Re: South Korean Perceptions

[<Jwscpd8@aol.com>]

What was the reason for going above the 38th Parallel if we had the NK on
the run?

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When we were told that we were to move on into N. Korea, we quizzed the Sgt. who had told us we were now on the 38th, as to why were we moving north.  His reply was, we are ordered to take a Tungsten mine.

If you look at the truce line, you will see that on the East coast of N. Korea, the truce line moves up over the 38th into some distance into N. Korea.

There is a Tungsten mine there that the 5th RCT USA fought for and took after running battles with the CCF/NKPA after the over run of 22 April 51 until well into October.  During the month of May, 1951, we took over 5,000 prisoners as we pushed north which the Stars and Stripes said was a record.

On Oct 16th or the 18th, the day I went home, my unit was in a big battle trying to fight their way to the mine.  I lost 4 good friends as we sat in the trucks, ready to go back on line in case the line was breached.   

The day the mine was secured, the Engineers came in and were welding the trams to get them in working order, so the mine could be opened.  I wrote an article about that mine that was published and was surprised at the response of former Korean War vets who had no idea that is why the truce line is as it is today in that sector. Even heard from former members of the 5th RCT, saying they did not know of the mine.

To settle the argument, my former CO wrote a letter  that was published, verifying what I had written was true and accurate as to the 5th RCT and the mine.

N. Korea is still up set over it as the UN refuses to give it back.

John Sonley  Korea 1951