KCOMZ - Headquarters

Army BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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Richard Oropeza wrote on October 30, 2018

Email Update Needed

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City and State: LA PUENTE CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: My father Lionel Oropeza served in Korea from 1952 to 1954. He was with the Long lines Bn, KCOMZ. He remembered last names of Bujanda, Raybolt and others. He passed away on April 6, 2018, after 86 years and five children and many grandchildren.

Keywords: KCOMZ 1952 to 1954

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John E. Wheeler SR. wrote on February 7, 2013

Send Email To JOHN E. WHEELER

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City and State: STOCKTON CA

Unit: 29TH REGIMENTAL -US ARMY

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: Headquarters Camp Sukaran-Played at quarterback for
US 7th Army Football team. Travelled all over-Clarke
AF Base, Azuki Japan etc. Played Marines at Camp
Sujaran. Looking to talk to anyone that was there at
that time and hopefully played ball with me. Thx for
your memory search. I am 76 now also.

Keywords: Pete Edson - Norm Van Sant-Jim Travanetti-Bob Sheeley
played on US 7th Army Football Team

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Larry Johnson wrote on October 28, 2012

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: LONG LINES BATTALION

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: I was on Salem VHF by Taegue from Oct. 1957 to Dec.
1958. I was a radio operator. Father Charly as we
knew him, walked the 3.5 miles to vist with us and
hold services. I was there in the summer of 1958
when a statue was carried up on a choggie boys back.
I am not a Catholic but we all loved his
visits. Larry

Keywords: Salem vhf

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Debra Rickman wrote on March 22, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: OAK RIDGE MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: My uncle met Father Meeus in China while in the army. My uncle said Father Meeus was involved with the Berma Road Project. He was a missionary priest. He is probably one of the reasons my uncle became a priest. My uncle kept in touch with him over the years after he was out of the military. My uncle is deceased now but I have the letters of correspondence that my uncle kept over the years, I can copy them and share them if you are interested. I believe I remember a newspaper article in my uncles belongings when Father Meeus came to visit him.

Keywords:

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Francoise Faulkner wrote on March 17, 2010

Send Email To FRANCOISE FAULKNER

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City and State: BRUTON

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I notice that some people are trying to find information on Father Charles
L Meeus who was chaplain in Taegu from the 1950s to the 1970s. Please
contact me as I knew Father Meeus in the 1970s and know about his life.

Keywords: Father Meeus, chaplain Taegu, Carmel Mission Taegu, Belgian missionary,
Father Charles L Meeus, China, KMAG, Korea MIlitary Advisory Group, Our
Lady of Salem, Night Cap Mountain, Salem VHF Site, Salem Top, Mount
Kumo

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RIchard Oropeza wrote on June 25, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State: LA PUENTE CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: When I first wrote a message on this website, I was mistaken, I father went to basic and comm school at
Camp San Luis Obispo, very few renants are left from the old days. The Southwest Comm School was open during the Korean War and he also tells me about mustering out in a camp by Pittsburg, CA back in 1954. THe highest rank he achieved was corporal. His name is Lionel Oropeza and this year 2009 he will be 76.

Keywords: KCOMZ 1952 to 1954

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James Cannon SR. wrote on January 17, 2009

Send Email To JAMES CANNON

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City and State: BARTLETT TN

Unit: KCOMZ AIR SECTION

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: NEED SOMEONE WHO KNEW ME WHEN I WAS HOSPITALIZED IN JULY 1954 WITH MALARIA.SURE WOULD HELP ME.
901 3887363 901 2333010 OR SON 9013827695 9013597695
THANKS

JIM CANNON

Keywords: OCT 1953 TO FEB 1955 KCOMZ A3 AIR SECTION,TAGUE
JIM CANNON,CONTROL TOWER OPERATOR, GEORGE GOODWIN,PARKER,
PAUL SULLIVAN,TED ADAMS,LAGRONE,PAPALARDO,JOHN C MITCHELL,JOHN COSTIGAN,JOE LACARI,JERRY INGBER,BURLISON,
JACK TALLMAN,LEE SUK WOO,KIM IL SONG,SGT ENGLES.

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Jane Battle wrote on November 13, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BEACON NY

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I would love to know if Father is still alive and where he is living. He made a great impact on the students at Cathedral High School. I use him as an example for my eight year olds in Grade 3, St Mary's religious education program, Fishkill, New York.

Keywords: Cathedral High School student at Father Meeus (Father Plumblossom) retreat in 1947.

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Richard Oropeza wrote on June 24, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: LA PUENTE CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Dad, Lionel Oropeza was a Corporal stationed in Korea during the war, when I was born in April 1953.
He has a few memories of his time in Korea and with age is fading. Was drafted in 1952, went to boot camp at Fort Ord, did his comm training at Camp San Luis Obispo at the comm school there, before going to Korea with KCOMMZ. If anyone remembers him please send us an email message, thanks.

Keywords: KCOMZ 1952 to 1954

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David Miller wrote on June 13, 2008

Send Email To DAVID MILLER

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: Like to find guys I played with

Keywords: 7th Army football team 1951-1952,
7th Army basketball team 1951-1952,
played with Leon Hart-All American Notre Dame

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James Ellis wrote on February 4, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BARTOW FL

Unit: HQ CO 7 T.P.C.C. PUSAN PIER 1

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: Went North Hq Co 2d Bn. 7th Div.- Sailed from Seattle in 1954 on the USS Randal- Returned from Inchon in 1956 on the USS Mitchell

Keywords: Supply Sgt - Rain. Annex 1 Room 7A Hdq Co-7th Port- Williams, Hart, Bundy, Ferguson, Caplin, Copeland

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Ronald Beard wrote on December 22, 2007

Send Email To RONALD BEARD

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City and State: SPRING TX

Unit: KCOMZ AVIATION SECTION

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: Anyone who served in KCOMZ air section 1954-1955 Taegu and Pusan.

Keywords: A-33

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Brandy Thomas wrote on September 3, 2007

Send Email To BRANDY THOMAS

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments:

Keywords: My grandfather Calvin Lloyd Ardon served in WW2 and Korea. He was in the Big Red 1. I am looking for anyone who knew him or may have served with him. He is slowly sliping away from us. and I thought it would be nice to find people who knew him. Please email me if you or someone you know knew him. Or even if you may know where to find any other info. THANK YOU

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James Highful wrote on January 24, 2006

Send Email To JAMES HIGHFUL

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City and State: BROKEN BOW OK

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: looking for anyone that knew my father?

Keywords: KCOMZ 9th inf reg

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Dave Larsh wrote on April 4, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BOWMANVILLE ON

Unit: INF REGT-29TH RCT

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am the son of William L Larsh, my dad fought in the Korean War. He was in the 29th Regement and was wounded on August 21/1950.

My father died many years ago at the age of 42. I never did get a chance to talk to him about his experiences in Korea. I would like to talk to anyone that knew my father or served in the 29th Regiment in or around 1950.

Thanks

Keywords: LARSH WILLIAM L, Inf Regt-29th RCT, wounded 1950/08/21, assault Taegu

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Charles (Chuck) Warnock wrote on February 16, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PORTLAND OR

Unit: 8214TH A.U. AFKN HQ.

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was stationed at Hq. AFKN from January 1954 to April 1955 when the Hq. was moved to Seoul. Anyone with less than 90 days till ratation was transferred. Ronnie Gomez and I were transferred to the 7th Transportation Port Command in Pusan.
We rotated in May 1955 and came back to San Francisco on the General J. C. Breckenridge. Interested in contacting anyone assigned to listed units at that .time

Keywords: Hq. AFKN, Radio Station KILROY, "Taegu Military Post, Hq. KcomZ

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Earl Tutt Lambert wrote on February 3, 2003

Send Email To EARL TUTT LAMBERT

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City and State: LOVELAND OH

Unit: HQS, KCOMZ-REAL ESTATE DIV, 53-54

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea

Comments: Looking for anyone who served in the Real Estate Div,
Hqs, KCOMZ from 1953-54 while stationed at Taegu.
This was my 2nd Korean tour as I served with the
822nd Engineers at K-2 in 1951-52. I owe much to the
listed men above.

Keywords: Lt. Kinney, Romano, Scott McIntyre

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Lynn Montjoy JR. wrote on January 16, 2003

Deceased

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City and State:

Unit: TAEGU MILITARY POST

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea

Comments: 50th anniversary reunion for those of us stationed at Taegu Military Post (K Com Z) 1953-1954. Planning to meet in Las Vegas either spring or fall of 2003. Championship K Com Z flag football team of 1953 very much alive and spearheading reunion. If interested, please e-mail me at montoal@aol.com.

Keywords: TMP Reunion '53-'54

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Raymond Borchers SR. wrote on January 9, 2003

Send Email To RAYMOND BORCHERS

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City and State: LAVALLE WI

Unit: FAR EAST LONG LINES SIGNAL GROUP

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea

Comments: stationed at San-Wan-ni
Pusan open wire station at Hialiah Compond 2nd logisticalcommand

If possible I would like to find out as much as possible about a reunion for the Far East Long Lines Signal Group.

Keywords:

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John R. Carpenter wrote on July 5, 2002

Send Email To JOHN R. CARPENTER

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City and State: LA MESA CA

Unit: SPEC UNIT ATTACHED TO ROK CAPITOL DIV - IX CORP

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Subj: Korean War 1953 Bloody Ridge

I am researching combat action between the dates of 20 June 1953 to about 27 July 1953 by an American Provisional AA Battery on Bloody Ridge. Bloody Ridge was then controlled by the ROK Capitol Division on the left flank of the Kumsong salient in the ROK IX Corp area during the last Chinese military offensive.
PLEASE NOTE: This unit was under the direct control of 8th Army Command.

This Provisional Anti-Aircraft (AA) Battery was in support of the ROK Capitol Division just behind the main line of resistance in a bunker complex near a small airfield being constructed. They were testing battlefield radar in conjunction with AA weapons for groundfire against expected enemy action. Provisions to keep the equipment and operators out of enemy hands if over run had been made.

This group had come from Germany (most voluntered from the 26th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division and were at Erlangen before they shipped out) to combat test the battlefield radar and had entered the line in Korea on 15 May 1953. During the ChinCom offensive, and for about 14 days they were surrounded. This group of 28 American and some 180-190 ROK troops held off or interdicted several enemy Divisions. Only 14 Americans and less than 100 ROK survived this bloody battle in the bunker complex.

Cpl. (acting Sgt.) Richard L. Carpenter was given a battlefield promotion by radio to 2nd Lt. (and as a ROK Major) shortly after the group was isolated and cutoff on the third day after all above him were killed or seriously wounded. He rejected twice the enemy's offer of surrender and provided a forward communications to interdict enemy movement and resupply.

Second Lt. Carpenter repeatedly rebuilt the automatic weapons knocked out of action from parts, maintained radio contact with 8th Army Command, provided interdiction information and helped keep most of the battlefield radar units operational for most of the battle.
Even though wounded, he managed to maintain his position against several strong enemy attacks severely crippling enemy action and movement in the area along Bloody Ridge and the valley it overlooked. Only 14 of the 28 Americans survived after being reinforced by elements of the ROK 6th Infantry Division on the right flank then from elements of the 17th Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division from the left flank in the afternoon of 20 July 1953. This area was not secure until 24 June 1953.

Because the battlefield radar was rated "Top Secret" and the end of the hostilities not much has been documented on this action. The radar units in combination with .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine guns (later dismounted) and 40 mm anti aircraft guns (knocked out early) disrupted many of the enemy attacks while they were forming up and attacking at night. Radio contact and observation of the valley roads at night by radar allowed friendly artillery to concentrate on the enemy supply and logestic units. This severely hindered the major enemy push. Air drops of batteries, medicine and ammo helped maintain the position.

The ChinCom wanted this position and the equipment it contained. They were attacked by Chinese field artillery and heavy artillery, bombed and straffed by Migs at least three times and assaulted by enemy ground troops repeatedly. Three offers of surrender were offered to the defenders. At least three major human wave attacks got close enough to engage in grenade and hand to hand combat. Artillery and automatic weapon fire aided by radar broke up most of the attacks before they could close.

Richard Carpenter is my father and I am slowly documenting the actions of his unit by historical records. As a side note, my father also engaged in long range sniping at distances of up to 2,500 yards (2280 meters) which took out several Chineese officers including at least one high ranking officer who had six body guards. This was done with a 32x power rifle scope drilled and tapped into a .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine gun that was fired single shot.

Sincerely,

John R. Carpenter
5850 Yorkshire Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942-2821
(619) 466-5735

Keywords: Bloody Ridge, Kumsong Salient,Steel line, ROK Capitol Division, Top Secret Battlefield Radar (in 1953!)
28 came from Erlangen, Germany 14 went home.
Battlefield commission to 2nd Lt - Richard Carpenter by radio by 8th Army Command
Quad 50, Twin 40s, Radar, Sniping with a .50

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Richard Donnelly wrote on June 27, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PHILADELPHIA PA

Unit: HQ. CO. KCOMZ

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was in Korea about seven months July 52 to Feb 53, most of my time was spent on a small air strip in Pusan. I was AN Airplane mechanic on a
L-19,L-21 Beaver and Navion. I am just trying to find out if any one is still around.
We just dedicated a new Korean War Memorial on
6-22-02 in Phila, Penna.
Hope to hear from some of you old Buddies

Dick Donnelly

Keywords: Sgt. Bill White,Cpl Alan Brunt Jim Reed

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Dave Goddard wrote on May 16, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: My friend, Bob Irwin, is trying to get info about Father Charles L. Meeus, a former Belgian missionary in China who was imprisoned there, then released. He went to Taegu and served as a contract Catholic military chaplain during the '50s and later founded the Carmel Mission there. We learned from the military ordinariate that he had died in April of 1974. Does anyone have memories or pictures they would like to share? It would mean alot. Thanks. Dave

Keywords: Bob Irwin, helicopter pilot

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Gustavo Adolfo wrote on August 4, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SALTA SA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: En Vietnam los norteamericanos recibieron su merecido. Fue una derrota vergonzosa. Soy Profesor de Historia y argentino.

Gustavo GRIFASI

Keywords:

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Zeno Foley wrote on November 25, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: AUSTINTOWN OH

Unit: HQ. COMPANY

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran - Korea

Comments: trying to fine anyonw who might of served with me.
my memory is short. please email if you have any
information for me zeno_f2000@yahoo.com. I was in
in Korea 1952 and 53. thank you

Keywords:

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Bill Kerrell wrote on August 9, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PACE FL

Unit: KCOMZ LONGLINES

Service or Relationship: Army

Comments: KCOMZ LONGLINES

Keywords: KComZ Longlines, 52-54,

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Darwin J. Bennett wrote on June 23, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GRAND RAPIDS MI

Unit: HQ. CO. KCOMZ, 8070AU EUC

Service or Relationship:

Comments: HQ. CO. KCOMZ, 8070AU EUC

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Charles (Bud) Blocher wrote on March 28, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SOUTHERN PINES NC

Unit: G-2, KCOMZ, 8TH ARMY

Service or Relationship:

Comments: G-2, KCOMZ, 8TH ARMY

Keywords:

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