|
==============================================
Korean War Project Newsletter – Nov. 30, 2008 Volume 11 - 3
==============================================
Table of Contents:
1. Editorial
2. Our Newsletter
3. James Twohey, 38th Infantry Rgt. Tank Company - RIP
4. James R. Skinner A/1/7 1MarDiv - RIP
5. Louis R. Harding H Co 279th Infantry Rgt - RIP
6. Bookstore | Films
7. Membership
8. This Mailing List
9. RAO Bulletin - News for Vets and Current Service
10. Camp Lejeune Toxic Exposure (RAO)
11. 62nd Engineer Bn Photography
12. USS Chatterer AMS-40 Request
13. Purple Heart for POW's update
14. Smithsonian - John Rich "One Man's Korean War
15. Open request for Navy helicopter stories
16. History of Davey Crockett Units in South Korea
17. Email spam and security concerns
Photograph: A View from the rim of the Punchbowl taken by Noel Pace – July 27th 1953. The 981st FAB OP bird's eye view.
==============================================
1. Editorial
==============================================
We would like to extend our best wishes to all of you. Our visitors span the globe and come from all walks in life.
Here, in Dallas, TX, we celebrated our annual Thanksgiving with two Chicago-land friends. Don Thieme is a former nuclear submarine veteran. He and his wife, Arleen, moved to Dallas in 1998.
Today we are saying final goodbyes to several of our pen pals. These were men with whom we spent many hours communicating.
As always, our thoughts are with the men and women who serve in the
military. Many of you are scattered across the world, often in war zones, so keep safe until you get home.
==============================================
2. Our Newsletter
==============================================
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.
The 1998 and 1999 newsletters have never been converted for the website
archive. That is a task that will be accomplished soon.
==============================================
3. James Twohey, 38th Infantry Rgt. Tank Company - RIP
==============================================
Jim's wife, Marie, notified the KWP that he passed away on July 19th 2008. Jim had never made contact with men with whom he had served but
supported the Korean War Project as one of our most generous financial contributors.
Jim served with the tank company from around July 1951 through May of 1952.
Our condolences go to Marie, the entire family and the many friends who have mourned the loss of a really great guy.
Hal and Ted Barker
==============================================
4. James R. Skinner A/1/7 1MarDiv - RIP
==============================================
Lilly Skinner informed the KWP that Jim passed away on August 5th, 2008.
Jim was one of the very first people who contacted the KWP in the early days.
He was also among the first 25 persons to donate to the nonprofit when formed in 1997.
Many Marines will have known Jim from his wonderful work creating the 'Stable Able' Newsletter.
Many retired Marines living in Jacksonville, NC, home of Camp Lejeune, had known Jim for decades.
For Lilly and all Jim's A/1/7 friends, we extend our condolences.
Hal and Ted Barker
==============================================
5. Louis R. Harding H Co 279th Infantry Rgt - RIP
==============================================
Tabitha Harding notified the KWP that Louis had passed away the first week of May 2008. His large family and many friends have expressed their feelings via many email notices.
Louis loved his computer and used it very well, making contact with dozens of his former unit members from the 279th.
Louis sponsored 5 of his 279th men on the KWP and was our 23rd largest donor for the nonprofit.
We always appreciated his willingness to search and find men from Oklahoma and those who had served with him. His tireless efforts created a large pen pal network.
For Reba, the family and all of Louis' friends, our condolences on your loss.
Hal and Ted Barker
==============================================
6. Bookstore | Films
==============================================
========a.==========
From Robert F. Dorr,
It's not Korea, but ...
We would love to have your support for our new book, "Hell Hawks!" which was just published July 1.
"Hell Hawks!" is our Stephen Ambrose-style history of a "band of brothers
with planes" --- a recounting in their own words by Americans at war. It's a general interest glimpse at our recent history, not technical, not specialized: It's a story that can interest anyone.
Our guys went ashore at Normandy and fought across Europe, through the Battle of the Bulge and on to victory.
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 distinguished graduate, a former B-52 pilot, and a former astronaut who flew four shuttle missions. I'm an Air Force veteran, a retired U.
S. diplomat, and an author. Tom and I worked together to tell this story for the first time.
The P-47 Thunderbolt was built in greater numbers than any other American
fighter, but rarely receives recognition. The men who supported, maintained and flew the P-47 while slogging it out on the European continent waged a grim, gritty, mostly air-to-ground war in which the enemy was personal, the
fighting point-blank. The human spirit triumphed with a little help from the P-47.
"Hell Hawks" uses never before published photos and first-hand personal
accounts. The book is reaching stores and amazon.com just now. The surest way to get one right away is to get it directly from me or Tom.
If you'd like a personalized copy, send me a check for $ 31.00, for the book,
an inscription from the authors, and priority mail packaging.
Best wishes
Bob
Robert F. Dorr
3411 Valewood Drive
Oakton, Virginia 22124
(703) 264-8950
robert.f.dorr@cox.net
The book is available from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble. Be sure to see all of the fine books by Bob Dorr from our Bookstore area and all fine booksellers.
==============================================
7. Membership
==============================================
Consider supporting the mission of the Korean War Project by donations in
the form of Membership/Sponsorship
Membership: www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html
==============================================
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 for being part of the Korean War Project family!
==============================================
9. RAO Bulletin News for Vets and Current Service
==============================================
It has been a long time since we posted the link to Jim Tichacek's great monthly bulletin on anything related to military. This email delivered newsletter is chocked full of topics.
Tricare, widow's benefits, you name it, Jim has the data.
Jim requests that individuals subscribe by sending an email with the subject line RAO Bulletin. Then, email to:
raoemo@sbcglobal.net
The following are a couple of this month's topics:
Tricare One Year Limit (Overseas 2008 Waiver)
Certificate of Creditable Coverage (Eligibility)
Camp Lejeune Toxic Exposure Guests Health Risk)
CRDP/CRSC Option (2009 Open Season)
Mobilized Reserve 25 NOV 08(349 Increase)
VA Lawsuit (Randen Harvey)(PTSD Suicide)
Medicare Enrollment w/Disability(Waiting Period)
Locating Veterans (How To)
Sam's Club Military Open House (1 & 15 DEC)
DOD Disability Eval System (Chu at it Again)
DOD Disability Eval System [13](Cbt-Related Definition)
Unapproved Prescription Drugs (No FDA Master List)
COLA 2010 (OCT 1.3% Drop)
SBP Paid Up Provision [07](Appeal Process)
Agent Orange & Heart Disease (Correlation Found)
Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek, USN (Ret)
Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RP
PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517
Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines.
==============================================
10. Camp Lejeune Toxic Exposure (RAO)
==============================================
The following notice is lifted from the RAO Bulletin.
CAMP LEJEUNE TOXIC EXPOSURE UPDATE 02: The Marine Corps is searching for at least 500,000 people who have visited Camp Lejeune, NC, and could be at risk for health problems due to the drinking water on base.
Chemicals from a building used to wash clothes for dry cleaning and de-greasing were found in the water system. More than 80,000 people have registered, which is only a fraction of the veterans and visitors who could be
affected. Those who have visited or lived on the base between 1957 and 1987 should register by visiting the Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune Water Study website https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clsurvey/ or by calling (877) 261-9782. [Source: NAUS Weekly Update 26 Nov 08 ++]
==============================================
11. 62nd Engineer Bn Photography
==============================================
Al Moldroski writes:
I have computed the photographic activities of the the activities of the 62nd Engineers in Korea for the years of 1950 to 1952.
.If anyone is interested
Please contact me at moldroski@comcast.net
Al was with both the 62nd and 85th Engineer Construction Bn's.
Both Al and the KWP were interviewed by CNN for an extended airing in 1999. The transcripts should still be available at CNN.
==============================================
12. USS Chatterer AMS-40 Request ==============================================
Several years ago, Mike Koffler posted a message. We no longer have contact for him.
Jerry Beckley writes:
To: Mike Koffler
I am trying to locate the first names for three of the USS Chatterer's officers; the CO, LT. Odem; the XO, LT. Castle; and the Gunnery Officer, LT (jg) Miller.
Also, I am interested in an action that occurred during a night sweep during the June-July timeframe, in which a mine was hauled in and almost struck the STB davit. LT. Castle was awarded the Silver Star during this action.
Regards,
Jerry E. Beckley
CWO, USN (Ret)
Formerly GM3 while on USS Chatterer AMS-40
beckley1933@bigriver.net
==============================================
13. Purple Heart for POW's update
==============================================
From Press Release, excerpt:
DoD Revises Purple Heart Eligibility Criteria To Allow Award To POWs Who Die In Captivity
The Department of Defense announced today it has expanded
the Purple Heart eligibility criteria allowing prisoners-of-war who died in captivity to receive the award
The revised department policy presumes, for service members
who die in captivity as a qualifying prisoner-of-war, that their death was the "result of enemy action," or the result of wounds incurred "in action with the
enemy" during capture, or as a result of wounds incurred as a "result of enemy action" during capture, unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.
The revised policy allows retroactive award of the Purple Heart to qualifying prisoners-of-war since Dec. 7, 1941. Posthumous award will be made to the
deceased service member's representative, as designated by the secretary of the military department concerned, upon application to that military department.
Each military department will publish application procedures and ensure they are accessible by the general public. Family members with questions may contact the services: Army: Military Awards Branch, (703) 325-8700;
Navy: Navy Personnel Command, Retired Records Section, (314) 592-1150; Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center, (800) 616-3775; Marine Corps: Military Awards Branch, (703) 784-9340.
For further information, media representatives should contact Eileen Lainez, (703) 695-3895,
Editor Note: email address upon request
US. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Public Affairs)
==============================================
14. Smithsonian - John Rich "One Man's Korean War
==============================================
The Smithsonian website has a fantastic article on John Rich, the reporter/photographer.
I missed getting notice out on the televised presentation. This web view really stands out.
Link: www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/korean-war.html
==============================================
15. Open request for Navy helicopter stories
==============================================
From Phil Poisson helos4ever@cox.net
Open request for Navy helicopter stories:
The Naval Helicopter Historical Society (NHHS) in conjunction with the USS Midway and others are developing a museum exhibit dedicated solely to the evolution and history of Navy helicopters. This exhibit currently under
development is scheduled to open in the spring of 2009 aboard USS Midway.
This exhibit is planned to be a state of the art display including a well
documented time line with a focus on specific periods such as Korea and Vietnam to name a few. Also included will be artifacts and interactive displays.
One of the key elements of this exhibit will be the presentation,
documentation and role of the human element in navy helicopter aviation past and present. To support this objective NHHS is soliciting stories from any time period regarding an event which one may consider relevant and
appropriate which can be told in this exhibit.
NHHS is looking for stories connected to search and rescue, combat missions and others while working aboard carriers and other ships or
locations. These stories can relate to both successes and failures which illustrate the inherent risks in our occupation.
There are no constraints with a submission other than that stories be factual
and contain names and dates as best possible. Supporting documentation in any form would be greatly appreciated as well. As an example: Do you know of stories that were filmed or photographed? Do you have stories that also
have an artifact that may be interesting – ie a letter, pictures, flight gear, or something collected during a mission?
These stories, when put together, will show a clear picture of the advances of
navy helicopter aviation through personal experience.
In order to make our scheduled opening, initial responses are requested by the end of December 2008. However, inputs should be submitted on a
continuing basis to report significant occurrences throughout all past, presence and future operations. This is an ongoing project.
Please submit information or inquiries as follows:
NHHS
P.O. Box 974
Bonita, CA 91908-0974
nhhsmidway@yahoo.com or
Phone 619.889.7660
==============================================
16. History of Davey Crockett Units in South Korea
==============================================
U.S. Military Camps and Target Training Areas, South Korea: History of Davy Crockett Units in South Korea:
I am asking for your project's support, which is very much needed to continue our History of Davy Crockett Units in South Korea.
While we have current maps of U.S. camps in South Korea, we lack terribly in
historical materials (maps, aerials, still photos, documents, etc.) at U.S. Army Camps and their Target Ranges between 1960 and 1969.
Regarding our History of Davy Crockett Units in West Germany, we have
been fortunate to have received historical materials (maps, aerials, still photos, documents, etc.) from organizations and individuals soldiers who kept such items (even though some of which had been considered classified
at the time)to help us in our historical endeavor.
If the possibility exists for historical info and if your organization approves, we would appreciate any kind of assistance you may be able to provide. We
have found many veterans do not consider their information enough. But, every "bit of info" helps us to piece the history puzzle together.
If you are willing, please contact me to discuss any options you may find worthwhile.
We would very much appreciate your assistance and your advice.
Respectfully,
Fred Miller
Frederick T. Miller
Historian
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
St. Louis District
Attention: CEMVS-EC-P
1222 Spruce Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Telephone: Commercial (314) 331-8792
Fax: Commercial (314) 331-8828
Email: (editor, redacted for privacy)
==============================================
17, Email spam and security concerns
==============================================
We saved the ugly stuff for the end of this newsletter. Since the middle of September, spam and phishing email has increased. Even though the Washington Post helped to stop the largest US based spam companies
during the middle of November, it is getting worse again.
Our ISP (Internet Service Provider) blocked a quarter of a million spam directed to Ted, just on one day in October.
Last week the Dept of Defense had serious issues with Russian hackers. That led to some severe throttling of computer usage.
Somehow on the day the DOD was hit, our mail server passed along an email
which contained a link that was considered improper. The result was a partial block on email delivery.
Restrictions on email newsletters like ours are increasing. Many providers are
now restricting the number of simultaneous email delivered to their end users.
These changes and restrictions may mean that the KWP will have to change how we communicate with you.
After this newsletter is outbound, the response from Service Providers will give the KWP a clue as to the proper next step.
Spam now makes up for 98 percent of all email delivered. What fun, eh?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hal and Ted Barker |
