Re: Pictures from occupied Japan of 21/M

[<Jwscpd8@aol.com>]

In a message dated 03/28/2002 12:41:09 PM Mountain Standard Time, ChosinMead@aol.com writes:


> At a second reading, I recognized another error. You mentioned that the troops lacked winter clothing "the supply of winter overcoats." 


As to winter clothing in Korea when I landed in Puson, I had a field jacket, under that, a pile vest, then a woolen shirt and a pile cap under the helmet.   As to pants, woolen pants, then a pair of water proof pants.  One pair of leather gloves with wool insets and a pair of insulated boots with the felt pads and wool socks, 2 pair.

I never was issued an overcoat or even came close to seeing my unit with parkas.  The winter of 50/51 was the coldest winter in the recorded history, at that time, of Korea.  I feel the army let me down.  Sent me to Korea ill-equipped, then said, do the best you can with what you were given.

I have my frost bite to show for my time in that winter.

   John Sonley   M Co. 5th RCT  Korea 1951