
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Consider supporting the mission of the Korean War Project by donations in the form of Membership/Sponsorship
Membership: www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html
On that page is a link to our PayPal account. You may choose online or regular surface mail to support our efforts.
Our Pledge Drive is an ongoing process. 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.
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!
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)
Postal Address
Korean War Project
PO Box 180190
Dallas, TX 75218
We are receiving photographs for posting on our Remembrance section for the killed and missing from Korea. New photos arrive almost daily.
Many thanks are extended to all who have participated in keeping the lives of these men fresh in our memories.
Note: for those of you who have sent or tried to send messages in response to a posting on the site but have “not� received an answer:
Feel free to send email to us as we may have street addresses or phone numbers.
Remember, the KWP had to cover up the details of our visitors locations due to past abuses by abusive outside scam artists.
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8. Military records
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US veterans and servicemen or women may now order their Discharge paperwork, DD 214 via the online interface set up by the NPRC in St. Louis.
Family members of deceased veterans may also use this new feature.
The new feature is an enhancement of the long-standing ability to order personnel records, unit summaries and awards from NPRC NARA.
The time to receive record requests has dramatically dropped, averaging about 8 weeks. Replacement awards delivery has also improved over previous decades, some of our visitors report only a couple of months lag time for receipt of the requested awards.
www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html
We suggest using the EVet Records version to help speed the process.
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9. Maps on the Korean War Project
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Please remember that we have a huge inventory of maps of the wartime period, most from the Japanese Survey (Toyo-B) which have the actual grid coordinates so a person may plot a location of interest.
Most of these maps have been placed on Google Earth where anyone may zoom in and out to see the actual terrain. Your computer must have a graphic card that will support Google Earth. So, if you are not able to render the maps, the issue is most likely your computer.
Hal has plotted about 2500 individual unit and/or battle locations for ground operations. His next phase is to mark Naval Fleet activity with locations taken from the histories we have on hand.
Marine and Air Force locations for aviation units not in Korea, proper are needed. Feel free to email us pertinent data for Naval/Marine and Air Force unit locations for 1950-54.
See: www.koreanwar.org/html/maps.html
Tip: copy any of the maps to your PC, take the file to your local copy company and have them print out in large format.
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10. Founder of the KDVA - Norm Tredway dies
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It is with great sadness that the KWP reports the death of one of our earliest pen pals, Norm Tredway. Norm sent us his original plea to establish a medal and certificate of service for all those men and women who served in Korea after the truce.
Originally styled: ‘Why No Recognition for U.S. Troops Maintaining the Truce Along Korea’s DMZ? - A Growing Issue’
July 21, 1999 Korea Deployment Respect and Recognition Committee, the growing group became known as the KDVA or Korea Defense Veterans Association.
On December 2nd 2002, President Bush signed the bill enacting the award of medals for that grouping of our veterans.
Norm will be missed. His legacy website may be viewed here:
kdvamerica.org/index1.htm
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11. Poem for our Vets
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To Those Who Gave Us Their All
by Rick Tavares sgt1@sciti.com
Born to promise - a spark of light,
In our nation’s defense they fought the fight,
With honor and courage, they served with pride,
And for God and Country, there they died.
They asked not for credit, but served beside,
Men of courage who also died,
For this their nation, they lay and bled,
Where many a tear was also shed.
Now they lie down in fields of red,
Where many a boot has also tred,
For they were soldiers - tried and true,
And they fought the fight like many of you.
They ask not for credit, but only a thought,
It was not a medal that they sought,
And now as they lie beneath the blue,
I pray that you yet love them, as much as they loved you!
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12. Website Notices
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Thanks to Nevins Frankel for the web link tip on Patrol Squadrons: www.vpnavy.org
Australian site link provided by Peter Tibbett: gunneraustralia.org
Korean War Aces website: www.acepilots.com/korea_aces.html
Tip: send us your website links, updates by posting them on our Reference section of the site at: www.koreanwar.org/html/history_and_reference.html
If you desire, send the info to Ted Barker directly by email at:
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Thanks to all who have made this newsletter and the website possible!
Donors: www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html
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Hal and Ted Barker
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