Re: Race Relations and Korea

[Ben Frank <ben.frank@tcs.wap.org>]

I correct you, Marc. The Marine Corps fought in Korea as an integrated
fighting force, and there were many fine Black and Puerto Rican Marines who
fought bravely. As for Ned Almond, the less said about him the better.
MacArthur appointed him commander of the Inchon landing when he had no
amphibious operational experience whatsoever. MacArthur later apologized to
LtGen Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., CGFMFPac, for not giving him the amphibious
command, but said that he had promised it to Almond. The success of the
Inchon landing rests completely with O.P. Smith and his 1st Marine
Division, and Adm Jimmy Doyle, a Marine's sailor who was also experienced
in amphibious warfare. I was told by LtGen Brute Krulak, who with Shepherd,
was invited by MacArthur to be observers of the Inchon landing, that he was
standing at the railing when the landing was underway, and heard Almond,
who was further up the rail, exclaim as an amtrac went by, "I didn't know
those things could float!" BMF