Re: "Unsung heroes of Inchon"

Bob,
Be assured that I am not trying to trivialize the contributions made by the men who landed at Kunsan. I am sure they were brave men who heroically landed behind enemy lines, and in doing so, saved many Marine Lives On Sept. 15th. Nor am I attempting to minimize the efforts of the 7th Army division. I am merely trying to set the record straight-or at least reminding people of the historical facts. Remaining with the question of Inchon. I was merely pointing out that Dwyer was wrong by stating the "The Marines and Army charged ashore at Inchon."
You said," I went in on the 36th wave at Inchon.My 71 year old memory tells me this was the afternoon of the first day of the invasion." As has been pointed out no Army units landed at Inchon until the 18th. Your memory is not serving you well, there was no wave that went into Inchon on the afternoon of the 15th. The First wave did not go in until 5PM on the 15th (1st and 5th Marines)- we made land just before dark, no waves came in afterward. I am sure if you had the opportunity, you would have been on the first wave.
As for leaving anyone behind: When we came out of the Chosin, we buried some dead, brought most out with us-but we brought out EVERY wounded man-we did not leave a single man behind.
You asked<" Two men who were known to be killed or missing, would the officers order you to go back and get them. Bob, the officer wouldn't have to give the order, the men would do it on there own. An example: LT. Col. Olinn Beale, saw American soldiers on the ice of the Reservoir, he and several others went out on the ice-under fire and rescued the men. For three days he and others went out on the ice and rescued over 350 GI's- We not only didn't leave our own behind-we didn't leave any Army men behind either. It is one of our traditions that we will risk an entire company to bring in one wounded man.
Your words," If you castigate us for not taking two dead men back..."
Bob, I'm quoting Dwyer," Lt. Noreen gave LT. Clance a shot of morphine and a .45 pistol." Pvt. Maines was dead, but not Lt. Clance, which means they left a wounded man behind.
You advised me," ...you will have to castigate nearly every soldier-and every Marine-that ever retreated from an untenable position." I have trouble responding to this without sounding sanctimonious (maybe I already do?). You seem to be suggesting that when one retreats from an untenable position-it is acceptable to leave dead and wounded behind? When one retreats from an untenable position, they do so in an orderly manner, in order that they may take there dead, wounded and equipment with them-they never leave everything and run!- That is not a retreat-it is a route!
Bob, there is no doubt in my mind that you and the other members of your Raider Co. were unsung hero's, and saved many lives at Inchon. I for one am grateful for what you had done.