Tribute to Frank Dipino - MIA - KoreaFrom: Andy Serio To: Ted Barker, KWP3rd Bn Item Co. Missing in Action |
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You recently posted information about my uncle PFC Frank J. DiPino under "Looking For Korea". He is listed under U.S. Army, 24th Inf Div, 34th Inf Reg. He served from 8/3/48 till he was MIA on 7/29/50. He was stationed in Sasebo, Japan (occupation duty) and then sent to Korea in early July 1950. The following is my search experience. Read at your liesure.
I was born in 1952, so I never knew my uncle. I only new him through my family. Not much was said as I grew up, only that he was missing during the Korean War. It was rarely brought up because my grandmother (his mother) would get too upset. My grandmother passed away in 1986, and during some cleaning of the house, my uncle's personal effects were discovered. They were given to me in 1987 for safe keeping.
The Army Effects Bureau sent one box in 1951 containing items from Japan. They included cigarette cases/lighters, glasses, harmonica, prayer books, pictures, WWII Victory medal, Army Occupation medal, various uniform pins, other misc items. A second box was sent in 1954 after the war ended. This contained a Purple Heart, United Nations Korean Service medal, and the ribbon bar with one service star for the U.S. Korean Service Medal (no medal).
In 1988, I wrote to the National Personel Records Center (ST. Louis, MO) requesting military records. Complete records were not available due to a fire in 1973. They sent a Finding Of Death statement, copy of National Cemetery listing for Honolulu, Hawaii. They referred me to my local VA from which I received a copy of his service insurance policy and birth cerificate.
Not much information at all. I stored these away for several years. In August 1993, I was looking at his Purple Heart and found a little slip of paper tucked inside the box. It stated the U.S. Korean Service medal was not available and would be shipped at a later date. I checked with family members and they never received any other packages or medals.
I wrote to Commander ARPERCEN in St. Louis sending copies of all the information I had. Several months went by with no response. In November 1993, I found an 800 number to call. After many transfers, I was connected with a woman in the awards department and told her my story. I re-sent everything to her. In one week, I received a call from her stating my uncle was entitled to the U.S. Korean Service, Good Conduct, National Defense medals and the Republic of South Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge.
I was told the request would be processed for the U.S. medals. I purchased the Citation Badge. The official awards authorization statement arrived in February 1994. May 1994, I received a large envelope from the Mortuary Affairs and Casualty Support Division, Alexandria. VA. Initiated by the woman I spoke to about the awards (on her own).
The cover letter reported that in May 1990, the Korean Peoples Army released remains to the United Nations officials in Panmunjon. More released in 1993 and some of these remains are in the process of identification. Attached were copies of reports of areas searched in South Korea for MIAs (during the 1950s) and local people interviewed, some medical records, and letters written by family members (from 1951 to 1972) to the Army and congressmen searching for answers.
Finally, October 1994 I received his U.S. Korean Service with one service star, Good Conduct (name engraved), and National Defense Medals. I now have a display case in my home containing his momentos, honoring his memory.
With the help of your internet site, I hope to find someone who may have known him. If you know of any other avenues for finding information, please e-mail me at your liesure. Thank you again for all you are doing in support of our veterans.
Sincerely,
Andy Serio
Return to 34th Infantry