Entry: 78137
Subject: LOOKING FOR MILITARY MEMBERS
Earl Rowell wrote on March 9, 2011
City and State: CHICAGO IL
Unit: COMPANY H
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: Looking for buddies that fought with me in Korea
I retired in 1969 from ft Riley ks
Entry: 77456
Subject: BOBBY COX
Richard Cox wrote on January 13, 2011
Email Update Needed
City and State: ALBUQUERQUE NM
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My fathers name was Bobby Cox and he was with Heavy Mortar Co 21st Inf Regt from abt 6/51 - 5/52. He passed away on 7/27/08, he never talked abt the war, he said he drove a jeep for a Sgt1st Class who got promoted to Lt. I would like to hear from anyone who new him or might have pictures of him in korea. Pls contact me at 505-294-5282 or @ gunny-0369@hotmail.com.
Keywords: Heavy Mortar Co 21st Inf regt
Entry: 75044
Subject: DID YOU KNOW PVT. JAMES CRAWFORD/FLA.
Gloria Rozier wrote on June 12, 2010
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I am looking for anyone who might have known or served with my uncle Pvt. James Crawford, from Tallahassee, Florida, Korean War. I was told that he drove a supply truck. I don't know how long he served, but was told he was sent home, after being captured by the enemy. The enemy later released him to walk back to base, barefoot in the snow. His feet were severely frost bitten. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Keywords: nicknames, battles, personal friends, units, frost bitten feet, supply truck, tallahassee, florida.
Entry: 75036
Subject: TWIN TUNNEL
Earl Koyama wrote on June 11, 2010
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Seeking anyone who participated in the Twin Tunnel action or have knowledge of a Harold P. Mueller who was a 2nd Lt. at that time.
Keywords: Twin Tunnel
Entry: 75029
Subject: F COMPANY 24TH
Earl Koyama wrote on June 10, 2010
City and State: HONOLULU HI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: Seeking parties who participated in Korea with
a then 2nd Lt. Harold P. Mueller during the period of 1950-51.
I am attempting to put a book together and am seeking
any and all information possible re: HPM
Thank you
Keywords: Twin Tunnels
Entry: 74983
Subject: COMPANY C 24TH REGIMENT KOREAN WAR
Kathy Horner wrote on June 6, 2010
City and State: HOUSTON TX
Unit: COMPANY C 24TH REGIMENT
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I would love to hear from anyone that might know more about Comany C, 24th regiment during the Korean War. My father was acting commander from 4-17-1951 to 9-16-1951.I beleive he may have written up the recommendation for Medal of Honor Receipient Corneilus Charlton. He never spoke much about the war.He passed away in 1985. My brother and I are very interested in learing more about this very important time in American history.
Keywords: Company C Jim Ammerman First Lieutenant, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Wagae Korea ,Unsan Korea. Corneilus Charlton, 24th regiment
Entry: 74621
Subject: LOOKING FOR DETAILS ON PFC ROSAMOND JOHNSON WHO DIED JULY 26, 1950
Alison Davenport wrote on May 7, 2010
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran
Comments: Looking for the two wounded that he rescued before being killed in action that day.
Keywords:
Entry: 74547
Subject: ROGER DEALBERT CUMMINGS
Rich Williams wrote on May 1, 2010
City and State: BOISE ID
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Anyone know of my uncle, Roger D. Cummings from Stockton, CA. His brothers and Sisters loved and missed him until the day they passed. He has one surviving sister, Elinor, who lives in Altadena. Having been born in 1954, I never got to know him and the family never much talked about him or the events surrounding his death. I think I heard that he was a tanker.
Keywords: 19th Infantry Reg, 24th Infantry Reg,
Entry: 73964
Subject: CO. A 24TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
Richard Gazarik wrote on March 17, 2010
City and State: PA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: I am looking for veterans of Co. A of the 24th Infantry Regiment who may have served with Lt. Leon A. Gilbert Jr. during the korean war.
Keywords:
Entry: 73824
Subject: PHOTOS OF MY GRANDFATHER?
Hugh Jordan III wrote on March 6, 2010
City and State: REDFORD MI
Unit: 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I am looking for any images of my grandfather. His name was Louis Westfall from Plymouth,MI. He served in Korea in 1950. Our family has just two pictures of him in uniform. I would like to see if anyone has photos that may list him. I thank you for your help.
Keywords:
Entry: 73557
Subject: WILLIAM F. MCMANUS
David Mcmanus wrote on February 14, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: NJ
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: does anyone know my father -- he served in the early part of the korean war -- his name is william f. mcmanus from nj
Entry: 73451
Subject: MY UNCLE JOSE ARTURO (TURY) GUERRA
Eric Guerra wrote on February 6, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Looking for anyone that has any info on my uncle.
Keywords:
Entry: 72821
Subject: 25TH ID 24TH INF REG
Albert Symon wrote on December 18, 2009
City and State: OAKLAND CA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Albert L. Symon received a posthumous Purple Heart, KIA 14 Sep 50.
I was born in 1956 but was given the honor of his name, a curious distinction. Very little info exact unit, company, etc and lots of background story about the battles, etc. I cannot place my uncle in any certain context nor can be convinced of what the circumstances of his demise might have been. Anyone knowing Albert Lee would have also known about his boxing prowess for which there are various photographs taken while his unit was stationed in Japan.
I don't care about all the hype, one way or the other, except that everyone get closure and know the multitudes who we are all indebted to. So many last names, with little to go on, so little information. We, the descendants, of so many races and walks, had common ancestors on the battle field. It would be very good to know that most of us alive today are connected by events we ourselves never shared. We are more family than we know.
I just need answers too.
Keywords: HASAN-BATTLE MOUNTAIN Aug-Sep 1950
Entry: 71989
Subject: DAD IN KOREA 1951
Dennis Meko wrote on October 16, 2009
City and State: WV
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments: My dad Robert Meko died 10/3/09 and was in Korea Jan 51 to 52. Shot machine gun, Bronze Star, 24th from Fort Knox. I have many pictures and a couple 8mm movies. I would like to share the experiences he told me. He would not talk about the war but did tell me a few things.
Keywords:
Entry: 71310
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ON JOHN C WARREN
Tim Holmes wrote on August 17, 2009
City and State: OMAHA NE
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I'm looking for Information on John C Warren. He was seriously wounded in action by a missile in 1951 later died in 1958.
Thanks.
Keywords:
Entry: 71246
Subject: SEEKING PERSONAL RECORDS WHICH WERE DESTROYED IN FIRE
Melbourne Bernard Lawton wrote on August 13, 2009
Email Update Needed
City and State: OAKWOOD GA
Unit: 24TH REGIMENT-25TH DIVISION
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Seeking information of military status and all other information, so family records and war history...
Keywords:
Entry: 70965
Subject: DOES ANYONE REMEMBER E.R. HOSTETLER JR.
Roberta Quick wrote on July 20, 2009
City and State: NILES MI
Unit: UNKNOWN
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father passed away on June 3, 2009 we're in the process of having a headstone made for him through the Veterans Adm., they say they have no record of him in Korea-the proof is in the pictures I have, but I would very much like to talk to someone he was there with.
Keywords: I have pictures taken while on hill 924 and 704 on or about Feb. 19, 1951
Entry: 70320
Subject: ANYONE KNEW OF SGT ROBERT EDMUND JOHNSON
Rodney Johnson SR. wrote on May 26, 2009
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: My great uncle was killed in Korea on Sept 16 ,1951, although i never met him i heard so much about him, he was in the army and got out but rejoined the service in 1950 because he was about to have a son whom he wanted to make sure he could provide for his child. If anyone knows anything about Sgt Johnson please let me know anything about him. he was from Norfolk Va.
Entry: 70283
Subject: ANY ONE WHO SERVED WITH PVT.RUDY VELASCO MESA
Rudy Morales Mesa JR. wrote on May 24, 2009
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: I was only 6 months old when my dad died in Korea, I have a few photos and a few stories. If anyone had contact with my dad, would like to hear from you. My dad was from Silver City New Mexico.
Keywords:
Entry: 70147
Subject: WAS ANYONE THERE ON JULY 30, 1950 1LT DALE C MORGAN JR
Elaine Bookwalter wrote on May 12, 2009
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Just wondering if anyone was at Sanju, Korea on the day he was killed.
Keywords: 1LT DALE C MORGAN JR
KIA - Silver Star
Entry: 68888
Subject: SGT. CHARLES NAPIER
Lee Olyer wrote on January 29, 2009
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Looking for any information on my uncle Charles Napier who was
presumed killed at the battle of Taejon in July 1950.
Keywords: Taejon, July 1950
Entry: 68418
Subject: A REALITY OF WAR AND THE AFTERMATH.
Curtis J. Morrow SR. wrote on December 28, 2008
City and State:
Unit: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/KOJOMAN75
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: A REALITY OF WAR AND THE AFTERMATH.
THIS INTERVIEW:
http://www.youtube.com/kojoman75
TOOK PLACE WELL BEFORE THE IRAQ WAR.
Shell-Shock, Battle-Fatigue or Combat Fatigue, now day it's called P,T,S,D... It was years before I realized I was a victim. Anyway, here's my story... Its A Reality of the war that I've lived with.
Hopefully this information will be of use to returning military personals, that have also experienced the horror of war.
Author of:
"WHAT'S A COMMIE EVER DONE TO BLACK PEOPLE?"
My Korean War Memoir.
See Bio and excrepts below:
http://www.youtube.com/kojoman75
IS BEST VIEWED IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE, LEFT TO RIGHT.
Keywords: Rifleman: G-Company, 1st Platoon 1st Squad 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Dec,4 1950 to Sept, 1st 1951
Entry: 67748
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW PFC JACKIE LEE MURDOCK 24TH INF DIV
John Craig wrote on November 5, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: ARMY-B CO 34 INF RGT 24 INF DIV
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Jackie was taken prisoner of war during the Tiger Death March on July 6, 1950 and later died while prisoner at Manpo "Cornfield" on October 29,1950. We would like information about him if anyone served with him.
Keywords: Tiger Death March, Manpo
Entry: 67653
Subject: FOUND A PICTURE
Weydan Flax wrote on October 28, 2008
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments: My mother passed away and going through her things, we discovered a picture of a child. On the back of the picture was written "This is a picture of my son. ............. My husband died in prison in Korea ................. It was signed Virginia.
Just trying to find out if any can shed any light on this
Keywords:
Entry: 66813
Subject: SGT. CORNELIUS H. CHARLTON
Bob Gumbs wrote on August 7, 2008
City and State: NEW YORK NY
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: Looking for members of the 24th Infantry Regiment who
served with Sgt.Cornelius H.Charlton during the Korean
War. He was killed in action June 2, 1951. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Keywords:
Entry: 66796
Subject: LOVE YOU FORECVER
Harold R. Edwards III wrote on August 5, 2008
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: Butch
Entry: 66624
Subject: DO KNOW MY UNCLE
Thomas Davis wrote on July 22, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State: JACKSONVILLE FL
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: TRYING TO FIND ANYONE THAT MIGHT OF EDWIN DAVIS "(BUCK) DURING THE KOREAN WAR. ASSIGNED TO 155 FIELD ARTILLERY 25TH DIVISION 24TH REGIMENT
Keywords: 155 field artillery 25th division 24th regiment Korea
Edwin Davis
Entry: 66382
Subject: LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO SERVED WITH SGT. DAVID L. WEST
Roland Lazenby wrote on July 7, 2008
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments:
Keywords: I am writing a biography of Jerry West. I am interested in talking to
anyone who served with his brother, Sgt. David L. West of the 35th
Infantry regiment, in Korea.
Entry: 66054
Subject: SGT DONALD EUGENE ROLLS
Christina Anderson wrote on June 13, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My mother recently had me doing some research on her deceased uncle Sgt Donald E. Rolls. I am really interested in learning more information on him. If anyone has anything, it would be greatly appreciated.
Keywords:
Entry: 65985
Subject: 1951 PICTURES FRONT LINES
Dennis Meko wrote on June 9, 2008
City and State: WV
Unit: DAD'S UNIT 24TH DIV REAR
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I have many pictures my dad took in Korea starting Jan 1951. The keywords above are in the pictures, one on a flag with 10 men, and the other on a warning sign. One picture says 24th Div Rear near Seol Askcom City Korea. Dad is Robert (Bob) Meko corporal with Bronze star. He trained in Fort Knox 1950 and was in first draft from West side Cleveland OH. I also have movies on the front lines that dad filmed.
I would enjoy some dialog.
Dennis R. Meko
Keywords: Peck Road Boys, McAllisters Houdlems
Entry: 65132
Subject: LOOKING FOR FRIENDS
Carmen Blake wrote on April 7, 2008
City and State:
Unit: HQ HQ CO
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father would like to locate anyone that was in his unit. He served in Korea from July 1950 to Aug 1951. He was in an all black unit. HQ HQ Co. 3rd bat. 24th infantry, 25th division. The untit was nicknamed the Duece 4 or Tropical Lightening. If there is anyone that has any info in regards to fellow peers, please email me. Thank you.
cmarieblake3@bellsouth.com
in search of friends; Charles Blackshear, Presley Giles,Bobby Holland, Paul Christian, Walter and Daniel Holt, Daniel Brown, Jesse Ferrell, Andrew Pittman
Keywords: looking for friends of my father, SFC Freckless Gibbs JR. He served in Korea from July 1950 - Aug 1951..
Entry: 64805
Subject: H COMPANY 1950
Herbert Douglas SR. wrote on March 19, 2008
City and State: LANDOVER MD
Unit: RET.
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 64540
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW PVT. EDWARD INGRAM 24TH INFANTRY
Stacy Bryant wrote on February 29, 2008
City and State: SPRINGFIELD OH
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: Edward was my mother's brother. I never knew him and he and my mother were separarted at an early age. They were 5 years apart in age and she would often speak of him. He was very young when he left for the war and she never saw him again. We would like to honor his memory with a scrap book if anyone could help.
Entry: 64539
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW PVT. EDWARD INGRAM 24TH INFANTRY
Stacy Bryant wrote on February 29, 2008
City and State: SPRINGFIELD OH
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: Edward was my mother's brother. I never knew him and he and my mother were separarted at an early age. They were 5 years apart in age and she would often speak of him. He was very young when he left for the war and she never saw him again. We would like to honor his memory with a scrap book if anyone could help.
Entry: 63750
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW PARRIS J. WATKINS
Misty Watkins wrote on January 9, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State: DEMOREST GA
Unit: 34TH INF. REGT.
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Mr. watkins was my papa. He was shot by a sniper and evaguated on 08/07/1950. My understanding is there were two other soilders with him. They found a cow and hauled him out on it's back. He did suvive the attack, and lived until 1999. Anyone with any information please contact me. Thank you in advance for any help.
Keywords: His military occupation speciality # was 00345, and he was part of the infantry
Entry: 63643
Subject: LOOKING FOR
Alfred Principe wrote on December 31, 2007
City and State:
Unit: 24TH INF
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: trying to help my father in law,alfred principe,of kenosha wisconsin, locate fellow combat veteran, george h. smith from providence r.i., former korean pow,he would like to speak with him again,thanks
Keywords: 24th infantry,korea
Entry: 63239
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT HAVE KNOWN CPL ALIN LEE SHARPE
Michael Meade wrote on November 30, 2007
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 62870
Subject: 24TH DIVISION PFC. MARVIN KOPPELMAN
Deidre Siegel wrote on November 6, 2007
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: Lt. Col. Charles Stratton recommended an Oak Leaf Cluster for my dad's gallantry on August 6, 1950 when his unit was overrun during a communist attack.
My dad, Marvin Koppelman, held off the enemy until the rest of his men could pull out. He won his first Silver Star previous to this. Anyone who knew my dad is encouraged to contact me to share memories!!
Entry: 62619
Subject: CAMP HAKATA 1949-1951 PHOTOS
Iris Hall wrote on October 16, 2007
City and State: ELGIN SC
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father-in-law Private David Earl Hall passed away in July 2006. He also never talked about his time in Korea. Dad was a great photographer and was very friendly with everyone in Camp Hakata, Japan ( West lower Honshu side near Korea) during 1949-1952. He meet his wife, Mineko there and married her in July 1951. We found a scrapbook of names and photos of his friends along with a few items his mother saved from the newspaper. I cannot say whether they were all in B company or not.
Here is a list of the last name or full names as I have found them on the photos: Pat Ambercrombie, ? Alveraze (not sure of spelling) (from Puerto Rico), Guy Banner, Ronald K. Davis, Charles Debois, ? Dawson, Capt. ? Dexter, ? Griffis, Sgt. ? Hale, Johnny Hay, Sgt. ? Halzey, John Hughs, ? Jimenize, Lee Morton, ? Maylove or Malone, Jessie Meirs , ? Osolia, ? Miller, PFC ? Mikell (and wife), PFC ? Pedro (black man), ? Shemial, ? Sutton, Jay Twin or Twiss or Twist, Alex Vinstram, ? Williams, Sgt. ? White, Joe Wszlok, Cpl. ? Pina (looks Hispanic), Cpl. ? Hal, ? Upp, and ? Kadaine. Some photos do not have names and I am trying to find out who they are. Some of these names are just listed in a newspaper clipping with no photos.
Please contact me by e-mail first so I can send a digital photo. After you verify that it is indeed your Korean vet then I will send you the original photo. I am trying to do this to Honor my Father-in-Law so please be honest.
Keywords: Camp Hakata,first wave, photos, buddies, B company, UN conflict.
Entry: 62430
Subject: CAMP GIFU,JAPAN 1945
Edward Doran wrote on September 26, 2007
Email Update Needed
City and State: OSWEGO NY
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Does anyone recall my grandfather the assistant post commander at Camp Gifu,Japan; Maj.John F."Jack" Casey? 24th Inf Reg Stationed from 1945 until Korean War began.His nickname was "Black Jack" Casey (he was white of course) I wonder if anyone can tell me under what circumstances he received his Bronze Star in Korea? Battles?? Was he any more or less racist than the average 1940's white officer? He retired a Lt.Col and passed away in 1983 of stomach cancer.
Keywords: "Black Jack" Casey,Camp Gifu,Japan,Major Porter (construction),Mr Takenaka(construction contractor),Number "10"(Post handyman)
Entry: 62368
Subject: ROBERT ANTHONY BARNES
Rod Teamer wrote on September 21, 2007
City and State: NEW ORLEANS LA
Unit: 24 INFANTRY REGIMENT, 25 INFANTRY DIVSION
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I am looking for anyone that knew Robert Anthony Barnes also known as Bobby. He was listed as MiA on Nov 30, 1950. I am helping my father in law learn more about his brother's service/death in Korea. If you know anything about what happened to K Co or any survivors.
Keywords: K Co, Bobby Barnes
Entry: 61608
Subject: LOOKING FOR ZENOS ATLAS
Albert Costa wrote on July 12, 2007
City and State: PORT RICHEY FL
Unit: 19TH REGIMENT A COMPANY
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Looking for fellow infantryman Zenos Atlas.
Have been unable to locate him.
He saved my life on a mountainside after I stepped on a mine near Kaesong.
Would like any information available. Also, like to hear from fellow veterans from our unit 19th Infantry Regiment.
Keywords: Yalu River
Inchon
Wejon Bu
Entry: 61508
Subject: NAME OF THE SHIP THAT WRECKED IN THE SEA OF JAPAN IN NOV OR DEC OF 1951. I WAS ON THAT SHIP
Lonnie C. Poindexter SR. wrote on July 3, 2007
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: I was in company M of the 24th Inf Reg and my unit was being rotated back to the States after deactivation of all black army units in Korea. I have been trying to remember the name of the ship that wrecked and was transporting us, from Pusan to Japan for our retrun trip to the States.
Entry: 61361
Subject: LOOKING FOR INFO ON MY GRANDFATHER
Robert Huitt wrote on June 22, 2007
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My grandfather passed away and I would love to learn more about his history in Korea. he left japan and got to korea in 1950 and was captured in dec of 50 and was a pow until 1953.
Keywords: Benjamin D. Tolerson, company "c", 24th regiment, 25th infantry division. Battles at Baldy, Bloody peak, Taegue, yeachon, etc.Pusan.
Entry: 59910
Subject: NATIVE AMERICANS KILLED IN KOREA THAT WERE STATION AT FT.GORDON
Rokon Ryder wrote on February 3, 2007
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Looking for possible relative who was killed in Korea around 1952 who was stationed at Ft.Gordon.
Keywords: Native Americans killed in Korea
Entry: 59647
Subject: A REALITY OF WAR AND THE AFTERMATH
Curtis J. Morrow SR. wrote on January 18, 2007
City and State: CHICAGO IL
Unit: 24TH RCT
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments: An Earlier Review by Ian Ralston Posted 30 September 2003:
Although the title of Whats A Commie Ever Done To Black
People: A Korean War Memory clearly suggests that this book will be
about the war recollections of a young African American soldier, this
work is in fact more far reaching. In the first section the author
recounts his experiences of training and eventual combat in Korea, in
almost forensic detail. The horror of the conflict and its impact on
American soldiers, Korean civilians and Korean troops (both North and
South) is portrayed in vivid and often disturbing detail. The many and
detailed verbal exchanges the author recounts also highlight the
contradictions many African Americans troops faced whilst fighting for
freedom but at the same time (mainly recounted by the conversations
with soldiers from the American deep south) the inequalities and
racism faced (back) in America. In later sections the author recounts
his growing awareness of the world outside the USA. Consequently, the
text could also be considered a personal rite of passage, yet despite
this the reader is often left with the feeling of wanting to know more
about the authors life, family and aspirations before joining the
military. The sections dealing with his recuperation from injury, court
martial and service in Japan, add weight to the authors views
regarding the nature of military life. Particularly of significance are the
recollections of Japan that seem to draw together both his ability to
play the system in order to survive, and to find purpose. His increased
awareness of place, his extensive sexual activities (that say much
about male attitudes, particularly at time of war) and growing sense of
awareness brought on by the experience of war and the military culture
are also apparent, though not often comfortable for the reader. This
is particularly the case regarding attitudes to women. The point of
awareness and sense of identity is highlighted in his discussions with a
fellow (African American) soldier over their African heritage and
history. I first took it as a racist insult. How dare he connect me with
Africa, me, an American soldier that had proven myself on the
battlefield and ..later during that night and .I thought of my grandfather and
.telling us small kids that his father had told him he was an African and
..then I too was of African descent. The realization startled me. How
could I be so stupid? Then I realized it wasnt so much stupidity as
ignorance and (page 126) There is also, in the later section of the text,
some ominous foreshadowing when the author recounts his service
with an airborne unit dropping supplies to the French in Vietnam.
Overall, this text makes a valid contribution to not only the study of
oral history of war, (particularly the too often neglected area of Korea)
but also to studies of masculinity and African American identity. This is
achieved essentially through the strongly narrative driven nature of the
text.
A FLASHBACK, of an incident and conversation that took place 53 years
ago, while station in southern Japan.In the beginning, I, like many
other teenage soldiers, had volunteered in a quest for adventure. I also
volunteered to be a paratrooper and was trained to jump from ?ying
aircraft's and kill people if ordered to do so. For a moment my
thoughts drifted back to my base and the occasion when I, along with
two other troopers, would practice throwing knives. We would do it just
to kill time, but it was a favorite thing with us and we got very good at
it. Barbarians? Yes, we had been taught to kill like barbarians when
called on to do so. There was no denying it. But to me, then
approaching my nineteenth year of existence, it was just a way of life.I
began telling Kaeko how we had been taught from infancy to serve our
country, even to the point of sacrificing our lives if need be. I told her
that as young boys we were told there was no greater honor than to die
on the ?eld of battle, fighting for freedom and justice for mankind.
That was when Kaeko shocked the shit out of me. "Then, my hero,
judging from the actions of your white countrymen, you were ?ghting
in the wrong country. You were fighting the wrong people. The people
you fought in Korea never harmed you. They never called you coons
or monkeys that lived in trees. They never enslaved, raped, murdered,
hung, or falsely prosecuted you for the pleasure of doing it. Then after
a short pause she added, We Japanese were taught that by divine right
we should conquer and rule the Far East. We were taught that our
military forces were invincible and that no army or race of people on
earth were superior to ours." The two of us had been lying across our
bed near an open window on a hot August day, enjoying the occasional
cool evening breeze that blew our way. After the initial shock of her
statement, my ?rst thought was, Could she be a communist? (the
buzz word used in the 1950s). But the fact of the matter was she had
just told me like it was. We must have lain there an hour before
another word was spoken. Then she ?nally said, So you see, my lover,
we are all barbarians when it pleases us." Or when we feel our MIGHT,
is MIGHTIER, than others.
It was 33 years before I could bring myself to speak (later to write) of
my experience in korea as a Combat Infantry Rifleman... Thus; My
Korean War Memoir of Fighting in the U.S. Army's Last All Black Combat
Unit. Psychologically we Black Americans are encouraged from
childhood, not to speak or write of our black heroic deeds.. We are
encouraged not to do so by our parents, relatives and well meaning
friends. The reason is they;re fearful it'll make (White) people uneasy..
So when those amongst us do it, we're accused of boasting, praising
the evils of wars, or being some kind of radical. Some go as far as to
say that such stories put wrong ideas in the heads of our younger
generation, when in reality it leaves them with a sense of pride, and
knowledge of their history. I became aware of that while living
amongst our ancestors in Africa; to this day they sing about the
glorious deeds their ancestors performed hundreds years ago in war
and peace..Writing this book was one of the most difficult decision of
my life. But perhaps it'll serve as an inspiration to other Black-veterans,
to tell their stories,, our history.Perhaps, if I had known then at the
ages 17, what I know now, I too might've stayed home and remained in
school. But I didn't.. I chose the road of adventure, The Creator spared
me,, perhaps to add this chapter, to the history of African-Americans
in the making of this country; to pass it on, so that all should know,.
that the freedom and privilege we now enjoy, many fought and died for
it..
http://www.myspace.com/koreanwarmemoir
Keywords: BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Entry: 59568
Subject: FRIENDS OF RAY OR SEBASTIAN (CHICO) MADRIGAL
Rosie Madrigal wrote on January 12, 2007
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: looking for friends or old photos of my dad and his brother, my dad passed away oct 05 and i want more memeoies of him. thanks he was in korea in 1950-1954
Entry: 57912
Subject: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO SERVED COMPANY A 24TH INFANTRY
Pamela McGowin wrote on June 30, 2006
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Died November 26, 1953
Keywords: Company A
1st BAttalion
24th Infantry Regment
25th Ifantry division
Entry: 57549
Subject: INFORMATION ON RUDY VELASCO MESA
Diana Sackin wrote on June 6, 2006
City and State: RIVER VALE NJ
Unit: I CO 29 INF RGT 24 INF DIV _ARMY
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Would anyone be able to help me find out more information on my fathers brother named Rudy Velasco Mesa. He was from Silver City, New Mexico.
I CO 29 INF RGT 24 INF Div-Army
All my family received according to my dad was that he had been a POW- Killed while captured. That is it.
Date of final Status July 27,1950. I don't know what this means. Date he was no longer accounted for or present with his unit or the actual date he died.
His son and his remaining brothers would like to know more or if anyone knew of him or served with him. Any information would be greatly appreciated.Please contact me if you could help me to locate more information or direct me please.
Thank You.
Diana Sackin
Keywords:
Seaching Info on RUDY VELASCO MESA
Entry: 57242
Subject: THOMAS LYNN WARREN C COMPANY - LOOKING FOR FRIENDS
Aleshia Warren wrote on May 20, 2006
Email Update Needed
City and State: HATTIEVILLE AR
Unit: 25TH INFINTRY
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: He also remembers he was in company c - 2nd platoon.
Anyone who remembers him plese contact us . Thank you.
Keywords: My dads name is Thomas Lynn Warren , his memory is getting bad , he would like to get in contact with other vets that served with him , he is from Mississippi looking for James Riley , Walter O or A ?? <
Leon Varner ? Please contact with any info , Thanks