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On December 18, 2001, COL Sherwin Arculis writes: I joined G company on a cold and snowy 15 Mar 52. As I recall, you picked me up from Rgt and jeeped me to the company atop 355. I thought the climb up the steps was going to put us in the clouds. You gave me a pleasant start in the company by putting me on a listening post with two seasoned troopers that same night. They dozed while I was too "alert" to doze or even feel the cold. I am not sure what platoon I was given, but seem to remember it was the
first, but not really sure. Pat O'Connor and Roger Peterson have been in touch via email. You might
want to look at a web site initiated by Mervin Key called the Imjin Buddy
Bunker. The URL is: http://freeweb.pdq.net/mervino/IBB.html. We lived in Austin from 1983 to 1989 when Lockheed moved me to Huntsville
Alabama. In Austin, we lived in Lost Creek off Ben White (Capital of Texas
Highway). I stayed in the Army for 28 years retiring as an O6 at Ft. Sill in 1980. On January 6, 2002, COL Sherwin Arculis writes: Your jaunt down Barton Creek was a familiar story. Had you gone up stream you would have encountered a cement damn and proceeding further you would have noted two gorges, albeit small. The second was Lost Creek and was directly behind my home at 2102 Ringtail Ridge. The neighborhood kids used to scramble down the creek to get to Barton Creek and swim and fish at the dam. The next ridge to the east also led to the Creek, but the city fenced it off so there was no entry via Lost Creek. As we were leaving Austin, the city decided to legalize the entry off loop 360 where you entered. Truly a beautiful treasure as is(was) Zilker Park." Warren G. Reed responds: Your letters have been a sheer delight, Sherwin (or may I call you "Arc" as you are called in the case of the "Imjin Buddy Bunker"). It is a sincere regret that I have allowed so much time to elapse in responding to your letters. You say, "I joined G Company on a cold and snowy 15 Mar 52. As I
recall, you picked me up from Rgt and jeeped me to the company atop 355."
Arc, it was not I. True, I was the Company Commander of Company G, 15th
Infantry until 25 March 1952, but I went on TDY, 3 March 1952, to the
Line KANSAS and the Line WYOMING to take charge of the preparation of
the defenses of the 15th Infantry Sectors. 1LT Paul I. Nichols, the Company
Executive Officer of Company G, was already on the Line KANSAS. Accordingly,
1LT Robert I. Marshall became the Acting Company Commander in my stead;
he became the Company Commander on 25 March and was promoted to Captain
a short time thereafter. You say, "I am not sure what platoon I was given, but seem to remember it was the first, but not really sure." 1LT Marshal was the Platoon Leader of the First Platoon prior to March 3rd. It is very likely that you did, indeed, take over his platoon when he became the acting company commander. It pleases me to know that Austin was your home "from 1983 to 1989 when Lockheed moved me to Huntsville Alabama. In Austin, we lived in Lost Creek off Ben White (Capital of Texas Highway)." We have come to know "Lost Creek" rather well, for it is a short cut to my son's house, who lives at 705 Beardsley Lane. It is not too far from where you lived. It is very pretty country over there. Arc, I am 'lifting' the article about you in the "Imjin Buddy Bunker" for inclusion in the revision of my Korean War Scrapbook -- listing (David) Mervin Key's website as the source. Do I have your approval? (Do I have Mervin Key's approval?) On January 3, 2002, George R. Pilkington writes: Hi Warren & Freida, May you have a happy and prosperous New Year. Your last e-mail letter sure got to me. You telling of your moving jaunts, made me think of when we lived in Johnson City. The Hill Country got to my heart big time. We loved to drive the back roads and nose around. Fredericksburg is an old German town. I loved the Opa sausage the Slaughter House made, good stuff, West of Austin on 290 if you take 165 SE there is a scenic over look. You can see 2 days ahead. Ha. This will take you back to 218 at Blanco.
Played Santa at Blanco School House. At music doings. Got to shake hands
with Lady Bird Johnson at the farm, at the Christmas tree lighting. The mornings in the Hill Country were so special to me. Makes you happy
to be alive. My wife and I celebrated our 50th Anniversary, and since then Charlene
has spent most of the time in the hospital, lost most of her big toe on
her right foot (bad diabetic). One George Company man showed up at our Anniversary -- Dean Mulligan
who lives at Tuscola, Ill. I see him often as he lives where the Korean
War Museum and Library is at. I went to the groundbreaking 2 years ago.
Also had 1 Fox Company man, Bob Larson from Jamesville, Wisconsin. Also
Howard Brinning from Detroit MI. (Heavy Mortars) We've had a very mild winter, no snow yet. I'd better look out. Yours in the 3rd. Warren G. Reed responds: George, that is a very touching letter. I am so very pleased that you write to me and that you tell me of the things that interest you. It is my fervent desire that you will continue to do so. I deem myself to be an amateur historian -- with an avid interest in Texas, the Southwest and northern Mexico. After retiring from the family business of Warren Reed & Friends, Inc., An Advertising Design Firm, located in San Antonio, I spent my time 'reliving history' in those areas. With my reference books, maps, gear, food and water loaded in the backseat of a '80 Ford sedan "with a sweet little motor," I went everywhere that my fancy or my interests took me. For days at a time, I would 'walk' the place, trace the battle sites on the ground, and go to the actual spot of things shown in historical photographs, pictures and drawings or shown on ancient maps. Frequently, there was nothing there to see but nature as it is today. Happy is the day when there is a marker to identify the place and the events that occurred there. Today's reality did not deter me in my quest for the past. Just to be on the ground where an event happened sufficed for me, for I could see it all in my mind's eye or from the books, photographs, paintings, pictures, drawings, charts and maps brought with me. Oh, how exhilarating! The Hill Country was no exception. I know the country and its history like the back of my hand. I can identify with every word that you said about it in your letter. George, I fear that I have been remiss relative to the Korean material that you sent to me at an earlier time. I have been ecstatic about the information that you furnished and I have told you so. Moreover, I told everyone, who would listen to me, the same thing. Your hand-written rosters of the personnel of Company G, 15th Infantry have been the basis of identifying the personnel by name that served with us at the time, particularly on Hill 355. And there is so much more. Nonetheless, it was my intent to scan all the material into my computer and return to you all that you had sent to me. Then there was a move to Austin some tem months ago. When I started making overtures to revise and republish my Korean War Scrapbook, I started going through the matter that would go into the revision, and I discovered that I had not returned it to you. Oh, George, I am so ashamed for my forgetfulness, and I am so very sorry. I promise to return it for sure -- but not until I have rescanned it. You will see much of it in my revised scrapbook. Thanks again for all that you have done for me and for George Company's military history in Korea. Henry H. Burke called me one evening last week just to chat. He had some "free hours" with his telephone company, and we consumed about one hour of the free time in delightful conversation. I am stone deaf to all the high frequencies and talking on the telephone is my bête noire. However, with that slow, deliberate manner of speaking in a base voice, I could hear and understand him rather well. I am sure that he was doing it just for me, for at other times I have difficulty in understanding what people are saying -- even Henry. It is not a matter of loudness; my hearing aids are adjusted for normal hearing levels, and they solve that aspect rather nicely. It is a matter of understanding words when all the higher frequencies drop out. Boy, I really have trouble in understanding women with a tonal range characteristic of a soprano! Henry was in fine spirits. We talked of many things, to include his stay in the hospital for a low heartbeat, his eating and health habits for his diabetes and his triumphs in his neighborhood association for improving the living conditions surrounding him, particularly in the elimination of drugs. It seems to me that Master Sergeant Henry Burke has his neighborhood there in Columbia, South Carolina standing at attention! Years ago Fred A. Perry (deceased), a cook in Company G, let me scan the pictures in his Korean War Scrapbook -- promising me that he would stop by my house in San Antonio someday to identify the individuals that he had photographed. It never happened. Now I have a fair number of photos of individuals without names. One photo is of the Company Clerk standing by the mailbox in front of the orderly room tent when the unit was in reserve near Sopa, Korea about November 1951. Try as I might, I could not remember his name, and I asked Henry if he remembered the name of our company clerk. He could not remember, either. I am stopping at this point to ask all of you, who are reading this, "Do you remember the name of our Company Clerk?" The Communications Sergeant? The Supply Sergeant? The Platoon Sergeant of the First Platoon? The Squad Leader, First Squad, Second Platoon? And the other entire key positions in the company? I wish to develop this thought a little later in this communications. At any rate, Henry said, "I'll bet Lyle B. Penfold knows the name of our Company Clerk!" On February 8, 2002, Henry writes: The company clerk was Mike Falbo at Box 263 Magnolia, Ohio 44643. His
phone number is 330-866-2003. I talked with him. He is 73 years old. He
didn't seem very interested. That's why I removed him from the roster.
I picked all this up from an old roster as I remembered the name. Can Do, On February 12, 2002, Huel Morhis writes: Warren, Thank you very much for the recent letter containing notes you took in
Korea. I was the Communications Sgt. for Company G when we assaulted Hill
355. I sent Cpl. Spanower with the lead platoon and near the top he screamed
over the SCR 300 radio that he had been hit. I went up to relieve him
and was pinned down for a while by 60 mm mortar fire. On the way up I
came across the 2nd Lt. who had led a ROK Platoon. I can't remember his
name, but he was a large Irish guy, who was a Sgt. when I arrived at the
Company in April 1951; he had received a battlefield commission. Sgt.
[Karl G.] Miller had also received a battlefield commission. At any rate,
the Lt. had been shot in the face, both arms and both legs. One leg was
broken. I had to leave him and go up to the front. When I found Cpl. Spanower,
I saw that he only had some shrapnel in his face and left him with the
radio. I returned to the Lt. and he said, "Morphis, get me off this hill."
I promised that I would, and went down to get a litter and some help.
We got him off the mountain by 2 men holding one end of the gurney on
their shoulders and almost dragging the other end, the terrain was so
steep. I never heard what happened to him after that. Before going back
up the hill to get him, I had taken off my field jacket and thrown it
down. I was not able to retrieve it and lost 3 rolls of exposed film taken
in battle. I mustered out of the Army in September 1952, even with the offer of
being sent to OCS if I would re-up. I believe I would have done well had
I stayed in; however, at the time I didn't think it was my cup of tea.
Upon returning to the U.S., I was stationed at Camp Roberts as a Platoon
Sgt., training new recruits. While there, I was decorated with the Bronze
Star by General Partridge. A few months after my discharge, I went to work for the California Department
of Corrections (Prison System) and remained with them for 32+ years, retiring
as an Associate Warden in December 1986. I am in good health and enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, and other outdoor
sports. I found out during the annual gathering in Colorado Springs that Lt.
[Roger R.] Peterson, my old Platoon Leader, lived only 70 miles from me.
He has since moved to the Southern part of the state. I'll close before I bore you. Sincerely, Warren G. Reed responds: Huel, you say, "I'll close before I bore you." On the contrary, that is a most interesting letter! Ever since I first saw your name on Henry H Burke's roster, I agonized: "I remember the name, but I cannot recall the individual." As soon as you said, "I was the Communications Sgt. for Company G when we assaulted Hill 355," it was like turning on a light -- I remember you very well! I was the Operations Officer (S-3) of the Second Battalion, 15th Infantry at the time of the recapturing of Hill 355 from the Chinese; I am not familiar with the story that you tell. Captain Jack C. Zimmerman was the Company Commander at the time. I rejoined the Company the day after the battle. I did not know the wounded officer that you mentioned in your tale. Your hand written letter has been typed for inclusion in my revised Korean War Scrapbook. The first names of the individuals mentioned in your letter are added in brackets. I could not find Corporal Spanower's name on any of my rosters or in Paragraph 15, Special Orders Number 332, Headquarters 15th Infantry, 10 December 1951, which lists the men of Company G, 15th Infantry awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge for satisfactory performance of duty against the enemy in Korea on 25 November 1951. If you know his first name, please send it to me. On February 1, 2002, Pat O'Connor writes: As of this evening I finally got my computer back on line. (Ed. Pat O'Connor's computer problems are omitted from this version of his e-mail letter.) Back to my shoulder. The last two years Bax and I have gone to my Army reunions in Georgia and then to Florida. After about three hours of driving my should began to hurt increasingly so. When we got back I told Bax that I was going to see a surgeon, which I did in June. I also had back trouble right after we got home and eventually it got so bad I was taken to the E.R. in an ambulance- I couldn't walk. When I saw the surgeon the medications that the E.R. had practically taken care of the back problem. I told him about my shoulder and was told that it was most likely arthritis. He decided to get an X-Ray and after looking at it said that it was worse than he thought. Dr. Codd pointed out that the cartilage was deteriorated and a bone spur was on my humorous. The verdict was that it could be done relatively soon or I could wait. He made another appointment to see me in two months. By this time I was beginning to have pain at night and not getting much sleep. My primary doctor gave me a prescription for 100 Darvocet, 200mg with three refills. These worked for a while but by the time I was to see Dr. Codd I was back to restless night. I made up my mind then to go ahead and get it fixed, as it would not get any better. The surgery was on November 14 with an overnight stay before coming home. Pain was fairly severe for about a week but controllable with Percoset three to four times a day. It began to get better particularly when he began me on exercises. Now I am almost pain free and have about 85 per cent use of the arm and getting better gradually. It was not as bad as I had expected! It will take about four to six more months for it to be as good as new. 2001 was not a good year, but not disastrous. Pat On February 4, 2002, Pat O'Connor writes an e-mail letter that reads: Warren, I received your above message [Military History of First Sgt Penfold
and Capt Reed] this morning. It is most interesting! Your previous letter
to your niece about 355 and the Aussies also brought back memories. I
remember well our association with them as do the Burke "brothers"
and Nile Stewart. While I recall the attack that they made on the hill
to their front I can't remember the artillery on that night. You mentioned
that you went to the O.P. about 2:00 A.M. to watch the proceedings. I
guess that I must have been sleeping at that time. Over the last few years I have, and I guess that you have too, about
not only our experiences but also about the people which we worked with.
It seems as though I learn more and more about Dagmar (I'm sure that you
realize where my e-mail address came from). You mentioned Henry finding Roger Peterson. Actually it was a combination
of the two of us. After Henry found me he asked me to try to find Peterson
as he felt that I, as an officer, might have more access to records, etc.
I in fact made a trip the National Archives to try to find Pete. I spent
a couple of hours looking at after action reports of G Company but the
only officers mentioned from December to May were you and I. It was some
time later that I was looking through my 201 files for something when
I ran across an order appointing Roger and I as car commanders on the
train from Puson to Uijonbu. With that I called Henry that evening to
give him Roger's middle initial and serial number. As short time later
he called me back to tell me that he had found in "Shingletown, Ca.".
I told Henry that I had never heard of the town. It turned out that the
name was Shingletown located at the western slope of Mt. Lassen about
50 miles from where I was born. As a matter of fact, that summer Bax and
I had gone to California to see some of my relatives. At that time an
aunt and her daughter and son lived in Redding about 25 miles from Shingletown.
When we left to go to my hometown, Susanville, we passed through Shingletown! With that I began to try to find the other officers of the company. I
managed to locate Lt. Dave Kanyer who you may remember transferred to
the Battle Patrol. I believe that finding Dick Hoff may have been Henry's
work. I have been attempting to locate Miller, McCutcheon, and your successor
Robert I. Marshall with no success so far. Sherwin Arculis, who says that he joined G Co. just before I rotated,
sent me an e-mail last week asking why you were not listed on a web page,
which includes the "Imjin Buddy Bunker" run by a fellow Texan
Mervin Key. At the present time he has over 50 people listed. Some of
these are members of the British Commonwealth forces such as the King's
Own Scottish Borderers, Black Watch, Royal Artillery and The 3rd Royal
Australian Regiment. Through them I have learned much about what had transpired
in earlier 1951 not only on 355 but also the attack on 317, Maryansang.
I am thinking about writing the story about the military activities on
these two hills. As you know more than I, the fighting by the Brits, Aussies
and our forces at times was very fierce. Also, much has been written about
the Iron Triangle, Chosin and the evacuations from there and other campaigns.
I believe that the fighting over 355 and 317 were just as fierce. To change the subject, 2001 was not the best of years for me. For the
past couple of year when driving to Georgia for Regimental Reunions I
had been experiencing increasing pain in my right should while driving
although I do most of my driving with my left arm. The more I drove the
more it hurt. After returning this May from Ft. Stewart I told Bax that
I was going to see an orthopedic surgeon. Just after we got home I made
the appointment and I also incurred the most sever back pain from sweeping
our driveway. It did not get better despite reduced activity and increasing
rest. One night I had to get up several times and each time I went and
returned from the bathroom the pain became more unbearable. At 7:00 I
awakened Bax. I told her to get up, get dressed and have breakfast and
then call 911. She asked what the problem was. I told her that I could
not walk form the bathroom again before collapsing. "I'll take you
to the emergency room" was her reply. "I can't walk that far"
I responded. To make the story short I got a ride in an ambulance and
received pain medication and muscle relaxants. Bu the time that the prescriptions
ran out it was time for the orthopedic appointment. As a result of that he told me that most likely the pain in my shoulder
was from arthritis. However, he also took an X-Ray. On seeing the film
he told me that my shoulder was worse than he thought. The cartilage was
deteriorating and there was a spur on the humerus. Again, to make the
story short, I saw him again in August. By this time I was having difficulty
sleeping even with Darvocet, which my Internist had prescribed. I told
the ortho doctor that I thought that it was never going to get any better
(To which he concurred) and that I decided to have total shoulder replacement
that he had mentioned. It was done on 11/14 and since then I have made
a very good recovery although there is still some pain when I make certain
moves. The range of motion is about 90% of normal and I am free of pain
about the same. We have made plans to go to Benning in April for the 15th reunion. These
are always enjoyable with the two battalions vying to outdo the other.
One final thing, I was elected last Spring as Commander of our local American
Legion Post. This is another story, which I will write about later. Can Do! Pat Warren G. Reed responds: Pat, your letters are extraordinarily interesting and informative. It pleases me to be a recipient. In your letter of February 4, you write: "I have been attempting to locate Miller, McCutcheon, and your successor Robert I. Marshall with no success so far." In 1952, the home address of 1LT Karl G. Miller is listed as: Mill Avenue, Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa. If you have not done it yet, you might check out Iowa as a possible source. At an earlier time, Angelo J. Tiezzi wrote that WOJG Lorenzo R. McCutcheon was dead. I could not readily put my hands on Jim's letter, but I believe he said that he visited his widow and talked with her. Jim Tiezzi, please tell us the story again. I am not sure that anyone else knows it. At any rate, I wrote Jim an e-mail letter on August 19, 2001 saying, "I certainly remember the individuals that you named in your correspondence. I am delighted to have the first names now, thanks to you. I was saddened to learn WOJG Lorenzo R. McCutcheon is dead. That happens to us all in time. He was my Administrative Officer with Company G; he was a very efficient officer and a very likable individual. Regrettably, I never knew his first name. He was always Mr. McCutcheon. We could never find him to join the Association of the 15th Infantry Regiment. Thanks to you, Jim, we now know the reason." "We got in a new officer today to replace Lieutenant Karl G. Miller, who went home the other day on rotation. His name is First Lieutenant Robert I Marshall. He is thirty-five years old and impresses me as being an exemplary officer. I believe that he is going to be such a force that he will add new energy and vitality to the entire Company. He is warmly welcome. His assignment is to the 1st Rifle Platoon -- the platoon vacated by Lieutenant Miller." Source: Letter, 4 February 1952, Captain Warren G. Reed to his spouse Freida D. Reed. In February 1952, Captain Robert I. Marshall was thirty-five years of age. This month, 50 years later, Captain Marshall would be 85 years old. Personally, I think that the search for him is at an end. Pat, on February 4, you write: "I am thinking about writing the story about the military activities on these two hills [Hill 355 and Hill 317]." Give that project everything you have; we all would be interested in seeing the results! That is your forte. Moreover, if you will, take over the project of giving names to the individuals that held the key positions of Company G at the time that we were on Hill 355. With the roster prepared by you "as of 31 January 1952" and with the help of all the individuals listed on Henry Burke's roster (updated December 8, 2001), I believe that you could come with an impressive list. It surely would be helpful to us all with failing memories. On February 4, 2002, Henry H. Burke writes an e-mail letter, subject: "Military History," which reads: Your letter reminded me of the night the company received one gallon
of ice cream from the battalion. The call came down to the platoon if
anyone wanted ice cream to bring his canteen cup to the company cp. After
passing the password every 20 ft going up the hill from the 3rd platoon
position at 1 am at about 5 degrees below zero, I went to the CP for that
cup of ice cream. It was worth it to me, as I had not had ice cream for
6 months. I just got new computerized hearing aids from the VA. They are great. Thanks for your letter. We will be at Ft Benning April 25-27 for the
15th Assoc get together. The very best to you and Frieda. Henry and Pennie On February 11, 2002, Roger R. Peterson writes: Dear Warren, I am certainly glad to hear that you intend to distribute pics and rosters
you received from Paul Roach. I just wanted to be sure you have my current
address -- 41280 Pine Tree Circle Temecula, CA 92591. Also..to ask it very directly...can I assist in some way monetarily?
Thanks for keeping me on your mailing list.. Hope things are going OK
for you..For now, Roger Peterson Warren G. Reed responds: Thanks, Roger, that is very thoughtful, but there is no problem here On February 15, 2002, Dick and Vera Hoff write: Dear Warren and Freida, Our trip home was uneventful; even with the big ice storm which we avoided
by 24 hours. Roads were good. Memories of time spent with you are cherished forever. Coffee together
could be every day and I'm sure there would never be a dearth of interesting
topics to discuss. You are such gracious hosts and so interesting and
considerate. Would that this friendship had developed many years ago.
We thank you for your gracious hospitality. The Motel room was great
and certainly above and beyond. It was accepted in the spirit in which
it was offered. Thank you. The enclosed picture may serve as a reminder of our very enjoyable visit. Sincerely, Your friends Warren G. Reed responds: Well, now, that is a very pleasant thing to say. Subj: Date: From: Dear Paul, The Korean material that you sent to me on 24 January 2002 has been scanned into my computer, and I am returning all your original substance to you, except for your newspaper article about your promotion to Captain and your Company Muster of Company G, 15th Infantry. I wish to use your original matter in the publishing of my Scrapbook. However, they will be returned to you when the work is completed, as well. In addition, I am sending duplicate copies of the pages for the Scrapbook made from your scanned material. Paul, you have my heartfelt thanks for letting me use your photographs, the company muster and the newspaper article for the revised Scrapbook of my time with Company G, 15th Infantry during the winter of 1951-52 in Korea. As previously stated, the published booklet will be sent to every individual of Company G who served with me in Korea and for whom I have a mailing address. Moreover, this was a thrilling experience for me to see your Korean photographs and to relive that astonishing, awesome time that is fading from our memories. In working with the photographs in my computer, I am able to "zoom" and to see every aspect that I wish at any degree of enlargement that I desire. Accordingly, I have looked diligently at the faces of the individuals, the details of the uniforms and gear, the bunkers, the emplacements, those snow-covered hills in the enemy lines and, above all, that rugged, formidable Hill 355! I particularly enjoyed seeing again First Sergeant Lyle B. Penfold's "Toonerville Trolley," a field expedient in using a trailer, rigged up with a cable, pulleys, and a company vehicle to haul food and supplies to the top of Hill 355. You know, hardly any of it looked the same as I remembered it! In your letter of January 24, 2002 you say, "Hope you enjoy the enclosed. The photos taken on Hill 355 bring back fond memories of the men we served with and a sense of sadness also." Paul, I share wholeheartedly with your thoughts and especially with your comment, "and a sense of sadness also." It is my belief that we all feel the same way. Warren G. Reed Subj: This is a generic letter. Last week was rather eventful relative to three members of Company G, 15th Infantry in Korea, 1951-1952. George R. Pilkington, the driver of the 21/2-ton truck in Company G in 1952 and of whom I am much indebted for the mass of military information that he has sent to me over the years, wrote a letter to me; it is my intent to address a letter to him (generically) at another time. "Hang in there, George; it was a great letter, and I shall be getting back to you, soon." Captain Paul M. Roach, First Sergeant of Company G in 1952, called me on the telephone and has already sent me a packet of material and pictures of the "old days in Korea." "Great, Paul, you will see it all again when my Scrapbook is reconstituted and re-published in the near future." Thirdly, Major Dick Hoff and his wife Vera, who were on a month-long tour to see their family members and their friends, were our guests for several days here in Austin. If you recall, Lt Richard L. Hoff was the Platoon Leader of the Second Platoon of Company G on Hill 355. Interestingly, on the evening of Thursday, 24 January 2002, I asked Vera to read out loud the events recorded in my Scrapbook that occurred exactly 50 years ago on that date -- she read the following:
Letter from Henry H. Burke, February 8, 2002 The company clerk was Mike Falbo at Box 263 Magnolia, Ohio 44643. His
phone number is 330-866-2003. I talked with him. He is 73 years old. He
didn't seem very interested. That's why I removed him from the roster.
I picked all this up from an old roster as I remembered the name. Letter from COL Sherwin Arculis, February 21, 2002 Subj: Re: For Your Information - Korea 1951-52 (No. 8) Date: 2/21/2002 5:15:57 PM Central Standard Time From: sarculis@home.com To: WarrenReed@aol.com Sent from the Internet Arc responds: This was an absolutely marvelous e-mail, but the term fails to encompass the memories it evoked. I simply do not have a great memory in such detail of those early days, and certainly am unable to write prose as you do. You may use whatever you wish from the IBB [Imjin Buddy Bunker] regarding myself. Mervin would have no objection, I can assure. He wants to get as many of the soldiers who were in that area to join the bunker. As Pat has noted, it is an area fought over by many nations. I could not remember Marshall until you reminded me. Then it all began
to fall in place again. I have some recollections about the first platoon,
but only spurts. I will never forget we had a bunker on the front of the
hill that was occupied by a young soldier named, I think, Follis. He and
his "bunkee" always complained about the smell. One day, as
the weather warmed, a booted foot came out of the wall. A dead chinaman
had been entombed at that site and was rotting away to the discomfort
of poor Follis. [ed. PFC William C. Follis] Letter from Henry H. Burke, February 23, 2002 Warren, Thank you for the 6 pages of news. I enjoyed it very much. Just keep
them coming. We will feed information to you as we go along. I have been down with walking pneumonia but am starting to come back more slowly than I would like. I have low heart beat and had a heart catheterization. Everything was clear and within limits and there were no abnormalities. I need to eat right and exercise. (You know he does that anyway). My doctor wanted to put me on Zocor. MY cholesterol count was 171 and the various types were within where they should be so I did not take it. Everyone I talked to who had tried it had bad side effects. I want to address Huel Morphis' story. I think he has his battle hill mixed up. I first met Roy Spanower when the Regiment went into Corp Reserve after 487 and 477. We set up in pup tents near Sopa just north of Soquel. Roy was helping out in the orderly room because he could type. He held formations and read off names for different things. I met Roy Spanower in Ft Worth, Texas in 1997 at the 3rd Div Reunion. This was our meeting you attended with us. What a great get together it was! Roy was acting Sgt. at arms at the 3rd meeting. I asked John if he remembered him in G Co. in Korea. He said not right off. I invited he and his wife to sit at G Co. table and I took their picture and mailed it to them. He really appreciated them. I mentioned to him that since he lived in the Bronx in New York City he needed to go down on Veterans' Day and try to get on the Today Show and represent the #rd. I called him a few days before the day and he went and was the only Vet they talked to. Mission accomplished. "Can Do" I called him on 21 Feb 2002 and he said he left the Co. for home 23 Oct. 1951 about 30 days before 355. I called Huel Morphis tonight. His wife said he was out for a week backpacking. On another subject our friend Major Retired James Beckworth has decided not to seek the office of President of the 3rd ID Association. He would have made a very fine one even if he was from the 7th Regiment. Letter from Henry H. Burke, February 23, 2002 I'll probably get fired for messing up! But maybe he'll give me another chance. I must tell this story on Beckworth. He was a master sergeant and went to OCS. He came to the 7th Reg. that I was in on San Hill at Ft Benning about 1955. On his first OD Duty the 7th Regts' cotton bale was stolen and was found a few hours later on the lawn of the 15th Headquarters. It was returned about 5 am by the guards of the 15th and he had to sign a hand receipt for it. After reading the guard report the Adjutant of the 7th told him to find out who had stolen the bale of cotton. He was never officially relieved from guard duty. Three years later in the 3rd ID Officers Club in Germany an officer came up to him and asked him if he had ever found out who had stolen the cotton bale. He told him he had not and the officer asked him if he would like to know who it was. Of course he wanted to know. The officer said every time one of the officers of the 15th went to the 3rd ID Officers' Club they had to pass that bale of cotton. He told him they had gotten a little tipsy at the club and decided to pick the bale up in a station wagon and put it on the lawn of the 15th Regt Hq. "Can Do"
Orders were cut to relieve Major Beckworth from guard duty after 33 years.
Enlisted or officer, the boy comes out in all of us! Letter from Henry H. Burke, February 26, 2002 Hill 355 Story One day after washing up and shaving at the kitchen at the bottom of the hill on 355, John Burke made the steep climb up the hill to return to the 3rd Platoon. At this time he was Second squad leader. At the top of the hill was the Company CP and laying outside of the CP was an unattended case of C-Rations. John nonchalantly put the case under his arm and continued on his way to the 3rd Platoon area in the saddle to the left of the Company CP. A day later, this prompted First Sergeant Lyle Penfold to make a trip to the platoon area looking for his case of rations. At the 1998 Colorado 3rd Reunion, the first thing Lyle Penfold wanted to know was who stole his case of C-Rations. John Burke told him we really enjoyed them. Now we know why John Burke retired a Major! "Can Do" Letter from LTC Warren G. Reed, February 27, 2002 On February 25, 2002 my eldest son, Lynn G. Reed, took me to be admitted in the South Austin Hospital for surgery to remove a scar tissue blockage in my prostate gland. After about a 45-minuite wait in the reception room of the Out Patient Clinic, I was led directly into the Operating Room, where I talked briefly with Dr. Michael Floyd, my Urologist, was administered a spinal block by my anesthetist and prepared for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery at 7:30 am. This is the way it is done: After anesthesia is administered, the patient is positioned with his legs in stirrups to allow the surgeon access to the surgical site. The surgeon then uses a dilator to open the urethra to allow a cystoscope to be passed into the urethra allowing visualization of the prostate gland. Once the prostate gland has been examined visually, the surgeon introduces a second instrument, called a dissecting loop, through the cystoscope. The dissecting loop uses electric cautery to dissect away the prostate gland. The surgeon dissects as much tissue as necessary to achieve the proscribed out come. When the procedure is over a catheter is placed into the bladder and connected to irrigation. When these are all done the patient then goes to the recovery room for a short time and then back to his room. The prostatic tissue is then sent to pathology for analysis to determine if there is any malignancy. It sounds awful, but it did not hurt at all; however, it took hours for the numbness from the spinal block to wear off. Virtually all my progeny marched into my room during visiting hours, and there was much warmth and conviviality. Randy Reed, my youngest son, introduced Mexican food items and a bottle of chilled Australian white wine to the clan, and all had a good time. The friendliness of the family gathered at my bedside dispelled all lingering uneasiness that I might have had about the surgery. Warren G. Reed Letter from CPT Paul M. Roach, March 09, 2002 Dear Col. Reed, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for the correspondence you have sent to me over the past several months. The contents have been interesting and informative. The enclosed photos were taken in various areas before and after Hill 355 (Sopa – Kinsel – Kimpo). Some of the names I remember are Quintano, Grimstead, Hosler, Hansen, Delconio, Bryson and our company clerk – Cpl. Mole or Mohl (we called him Moe as I recall). I remember him for the following reason: Christmas ’51 came and went and I did not receive any mail or packages. When we returned to our Reserve area after being on OP 200, I went to the CP tent and inquired if I had any mail. Cpl. Moe profusely apologized saying he was holding my mail thinking I was on R&R. When I left the Orderly Room I had 36 letters and 6 packages. My squad ate well for several days. Cpl Moe rotated. Over the years I have had the pleasure of seeing Doug Oltz, Mike Falbo, Jack Schubert, Nile Stuart, Capt. Peterson, Don Driskel, James Sprinkle, George Pilkington and Henry Burke and their spouses. Joe Dash came to see us several times. Late one night in 1989 Henry Burke called me and you can imagine my surprise to hear from him after 37 years. I sent him a list of names I had kept in touch with for as many years and later sent him a copy of “G” Company Muster. My wife Marge and son Brett attended the dedication of the Korean War Memorial 27 Jul 95 with me. The hottest day ever. Several photos enclosed. It was truly an emotional event to see the statues of the Infantry column cast in iron with a face from memory that could fit each one. Sincerely,
Letter from LTC Warren G. Reed, March 19, 2002 When I had my transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP) surgery on February 25, a follow-up was scheduled for some two weeks later. As the day of the appointment approached, I became a bit apprehensive, for my urine continued to show traces of blood; moreover, I began worrying about the prostatic tissue that was sent to pathology for analysis to determine if there was any malignancy. Dr. Michael Floyd, my Urologist, alleviated my fears by stating that the blood in my urine is normal after surgery and that it would clear up in time. And what did he say about the malignancy analysis? He showed the report to me, and I reeled at seeing the word "Negative." I asked, "What does this mean, do I, or do I not, have prostate cancer?" He said, "It means the prostatic tissue that I sent to pathology for analysis did not have cancer." To pursue the point a bit further, I reminded him that, originally, the Mayo Clinic diagnosed a very tiny speck in my prostate tissue as cancer and that even he had told me at another time: "If the Mayo Clinic says it is cancer, then it is cancer." I said, "But this is the third time that the biopsy was "negative; what does that mean?" The doctor looked at me, smiled, and said: "Maybe your cancer has gone away." I burst out with laughter for the joy in my heart! Clearly, I shall not worry about it again. Much. My task in the last few weeks has been to re-work my scrapbook of the Korean War. The work grows and grows. About five individuals of the Association of the 15th Infantry Regiment that served with me in Korea continue to send me photographs, war stories and memorabilia for inclusion in my scrapbook. This delights me, of course, for it enhances my work immeasurably. However, whereas originally I deemed this to be a rather easy task, it is now becoming a rather arduous task. As a family historian, though, the Korean War is very much a part of my history; and these individuals are most helpful to me in recounting it .Speaking of the Korean War, Major John T. Burke -- who was a noncommissioned officer and served with me in Korea and who is the past president of the Association -- writes: "Sad news. The Can Do Rendezvous scheduled for April 25-27, 2002 has been cancelled due to deployment of the 1-15 Infantry to Kuwait. The April edition of The Dragon will have a notice of the cancellation. This will serve as an advance notice to G Company and 2nd Battalion members." [Ed. "Can Do" is the motto of the 15th Infantry Regiment.] Warren G. Reed Letter from George Pilkington, March 6, 2002 Thanks for the Email. The copies of material I sent you are yours to keep. I have the originals. You don't need to return them. Take care. Can Do Letter from Nile Stuart, March 8, 2002 Dear Warren and Freida, I‘m embarrassed to find Marianne and I used up all our full size stationery, and had forgotten to replace it. So, I’m left with a choice of postponing thanking you for the recent letters, or using this notebook paper. Recognizing how long it could be before I can find a spare hour or two again, I’m opting for using the materials at hand! I’m truly enjoying the copies of the copies of the recent correspondence
you’ve shared with Marianne and me. I agree with whoever said ”its
like tripping down memory lane.” Seriously, it seems every time I
receive one of your letters, which contain copies of correspondence to
or from others of our Company G comrades, I either learn something I’d
never known or am reminded of something long forgotten. I heard from Henry a couple of times in the past couple or three weeks. Among other things, he shared he’s trying to put together a few stories for some of your future publications, the humorous or unusual things that happened while we were on Hill 355 and afterward. He was asking my recollection of some people, ranks, dates, activities, etc. I’m afraid I wasn’t all that much help to him, but I enjoyed our visits. I was glad to learn he was over the flu, which had laid him low for a week or so. While I think of it, Warren, I believe I shared with you earlier an informal roster of the Third Platoon that I had prepared for Roger Peterson shortly after he had been assigned as our Platoon Leader. Somehow he had saved my penciled roster. He’d found it, as I recall, when he and Jackie were moving to Ternecula [ed., 41280 Pine Tree Circle, Temecula, CA 92591], and he’d sent it to me. Among others, you’ll note that the name Mike Falbo, whom Henry had identified as our Company Clerk somewhat later. Your February 21 letter mentioned Captain Robert Marshall. I’ll share something of my relationship with him. While we were on Hill 355, he kept urging me to accept a battlefield commission, and I kept declining with thanks. I knew that I would be transferred to a different Infantry company and I didn’t want to leave my Third Platoon buddies, I also suspected the life expectancy of second lieutenants in Korea wasn’t all that great! Captain Marshall’s response was, “I’m going to give you some assignments I normally would to a platoon leader, so you can see how to you handle them.” One task was being in charge of removing the bodies of all the Chinese dead on the reverse side Hill 355. when spring came, and the melting snow disclosed the bodies, they had to be removed. Korean civilian men were brought to the hill and they hauled off the remains, under my overall responsibility. The project went OK, but the Army had waited too long to act, and the workers and I pretty much worked with rags over our noses! Another of his “tests” involved John Burke, too. Word had come to us the Company was to make a company-size attack on Little Italy, a formation straight across the valley from 355, which was shaped like the boot of Italy. John and I were assigned to get as much info as possible on the positions on what would be the instep of the boot and up the “shin,” areas out of sight from any allied positions. So we spent time using the forward observer’s scope, each of us flew over the area in artillery spotter planes (couldn’t see anything because the pilots were unwilling to fly low and draw fire). I even went on an ill-fated patrol (a story in itself). Finally, word came the patrol had been called off, much to our relief. Its purpose was to bag a needed prisoner for interrogation, but it would have been costly because our people would have been so exposed crossing the valley. There’s danger this will become a “book” if I don’t bring it to a close. Thanks again, Warren, for all you’re doing to refresh our memories about G Company in the winter and spring of 51-52. Our best to you both. Can Do, In the foregoing letter, Herbert N. Stuart writes, “While I think of it, Warren, I believe I shared with you earlier an informal roster of the Third Platoon that I had prepared for Roger Peterson shortly after he had been assigned as our Platoon Leader. Somehow he had saved my penciled roster. He’d found it, as I recall, when he and Jackie were moving to Ternecula.” The roster follows: 3rd PLAT LT ROGER PETERSON 0 2210948 PLT LEADER SGT ALVIN HOOKER RA 182687719 SQ LDR SGT CHESTER CUMMINGS RA 31309148 SQ LDR
Letter from Henry H. Burke, March 24, 2002 French Toast Can Do Boots, Shoe Packs, and Mickey Mouse Boots We went into Korea with regular army boots. About the time we were on the outpost 200 in December 1951, we got shoepacks, rubber soles, and leather sides. With these, you got two pairs of inner soles and two pairs of socks. You put one pair of soles in the shoepacks, and wore one pair of socks. When you change, you put the innersoles and the socks you took off inside your jacket and under your armpits to dry. They did not protect our feet, and our feet became soft, they took us to the aid station, and the division commander, Maj. Gen. Cross along with Lt. Peterson, inspected our feet. Lt. Peterson told the general, when looking at my feet, he knew I changed everyday, as they made fun of me looking pregnant with innersoles in my jacket. They painted our feet with toughener and gave us clean socks at each evening meal. After a short time on 355 in January 1952, we received the Mickey Mouse Boot. Now we can feel our toes as we move them. A God sent shoe. And in the springtime, we went back to leather boots. Can Do. G Company 15th We were assigned to G Co., which was considerably under strength after
hard fighting on hills 487 and 477. Most of us were privates after our
attack on hill 355 on the central front; we had lost our platoon leader,
1st Lt. Leroy Lovett, our platoon SFC. David K. Burch. The following men
Pvt. Curtis Dale, Pvt. Willie Heatherly, Sgt. Eugene Cornbeck, Cpl. Lawrance
Stiggs, and Sgt. Ralph Tacheny. Seven killed in action, about 68 wounded.
We were under strength at about 150 men when we went up hill 355. We moved
over to hill 200 to the right of hill 355 and to the left of the Imjin
River. Capt. Warren Reed, after leaving the company before hill 355 to
go to the Battalion headquarters as the S-3, then returning as the CO
after hill 355. We got in a second Lt. Roger Peterson, Pt. John Burke
was second squad leader, and I was Pvt. As his assistant, as it had been
on hill 355. After manning outpost 200 in December 1951 and patrolling
along the Imjin River, getting our wounded back, and getting replacements
in. January 1952 we moved back to hill 355 to occupy and prepare it to
be defended as this was the highest hill on the central front. You could
see for miles in both directions and the enemy really wanted this hill.
At the peace talks at Phan Wan Jon, the North Koreans said they occupied
it the morning of the 26th. The American negotiators said “you better
check again, as we occupied now.” I understand it is still manned
today. Col. Charles D. Neilson and Major Richard L. Hoff visited the hill
in Sept. 2000. Pfc. Nile Stuart became the platoon Sgt. Sgt. Cummings
was first squad leader, Pfc. John Burke second squad leader, Sgt. Alvin
Hooker was third squad leader, Pvt. John K. Robb 4th squad leader, Pvt.
Salvidor J. Tiscareno was the platoon runner. President Can Do Henry Burke's Korean War Recollections, April 5, 2002 Introduction I am sure that Sgt. York, in World War I, when he was drafted, said where is Europe. In World War II, we said where is Pearl Harbor. When the Korean Conflict broke out, we said where is Korea. Now we say where are Kosovo and Bosnia. When the Korean War, as we know it now, came along no one would give you a job, as they knew you would be drafted. So, I enlisted in the Army on March 16, 1951 in my hometown of Burlington, N. C. John Burke, President of the 15th Infantry Regiment Association, and I met on this day. He was from Franklinville, N. C. We lived approximately 40 miles apart but we were not related. We took Basic at Ft. Benning, Ga. in the 30th Infantry Regiment. We went to Korea to G Co., 15th Infantry Regiment about 10 October 1951. G Company had just lost a lot of men; wounded and killed, on Hill 477 and 487. On 3 October 1951, the objective was won at the point of fixed bayonets. Our 1st Sgt., Lyle Penfold, a combat veteran of World War II, was in the assault. We arrived as their replacements. After Corp reserve, we moved to the front line. On November 25, 1951, Thanksgiving Day, dinner was along the road in a blocking position on Hill 238 with enemy artillery coming in. I was one of a few to eat. Being one of twelve children, I knew you had to get to the table to eat. I didn’t worry about artillery. Two soldiers from the British Commonwealth Division ate with us. They commented, “You Yanks sure do eat well.” We did not tell them that it was Thanksgiving Dinner. Our first combat was Hill 355 known as “Dagmar Hill”, “Armistice Heights”, and “Little Gibraltar Hill”, the highest hill on the central front. It was here that we were facing the enemy, the Chinese, on the front line. We lost our Platoon leader, Platoon Sgt., 1st Squad Leader and a rifleman. The company had a total of eight killed and sixty-four wounded. The Company strength was about 150 at that time. After reporting the hill taken, we were hit with a reinforced regiment of Chinese. We withdrew to the base of the hill and called in Artillery Airburst on the hill. At daybreak, it began to snow; another company went up the hill but did not fire a shot and by 3 p.m. had counted 1,500 dead Chinese. We moved to a blocking position, manned the outpost, pulled combat patrols until replacements, and wounded returned to the company. I received my draft notice at this time. I wrote on it “believe me I’m in the Army in Korea in G Company, 15th Infantry 3rd Infantry Division” and then returned it. On Christmas Eve, 1951, near Yonchon and the Imjin River, George Company was assigned the mission of sending out a combat patrol to get a prisoner. What a surprise! And here it was Christmas Eve, 1951! The armed forces all along the line were trying to get a live prisoner. We needed information on the enemy. Knowing the lowest private had meaningful information as to what was going to take place, we needed to accomplish this mission. My Platoon, the 3rd Platoon, was selected to go on the mission. We had just received our shoepacks a few days earlier. It was a big improvement over our regular boots. We had been given two sets of innersoles and two pairs of socks. We wore one set of each and put the other set under our armpits. This way our body heat would dry one set so we could change when our other’s got wet. We got into white uniforms for this mission as we had snow on the ground. The patrol leader was given a steel ball about the size of a baseball in a sock to possibly hit a prisoner over the head, as we wanted to bring back a live prisoner. He was also given a clicker to “click, click” like a cricket to be identified by friendly forces when returning from the patrol. I think this was used in World War II. He was also given a tape reflector that turned red for identification. When our preparations were all made, the company fed us Christmas dinner thinking that we may not make it back, becoming prisoners ourselves. This was like maybe our Last Supper. The night before it snowed and was 15 degrees below zero. As the platoon moved out at dusk dark, there was 2 feet of snow and still snowing. The platoon reached a position on a small hill overlooking a cornfield approximately 1,000 yards in front of friendly forces. It was a good position to set up a covering force. We had a phone line from there back to the company command post. With men and machine guns in position, this would give the 6 man patrol good cover if returning with unwanted company. We took no radios with us. We were strictly on our own. The 6-man patrol, made up of myself, Cpl. Nile Stuart, the platoon Sgt. (and only ranking man on the patrol) John T. Burke, Fred A. Perry and Salvador J. Tiscareno, proceed slowly down across the cornfield, it was becoming increasingly cold. After about 1,000 yards we heard a sound that sounded like the bolt action of weapons on our right and left. The smell of garlic was so strong we thought we were in the middle of an ambush. We slowly backtracked out of there, back to our covering force. The platoon leader Lt. Roger Peterson, in his checking with the company command post was told that other companies of the Battalion had set up ambushes on our right and left and knew that we were in the area. It was now around midnight and we moved out again on our mission. It was so very cold I prayed nothing would happen, as I don’t think my trigger finger could have moved. As we found out later, it went to 5 below zero that night. We moved along slowly, everything was white. There was snow on the ground, snow was falling and we were in white. It was hard to see the person three or four feet in front of you. We stopped often to listen. I thought I heard a bump, bump. I did! It was my heart. We continued moving across the cornfield and down over the frozen rice paddies. About 300 yards short of the Imjin River, the patrol leader set up a covering force with three men and took two with him to patrol the riverbank. As we got closer to the river, we could see the mist hanging over it. It was so cold! We patrolled along the bank, the dampness seeping through our clothing. I don’t think I’d ever been so cold. As we continued along the bank of the river, what a surprise! Hanging on the branches were Christmas cards from the enemy. Some read “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Chinese People’s Volunteers”. The messages inside said: It is Christmas and you are far from home, suffering from cold not knowing when you will die. The big shots are home enjoying themselves, eating good food drinking good liquor, why should you be here risking your life for their profits? The Korean and Chinese don’t want to be your enemies. Our enemies and yours are those who sent you here and destroyed your happiness. Soldiers! Let’s join hands! You belong back home with those who love you and want you back safe and sound. So we wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Another said: Christmas – Home -- Happiness Those who love you want you back home safe and Sound. Find a way out! It’s no disgrace to quit fighting in this unjust war. Frozen rations eaten on the run. Any moment he may have to run again, to fight or die-and so may you. We collected all the cards and returned to the covering force with the “click, click” signal and reflector. Daylight was breaking as we returned to the battalion headquarters for a debriefing of the patrol. It had been one cold surprising night in Korea. The first of many, combat patrols, for us in this war. Enclosed are copies of the two cards. [Ed. The copies of the two cards are not a part of this letter.] I have served in all three of the Division Regiments: 7th, 15th, and 30th. In my twenty-three year career in the Army, never have I served with better men! As someone once said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life. But only friends will leave footprints on your heart.” These men left footprints! God Bless you all “Can Do People” This is the second story from Henry Burke's Korean War Recollections Near Yonchon and the Imjin River, George Company 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Army was assigned the mission of sending out a combat patrol to get a prisoner. What a surprise! And here it was Christmas Eve, 1951! The armed forces all along the line were trying to get a live prisoner. We needed information on the enemy. Knowing the lowest private had meaningful information as to what was going to take place, we needed to accomplish this mission. My Platoon, the 3rd Platoon, was selected to go on the mission. We had just received our shoe packs a few days earlier. It was a big improvement over our regular boots. We had been given two sets of innersoles and two pairs of socks. We wore one set of each and put the other set under our armpits. This way our body heat would dry one set so we could change when our other’s got wet. We got into white uniforms for this mission as we had snow on the ground. The patrol leader was given a steel ball about the size of a baseball in a sock to possibly hit a prisoner over the head. As we wanted to bring back a live prisoner. He was also given a clicker to “click, click” like a cricket to be identified by friendly forces when returning from the patrol. I think this was used in World War II. He was also given a tape reflector that turned red for identification. When our preparations were all made, the company fed us Christmas dinner thinking that we may not make it back, becoming prisoners ourselves. This was like maybe our Last Supper. The night before it snowed and was 15 degrees below zero. As the platoon moved out at dusk dark, there was 2 feet of snow and still snowing. The platoon reached a position on a small hill overlooking a cornfield approximately 1,000 yards in front of friendly forces. It was a good position to set up a covering force. We had a phone line from there back to the company command post. With men and machine guns in position, this would give the 6 man patrol good cover if returning with unwanted company. We took no radios with us. We were strictly on our own. The 6 man patrol, made up of myself, Cpl. Nile Stuart, the platoon Sgt. (and only ranking man on the patrol) John T. Burke and Fred A. Perry, proceed slowly down across the cornfield, it was becoming increasingly cold. After about 1,000 yards we heard a sound that sounded like the bolt action of weapons on our right and left. The smell of garlic was so strong we thought we were in the middle of an ambush. We slowly backtracked out of there, back to our covering force. The platoon leader Lt. Roger Peterson, in his checking with the company command post was told that other companies of the Battalion had set up ambushes on our right and left and knew that we were in the area. It was now around midnight and we moved out again on our mission. It was so very cold I prayed nothing would happen, as I don’t think my trigger finger could have moved. As we found out later, it went to 5 below zero that night. We moved along slowly, everything was white. There was snow on the ground, snow was falling and we were in white. It was hard to see the person three or four feet in front of you. We stopped often to listen. I thought I heard a bump, bump. I did! It was my heart. We continued moving across the cornfield and down over the frozen rice paddies. About 300 yards short of the Imjin River, the patrol leader set up a covering force with three men and took two with him to patrol the riverbank. As we got closer to the river, we could see the mist hanging over it. It was so cold! We patrolled along the bank, the dampness seeping through our clothing. I don’t think I’d ever been so cold. As we continued along the bank of the river, what a surprise! Hanging on the branches were Christmas cards from the enemy. Some read “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Chinese People’s Volunteers”. The messages inside said: It is Christmas and you are far from home, suffering from cold not knowing when you will die. The big shots are home enjoying themselves, eating good food drinking good liquor, why should you be here risking your life for their profits? The Korean and Chinese don’t want to be your enemies. Our enemies and yours are those who sent you here and destroyed your happiness. Soldiers! Let’s join hands! You belong back home with those who love you and want you back safe and sound. So we wish you ……………………… Another said: Christmas- Home- Happiness Those who love you want you back home safe and Sound. Find a way out! It’s no disgrace to quit fighting in this unjust war. Frozen rations eaten on the run. Any moment he may have to run again, to fight or die-and so may you. We collected all the cards and returned to the covering force with the “click, click” signal and reflector. Daylight was breaking as we returned to the battalion headquarters for a debriefing of the patrol. It had been one cold surprising night in Korea. The first of many, combat
patrols, for us in this war. Enclosed are copies of the two cards. [Ed.
The copies of the two cards are not a part of this letter.] |
