[KOREAN-WAR-L:11402] Korean War Project Newsletter - February 17th, 2004

[Mike Yared <mikeyared@yahoo.com>]

Korean War Project Newsletter - February 17th, 2004 

Korean War Project
P.O. Box 180190
Dallas, TX 75218-0190
214-320-0342

http://www.koreanwar.org/html/newsletter_february_17_2004.html
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Note: the link above is our "web" version of the
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Newsletter for February 17th, 2004
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Table of Contents

1. Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) Approved
2. 8228 MASH - Looking For
3. VA Drug Costs, TRICARE, Revisited
4. West Perry High School Korean War Memorial
5. Poem: Just A Common Mud Marine
6. Pictures of VS-23 aboard CVE115 Bairoko 1951
7. The Fifty Year History of the Korean DMZ
8. British National Ex-Prisoners of War Association
9. American Armed Forces Radio 'Kyushu Cowboy'
10. Bookstore
11. The Shot Heard 'Round the World Oct 3, 1951
12. Columbia's Role in the war - film
12.This Mailing List Subscribe | Unsubscribe
13. Thanks to all who have made this possible.
==========================================================
1. Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) Approved
==========================================================

Mike Davino sent us the first alert on the new
approved KDSM. The 
Secretary of Defense gave final approval on February
3rd, 2004.

Full details: 
https://www.perscomonline.army.mil/tagd/awards/KDSM_feb04.doc
This 
document details the time period, who qualifies and
how to do so.

Excerpt from DOD Press Release:

"Public Law 107-314 legislated the creation of a new
medal to recognize 
military service in the Republic of Korea and the
surrounding waters.

Members of the armed forces authorized the KDSM must
have served in 
support of the defense of the Republic of Korea. The
area of 
eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic
of Korea, and the 
contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air
spaces above the 
land and water areas."

DD 214 information and supporting documents will need
to be forwarded 
to NPRC, St. Louis. per the document instructions.
Veterans, active 
duty, retiree's all need to read the DOD release.

Note: The application process is not fully detailed as
of yet.

Time period: Service in Korea from July 28, 1954 to
DTD (date to be 
determined).

The Korean War Project would like to give a tip of the
hat to Norm 
Tredway and the yeoman work of the KDVA- Korea Defense
Veterans 
Alliance (formerly Korea Deployment Respect and
Recognition Committee) 
to getting legislation introduced and passed!

Hal and I are proud to have assisted in fostering
networking among 
veterans who served and continue to serve in Korea via
our website to 
make the award possible.

See: http://www.koreanwar.org/html/dmzvets.htm (KWP
Looking For)

See: http://kdvamerica.org/ (Official Website)

See: DMZ Vets BBS
http://www.koreanwar.org/com/dmz_war_bbs/threads.cfm

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2. 8228 MASH - Looking For
==========================================================

Most of our readers will be familiar with our Looking
For and BBS 
forums. That is where the networking takes place on
our site. 

We feature messages from time to time on this
newsletter as a "how to" 
for our users.

Lee Bazzo, a former member of the 8228th want to make
connections with 
those who served in this unit. Lee (Leland) nicknamed
" Bazz" was with 
the unit Dec 5th, 1951.

He has pictures and memories to share of all who were
with the unit. He 
was the night ramp NCO overseeing all nighttime
personnel. " You could 
not eat midnight chow if I did not have you on my
list". 

The unit was in Chungju in an old abandoned school
until April of 1952 
when it moved to just south of the DMZ and later to
permanent 
facilities at Yongdo.

Lee invites all MASH members to email to him:
LandL54@CCINET.COM

Editor note: Visit our Looking For area, contact
anyone listed and do 
leave a message of your own. Keep the Korean War
Project advised of any 
changes in contact information.

Looking For:
http://www.koreanwar.org/html/looking_for.html

==========================================================
3. VA Drug Costs, TRICARE, Revisited
==========================================================

The KWP continues to receive input from veterans,
spouses of veterans, 
etc. about the continued legislative mis-steps or
inaction regarding 
the wide range of VA related programs, costs or
inadequate measures 
taken or planned.

For example: over $10,000,000.00 was put into the VA
hospital in Waco, 
Tx for upgrades to that facility. It is on the list to
close. Over 
17,500 persons were served in this unit in 2003, per
the Dallas Morning 
News.

In January of 2003, Ken Kohler, a KVET and pen pal of
the Korean War
Project wrote:
 

" Hal and Ted ; As I know you are aware of the huge
jump in the cost of
prescription drugs from the VA, copay jumped from
$2.00 to $7.00 , 
creating a real hardship on veterans on a fixed income
, also the VA 
has chosen to stop medical care to retired veterans ,
I was wondering 
if you couldn`t put out a message to all veterans to
email , or write 
their elected officials, that we are not going to
stand for this kind 
of treatment, if they want to be elected for another
term, they had 
better get this problem fixed, NOW!!!, not next year
but NOW, thanking 
you for any help you can give.

Ken Kohler "

Feedback from widows, former POW's and retiree's,
current service men 
and women all echo Ken's plea.

This is an election year and we urge you to find out
where your elected 
officials stand on the new legislation and
changes/amendments pending 
for VA and TRICARE. 

Do not email to Congress, the Senate or the White
House, most messages 
never get read. Do consider sending fax letters to the
local offices 
and DC offices. Surface mail is delayed by anthrax
scanning.

==========================================================
4. West Perry High School Korean War Memorial
==========================================================

>From a High School in PA:

I am writing because I thought you would like to learn
about another 
Korean War Monument that is not on you're site. I have
just recently 
graduated from West Perry High School in Perry County
Pennsylvania. 
Here I belonged to the history club and last year on
May 24,2002 the 
history club unveiled a Korean War Memorial, which all
the members 
worked on very hard.

The memorial was student designed and student
produced. It is wonderful 
and if you ever have a chance to see it I would highly
recommend it.

Sincerely,
Danielle Mellinger
Former club Secretary

==========================================================
5. Poem: Just A Common Mud Marine
=========================================================

Poem, unknown origin submitted by Norm Callahan, C/1/1
Horseshoe Ridge

Just A Common Mud Marine

He was getting old and paunchy, and his
hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Reunion telling
stories of his past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the
deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies - they
were heroes, every one.
And thought sometimes to his family,
his tales became a joke,
All his Marine buddies listened, for they
knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for he
has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for he
has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a
Marine died today.
He was just a common mud Marine, and
his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may
need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we
find the Marine's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that others
often start.
If we cannot give him honor, while he's
here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage, at the
ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that
would say,
"Our Country is in mourning, 'cause a
mud Marine Passed away."

==========================================================
6. Pictures of VS-23 aboard CVE115 Bairoko 1951
==========================================================

Dan Meinhard sent a few color photos shot by his
father while with the 
Pacific Cruise of 1951.

1) Deck Guns
http://www.koreanwar.org/assets/images/aaa_flag_580.jpg

2) Photo of Jack Wink
http://www.koreanwar.org/assets/images/jackwink_580.jpg

==========================================================
7. The Fifty Year History of the Korean DMZ
==========================================================

Filmed by Michael Slee of Zaragoza Productions,
Burbank CA. this 
history was recently presented on the History Channel.
The KWP missed 
the airing and was delayed in presenting David
Benbow's notice.

David wrote:

The History Channel will be showing a documentary in
January, 2004 
entitled "The Fifty Year History of the Korean DMZ".
Mike Slee of 
Zaragoza Productions in Burbank is heading the
project.

He has already interviewed Sen. John McCain, Dr. Henry
Kissinger, the 
current 2nd Infantry Division Commander (Gen Wood) and
Chief of Staff 
(Col. Dan Bolger, author of "Low Intensity Conflict in
Korea - 1966-
1969", the best publication about that time and
place), a dozen vets in 
Virginia, LA, Washington state, Ohio, and Miami and he
provided an all 
expense paid trip to Korea for 5 of us to be
interviewed in the DMZ.

Bob Bailey told of being a private in 1953 and
actually drawing the 
line for the MDL when the war ended. Gene Bickley,
Steve Ankley and 
Mark Lutrell told of their friendships with Capt.
Bonifas and Lt. 
Barrett, who were axed to death at the Bridge of No
Return in 1976 as 
they led a tree trimming work force.

I was the 5th vet to be interviewed in Korea. I told
of some 
experiences during several nights in 1968 and of
hearing the Pueblo 
crewmembers on the North Korean loudspeakers while
they were prisoners 
in 1968.

We went out to training with the 2nd Infantry Division
(the 
Bradleys'live firing at night at Rodriguez Range was
awesome), went to 
the Bridge of No Return for filming, filmed at Freedom
Village and OP 
Ouellette in the DMZ and interviewed US and ROK
soldiers who are 
currently serving in the DMZ.

It was a trip of a lifetime for the 5 of us. We are
grateful we had the 
opportunity to tell our stories and in so doing, we
told the stories of 
thousands of other vets who have served in the Korean
DMZ after the 
war "ended".

David Benbow, Co C, 3/23rd Infantry,
2nd Infantry Division 1968 and 1969
david@statesvillelaw.com

==========================================================
8. British National Ex-Prisoners of War Association
==========================================================

Philip Chinnery, author of books on treatment of UN
POW's during the 
Korean War notified the KWP of a new website and book
on Korea.

The site: http://prisonerofwar.freeservers.com

New book: Korean Atrocity published by the Naval
Institute Press

See Phil's current book on our Bookstore on the KWP:
http://www.koreanwar.org/html/bookstore.html

Contact: PHIL@chinnery49.fsnet.co.uk

==========================================================
9. American Armed Forces Radio 'Kyushu Cowboy'
==========================================================

Hi, 

My mates and I served in the Korean War with the Royal
Navy on HMS 
Charity.

I receive a regular newsletter from you, for which I
am most grateful - 
Thank's a lot.

We meet up now and again - on our last get-together we
was reminiscing 
and remembered how we used to listen to the American
Armed Forces Radio 
to the 'Kyushu Cowboy'.

He kept us entertained with his chat and selection of
music that he 
presented so well. We wondered if he was still around
-who he was -what 
did he do after the Korean War etc.

I don't know if it is possible to throw any light on
the situation. It 
would be most appreciated if you could.

Miracles do happen,
Best Wishes to you and your Organisation,
Sayonara,
Joe Spencer jospen@supanet.com

=========================================================
10. Bookstore
==========================================================

Notices:

a) Tomahawk and Peace Pipe, The 179th Infantry
Regiment - update

Penn Rabb writes that his fine book Tomahawk and Peace
Pipe, The 179th 
Infantry Regiment, has sold out. The book is featured
on our Bookstore, 
start looking for it in used book stores.

Congratulations to Penn!

b) Fightin' George Light Infantry, 31st Infantry Rgt

Glenn Justice (Justpub) writes that the book has a new
price of $21.00 
and there is no shipping charge added. If the person
orders from your 
listing KWP will get $10.00 per book.
Many thanks,
Glenn M. Justice (Justpub)" justpub@surfsouth.com

c) Out of Savannah: Dog Company, USMCR

James McAleer writes that his fine book has just been
reviewed by 
Leatherneck Magazine. The write up is excellent!

============== New Books==========

===a.===
"The Price We Pay"
by Ralph Adams

125 photos, 300 pages, depicting dozens of units in
the war. 
Ralph was a squad leader with the 3rd Infantry
Division in Korea.

Price: $20.00 US, prefers money orders
shipping included

Veteran discount for $14.00
shipping included

Ralph Adams adamsrent@hotmail.com
1920 Atwood Dr
Pensacola, FL 32514

===b.===
"Flame Dragons of the Korean War 1950 to 1953"
by Jerry Ravino 1st Tank Bn 1st Marine Division

Jerry is a former Marine tanker and has been working
on his 
book(s) for quite a while now, noticed in previous
newsletters. 
He writes:

"The book as you know is about the 9 USMC unique
flame-thrower tanks 
that we served in plus we have included supporting
arms and other 
individual stories such as Recon Company. "

Cost: $27.95 plus shipping

Review and Order at: http:www.flamedragons.com
Turner Publishing

Flame Dragons
P.O. Box 5145
Hudson Branch Post Office
Hudson, FL 34674-5145

===c.===
"B29 Navigator; Korean War 1951"
by Ralph Livengood rlivengood3@carolina.rr.com

Previously mentioned as pre-release, the book is now
online and in the 
stores. Okinawa based b-29 aircrew. The author
revisits the turmoil of 
entering, leaving and re-entering military service.
Recalled to active 
duty for Korea, the story commences.
19th Bomb Group.

1st Books Library, ebook, hardback,paperback
http://www.1stbooks.com/bookview/19552

===d.===
"I Remember Korea"
Veterans tell their stories of the Korean War, 1950-53
by Linda Granfield w/forward by Russell Freedman

Long time coming, this book, as a work in progress the
KWP helped put 
Linda in touch with many veterans. Linda is a known
writer of books for 
young persons.

"What is it like to go to war? How does a war affect
the men and women 
who are fighting in it? There are 32 stories of men
and women who were
part of the war hailing from the US and Canada.

Published by Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin
http://www.houghtonmifflingbooks.com

In bookstores $16.00 US

===e.===
"The 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion"
Cowboy Cannoneers in the Korean War
by Wyoming National Guard 300th Armored Field
Artillery Bn Association

William W. Day, author of The Running Wounded
forwarded this new fact 
filled book on the 300th. Running Wounded also
chronicled the 300th. 
This new book rounds out the information on his unit.

514,036 rounds fired in 805 days of combat.

Contact: William W. Day, Historian
4019 Prestwick Place
Riverton, WY 82501

===f.===
"Enduring Devotion"
A glimpse into the life of DuWayne Donithorne, An
American Hero by Roan 
Adams McClure

To ensure that his children never learn of the horror
of what he had 
gone through, he shared his POW experience only later
in life during 
the year before he died..... 21st AAA AW SP Bn

Omega Foundation
424 Logan Cut Dr 
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Email: PMR@CAVENET.COM

===g.===
"In The Hills of Korea"
with the 61st Field Artillery Headquarters Battery
1950-1951
by Master Sergeant Howard Kenneth Inderdahl

1st Cavalry Division in Korea per Howard contains 100
short stories and 
parts of letters home from the front. There is also a
list of trooper 
names from Howard's brown pocket notebook, carried all
over Korea.

The Battalion was cited for bravery during fighting in
Jong'ni Aug 4-6, 
1951.

Order:
Howard K. Inderdahl
PO Box 156
Scandinavia, WI 54977-0156
Email: hkisr@yahoo.com
Cost: $10.00 includes shipping

===h.===
"SOS Korea 1950"
by Raymond B. Maurstad

They were there then.. & write about it now.
Eyewitness Accounts of 
Americans in South Korea when the North Attacked

Hal is a Ham Radio operator and could not put this
book down. This is 
must reading.

Ray dedicates this book to the thousands who perished
in the war so 
that others may live in freedom.

Larry Zellars, former civilian POW - Tiger Survivor
and author of "In 
Enemy Hands" writes the stellar review.

Beavers Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Ste 216
Edina, MN 55439-1465
1-888-430-0044
http://www.beaverspondpress.com 

Cost: 16.95 US 26.95 Canadian

===i.===
"From the Hudson to the Yalu"
West Point '49 in the Korean War
by Harry J. Maihafer

Gripping firsthand accounts of the men who graduated
in peace but 
enrolled at the end of WWII. The author served as an
armored officer 
winding up leading an infantry platoon.

School is out: June-July 1950 starts the book off. 

Texas A&M University Press
College Station, TX 77843-4354

===j.===
"Sacrificial Lambs"
24th Division Korea July 1950
by Raymond C. Colton, Sr.

Ray came home WIA- Wounded in Action, treated
differently than when he 
went off to war, zealous, earnest, eager. His book
bares the ordeals of 
a Korean War soldier and the difficulties of a
disabled vet.

Member of the DAV, VFW, Ray lives in Connecticut.

Ivy House Publishing Group
5122 Bur Oak Circle
Raleigh, NC 27612
1-800-948-2786

Cost: $15.95 plus shipping

==========================================================
11. The Shot Heard 'Round the World Oct 3, 1951
==========================================================

Josh Prager has been researching for a book on Bobby
Thomson of the NY 
Giants. The KWP had previously announced Josh's desire
to hear from 
vets. Well, he did, many of you.

He has a follow-up question, probably for Marines who
were in the 
Punchbowl area.

Ted,

here's the info. on 4/8/98, ira berkow wrote an
article in the ny times 
about a man who had been in a bunker in korea on
october 3, 1951, 
listening to the game when bobby thomson hit his home
run to give the 
ny giants the pennant. the man was a marine and was
next to a friend 
who was a giants fan.

when the home run--the 'shot heard round the
world'--was hit, the 
friend fired his gun, triggering gunfire in return.
the man who told 
his story to the ny times was from boston and told
bobby thomson that 
his friend the giant fan was killed in action about a
year later. i'm 
trying to figure out who these two men are as always,
THANK YOU!

josh jhp@nyc.rr.com
212-787-1804

==========================================================
12. Columbia's Role in the war - film
==========================================================

AJ has been working on this project for a long time,
he writes:

Hello,

I wish to keep you informed of the status of my
documentary about the 
Colombian battalion that went to Korea in 1951.

We are working at this time with the national network
in Colombia RCN 
to air the program sometime next month as well as an
exclusive 
presentation in Bogota for all the veterans with the
help of the 
Ministry of Culture. For those that are interested and
wish to know 
more about Colombia's role in the war, please visit us
at
http://www.colombiaencorea.com.

Thanks,

A.J. Garces ajgarces@earthlink.net

==========================================================
13. This Mailing List Subscribe | Unsubscribe
==========================================================
We began this newsletter mailing in December of 1998.

This list is a private list for our visitors and
members. A person may 
join or leave the list at will. It is compiled from
our Guest book and 
is for public service messages of general interest to
veterans and 
families.

To join or leave the list: email to:
Ted Barker tbarker@kwp.org

with Subscribe or Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Consider forwarding the Newsletter to your friends.

==========================================================
14. Thanks to all who have made this possible.
==========================================================


Consider supporting the mission of the Korean War
Project by donations 
in the form of Membership/Sponsorship and our "I
Remember Korea" Bumper 
Sticker campaign.

See: http://www.koreanwar.org/html/membership.html

Hal and Ted Barker
Korean War Project
 


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