Graves Registration
On Thu, 19 Nov 1998
Updated: 18 Oct 1999
John Boring Email address wrote:
I'll be on my way to Mexico in the motor home by Wednesday of next week
and will be residing in Mazatlan until at least March, 2000.
But, I should be able to keep in touch weekly.
Please keep me informed about what's happening in your lives. If any of
you are in Mazatlan soon look for me at the Mar Rosa Trailer Park on the
Playa de Oro.
Comments:
Was a PFC with Graves Registration Platoon, lst Marine Div, landed at
Inchon. Established a morgue on Han River to handle KIA which were
ferried across the river to us by AmTracs.
Later became driver for S-3 officer, lst Supply Bn (or lst Support Bn,
can't remember now). My officer was WIA at Chosin and evacuated.
Was part of motorized convoy breaking out of Pusan perimiter in Spring
of '51.
My Bn Cmdr was Col. Charles L. "Gus" Banks. After a fierce night battle
with Chinese along the Chosin trail, he came out of his tent, saw the
hills littered with ChiCom bodies and said "From now on, we will
be known as Banks Raiders."
Was first in my unit of Inchon landing to be rotated in July, 1951.
Proud to be former Marine and prouder still to have been part of Chosin
and "one of the most epic battles ever fought by U.S. Marines."
After the last units had cleared from the Chosin Res. we gathered at my
battalion's headquarters which was in an old school yard in Hamhung.
The mess hall was serving hot turkey and dressing and all the trimmings,
including fresh milk. I was walking up the steps into the mess hall
when a large, black Marine came out. His neck was wrapped with a blood
soaked bandage and he was carrying oranges in both hands. He was also
singing, in a rich, Mississipi delta kind of voice, "Old Man River,"
and he was just at the part where it goes..."Tired of living, but
feared of dying.." and he sang those words with such obvious pleasure at
being alive that it made goose bumps on my arms and brought tears to my
eyes.
I just froze there and watched him sing, just as if he were on a stage
and singing to an audience. When he finished he looked at me, and I
looked back at him, and we both just smiled. Wide, nothing-but-pleasure
smiles. It is one of the richest memories I have of the Korean war.
John Boring
HQ Co
On Tue, 12 Jan 1999
Bob CusterEmail address wrote:
A while back I asked about a buddy of mine that was kia 11/27/1950 at
chosin Resevior. I'd like to find out his unit and where he is buried.
I forgot to give you his the last time I inquired. His name was
Richard L. Eppley His S/N 663685. enlisted 3/15/1948 Tampa.
I understand that the memorial in Washington has a computer that gives a
short history of His time in the U.S.M.C and a picture of him. If this
so is there some one that can get it and mail it to me.
Thank You
663681@gte.net
