OPHSAOP Harry Survivors Association Newsletter

January 2004 Issue 32

HAPPY NEW YEARIN THIS ISSUE

June reunion information Pg. 1-2What’s in a name? Pg. 4Heavy weapons Pg. 6Youth Leadership Mission-Korea Pg. 8Notes from the Chaplain Pg. 3

REUNION SPEAKER NAMEDWith great pleasure we

announce that ColStephen Twitty will bethe speaker for ourbanquet program at SanDiego.

Col Twitty, then LTCTwitty, was commanderof the 3rd Bn., 3 ID at thetime of our Reunion inNew Orleans and was ourguest speaker at that time.

Col. Stephen TwittySince that time you may have seen him on TV being

interviewed, covered with dust, sitting in his Bradley asthe 3rd ID drove north toward Baghdad during OperationIraqi Freedom.

Col. Twitty’s role in the critical battle for Baghadwas highlighted in an article in the L.A. Times, Decem-ber 7, 2003. We look forward to hearing of his experi-ences and seeing film of the action in Iraq.

Col. Twitty will be taking time from his busy sched-ule between assignments to speak to our group. He willbe reporting to the War College in Washington DCshortly after the reunion.

OPHSA wishes him and his family all the best.

ATTENTION REUNION ATTENDEES

To ride the free shuttle from the Airport to the Hotelfollow these instructions from Jerry Cunningham.

As soon as you get your flight number, date and timeof arrival in San Diego, call the Cloud Nine Shuttle tollfree at: 1-800-900-7433. Tell them you're with the Out-post Harry Survivors Association, and give them yourflight arrival information at San Diego Airport and thatyou are staying at the Holiday Inn-Mission Bay. Youalso need to let them know the date and time of depar-ture from the Hotel to the Airport on Sunday Morning.Have a safe trip. Jerry

IMPORTANT REUNION INFORMATION

If anyone wishes to add something special to the JuneReunion Program card, i.e. Awards, remarks, raffleitems, songs, announcements or anything in good tastefor the reunion, please contact Jerry Cunningham priorto April 10th 2004. Once the program card is completedthere will be no last minute variations to the programexcept in an extreme emergency.

JerryJero5288@aol.com(803) 783-4491

Photo from Floyd Deiwert

Complete reunion reservation information is given onthe following page

Page 2 The Outpost Harry Survivors Association once again is excited to invite everyone to join us at the Holiday Inn at Mission Bay/SeaWorld Area in San Diego, California. June 10/13, 2004. The Hoteladdress is 3737 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110. Toll Free:800-511-6909 Fax:619-224-9248. Web site: www.holidayinn-mb.com

LOCATIONCentrally located in San Diego, just one mile from Sea World, MissionBay and moments from world famous beaches. Convenient to SanDiego International Airport, The San Diego Zoo, Convention Center,Coronado Island, Tijuana, Old Town, Balboa Park Museums &Galleries. Within walking distance to over 10 well-known restaurantsand shopping galore.

FACILITIES AND SERVICEBaker's Square Restaurant and Pie Shop-Room service- Fax, copier & business service available--Gift shops and news stand--Valetservice and guest laundry--Video game room-- Concierge desk--Airport service through Cloud 9 Shuttle

ACCOMMODATIONSCoffeemaker--27" cable TV--HBO and pay movies--Dataport phones w/voice mail--In-room ironing board-- (All suites also provide):Refrigerator--Microwave--Build in hairdryer--In room safes--Three telephones--Two 27" televisions

RECREATIONComplimentary access to San Diego fitness and Racquet Club--Outdoor heated pool and spa

REUNION PERKSThe Hotel will provide a full complimentary American Buffet Breakfast each day, Round trip Airport Shuttle and a hospitality roomfor three days. Free parking is available on a first come first serve basis. The Hotel does not guarantee there will be space availableto park at any time.

GROUP ROOM RATESSingle or Double: $109.00 NightlyTwo Room Suite: $129.00 NightlyRates do not include tax currently at 10.5% andcity tax at $. 05

METHOD OF RESERVATIONSIndividual attendees will make reservations forthe Reunion directly with Holiday Inn'sreservation department at 619-881-6112. Besure to ask for the Outpost Harry SurvivorsAssociation RATES IN ORDER TORECEIVE THIS SPECIAL GROUP RATEStandard check-in time is 3:00 PM andcheckout time is 12:00 PM. Any individualcancellations or changes must be made at least24 hours prior to the arrival date.

GUARANTEED RESERVATIONAll reservations must be accompanied by afirst night room deposit, or guaranteed with amajor credit card. The Hotel will not hold anyreservation unless secured by one of these methods. A cancellation less than 24 hours prior to arrival will result in a charge equal toone night's stay. No- show will result in the same penalty.CUTOFF DATEReservations by attendees must be received on or before Friday, May 21, 2004. The "CUT OFF DATE" At the Cutoff Date, the Hotelwill review the reservation pick up for the reunion, Forty Rooms have been reserved for our group. The Hotel will accept more, only ifreservations are made prior to the Cut off Date. Final event schedules and registration information will appear in the next Newsletter.

WARM WELCOME AND SALUTE!

As a new member to OPHSA, I am extremely pleased atthe “welcome” I have received. Having spoken to DougJones, receiving the OPHSA medal followed by a personaland the July andOctober issues of theNewsletter---all ofthis gave me a warmwelcoming feeling toOPHSA. Thank you!

The newslettersare great.

The October issueand the ar t ic leregarding the role ofthe Field Artillery inholding OP Harry,were very well doneand most informative.The recognition andp r a i s e o f t h eartillery’s role is sowell deserved, whichI can attest to.

Ronald J. Flahive, 1953In the early morning hours of 11 June, as a platoon leader

in “C” Co, 15th Inf., we were sent up the hill to reinforce thefew men of “K” Co. left holding the hill. At the same time“E” Co. 15th Inf. and Tankers were also given the reinforce-ment mission. On the hill that morning, my CO was woundedand I assumed command of the company. After the remainingChinese were pushed off the hill and to drive back a counter-attack, I called in artillery support fire. That fire support aswell as the on-going artillery and other weapon fire supportthroughout the siege of OP Harry, was in my opinion, ablessing to all of us on the hill at any time.

With pride I salute our fallen and missing OP Harry com-rades in arms, OP Harry Survivors and all the supportingtroops, who together can proudly say “We Held”.

Ronald J. FlahiveCOL AUS (Ret)

TAPS

James, I thought you would like to know Al Lichtenbergdied on September 14, 2003 at Kings Pt.,NY. He was an en-gineer (C Co 10th Engineers) 1st Lt. largely responsible for thefortifications on Harry. He was my roommate at West Pointfor 4 years. Class of 1951.

I believe he was awarded the Silver Star in Korea. Re yourissue 27.

Best regards, Ed Matney

The article referred to by Ed Matney is the issue that con-tained an article based on a photograph sent by Claude Wil-liams, of a jeep that had been destroyed by a Chinese mortarround at the OP Harry Supply point in May 1953. (Ed.)

Page 3

NOTES FROM THE CHAPLAIN

Hoping you all had happy andhealthy holidays.

In reading “Good Graces” Icame across this “Invocation for aNew Year” and I thought we couldrelate to this.

Dear Lord.As we greet this New Year full

of joyful anticipation, let us alsobe grateful t hat we have learnedfrom our yesterdays. We havelearned not to dwell on the past,but accept it as a stepping stoneinto a brighter tomorrow. Now isthe time we make our choices. As time requires the practiceof patience, help us analyze our goals and commitments andresolve to put our priorities on matters dearest to our hearts.

Lord, we pray for wisdom in this direction. Allow us toset our sights higher than what could be expected, for if weaim only at the target, we will never hit the bull’s-eye. Weneed to stretch ourselves to achieve and grow in strength ofcharacter. May thy gems of inspiration light our path for theensuing year. And as we proceed please help us remember tokeep the joyful tune of “Good Tidings” echoing in our headsand hearts. Grant that all our endeavors be of service to ourfellowman and acceptable in thy sight. We pray the dove ofpeace will encircle this planet and the wings of Almighty Lovewill shelter all mankind. Amen.(Excerpts from “GOOD GRACES” by Patricia G. Warner)

Cora Storie lost her sister Nell. She was a beautiful lady.I had the pleasure meeting her in Tennessee a few years back,so now there is another Angel in Heaven.

Thanks, Jim Jarboe, for the information on the passing ofJohn McGuire, formerly of Tampa FL. John served with CoA, 64th Tank Bn. A sympathy card and letter of condolencewas sent to the family of John.

I received a call from Peter Chacho of the 65th Regimentseeking information on Den W. Van Hise of H Co., 65th Reg.who passed away last August. Peter was very interesting andhad some facts about OP Harry. Thanks for the call, Peter.

Once again please remember in our prayers our militaryand our past and present members of OPHSA.GOD BLESS AND STAY WELL

Ed Hanrahan

We heard from Chic Pellegrini that Claude Williams hada house fire in mid-December. He and Billie are OK and planto move into a hotel while looking for a rental and then beginthe rebuilding process. We have not heard from Claude for anew address but will write him at his home address hoping thePO will forward to his temporary address.

Chic Pelligrini is home from a few days in the hospital fora stomach bug. He is at home, feeling weak, but on the roadto recovery.

Page 4

THE DEMISE OF THE ASSOCIATION?

T h r o u g h t h eestablishment of theassociation, the accom-plishments of the OutpostHarry defenders finallyreceived some overduerecognition.

However, recentevents have signaledthe pending demise ofthe association.

It has been very sad towitness the change in theassociation from what itwas intended to be.

Martin Markley, 1953When the association was established the purpose was “to

bond together to honor the many sacrifices made by our com-rades.”

Every unit and person involved in the defense of the out-post was deemed to be equal. The defense of Outpost Harry iscredited to all. No person or unit alone could have done thejob.

As the association has grown, those who were not associa-tion founders have been welcomed with the understanding thatthe purpose was not about individuals or units. It is about aunique group with a common bond.

Everyone has been welcome and encouraged to tell of theirOutpost Harry experience. The member’s stories on the asso-ciation website have proved to be valuable to families andresearchers who want to learn about the Korean War.

It is time to put things in perspective if the association is tosurvive.

To keep the association alive as it was meant to be, wemust bond together and all the arguments regarding degrees ofimportance and what each member remembers must stop. Theassociation never was intended to be a forum for debating.

If we reaffirm the basics there can be no demise of theAssociation!" It need not be.

I will always honor the units and men as a group whomade the sacrifices enabling the outpost to be held and I amthankful for having met so many outstanding men who havejoined the association.

Martin Markley,One of the founders.

The Editor has received several letters in response to theEditorial in the last issue. There were no opposing lettersreceived. The article above reaffirms the intent of the found-ing members.

It is the Editor’s opinion that the many individual unit re-unions is the place for expressing unit honor and pride. Thedefenders of OP Harry have the opportunity to honor all oftheir comrades regardless of unit affiliation. (Ed.)

THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS!

Our deepest gratitude to members who have made contri-butions since June. It is your generous contributions that havemade it possible for OPHSA to function effectively in plan-ning the next reunion.

Thanks to: John Beechler, Robert Brandon, EganFehnel, Ronald Flahive, Ed Hanrahan, John Heich, JohnJohnston, Joseph Kelly, George Pagamenos, GeorgePlinkington, Francis Riley, Ray Scherrman, Charles See-man, Clyde Shinault, Phillip Smith, Harvey Walton, andStanley Zatorski.

OPHSA does not levy dues. To pay for our basic expenses we must ask for contributions.

Please make your checks payable toOP HARRY SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION

Before March 1st

MAIL TO: Sam Buck

100 Tangerine, #204

Brownsville, TX 78521-4307

After March 1st

MAIL TO: Sam Buck

1514 West Court Ave

Winterset, IA 57273-1789

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Does anyone out there know, or think they know, when theoutpost on that nameless hill was first called OP Harry?Member Pete Chacho asked that innocent question of all themembers who take part in our closed email message group andgot a variety of answers.

There are many of you out there who do not indulge inemails so we’ll tell you what we have found so far. If youhave any definitive information about this drop me a line at903 Crestfield Dr, Duarte, CA, 91010-2131 or call me at (626)358-7834.

We assume that the three outposts that were sited in frontof the MLR on the East side of the Chorwon Valley werenamed at the same time. Could it have been the same guy thatnamed outposts Vegas, Elko and Reno on the western side ofthe Chorwon? Three Outposts: Tom, Dick and Harry . It sounds ironicallywhimsical, especially when we remember how much bloodwas shed on those three outposts during their short history.The OPs could have just as well been named Manny, Moeand Jack. No name could describe what the hill was about.Harry was just a name on a situation map. The Greek soldiersname for the Outpost was most appropriate: “Death Place”.

Your editor first heard the name “OP Harry” shortly afterarriving in Korea in late January of 1953. At that time thethought was it had been named for Harry Truman.

We heard from Emory Walker, “I have no idea whenHarry was established as an outpost but it already existedwhen I arrived in the 15th Infantry in January 1953.”

(Continued on page 5)

That seems to be corroborated by my own experience. Thenwe heard from Mike Slater, ” My understanding is that the8th Army seized the hill in October 51”

That gets us a little closer but no bulls-eye yet. We thenheard from Tony Sobiesky, the son of member Henry Sobi-esky. Tony has been researching artillery action in the KoreanWar and had this to say, “I recall in some of the interviews Ihave from FOs they mention Outposts Tom, Dick andHarry while they were in Korea during mid-late 1952.”.

Photo from Lee BrusowTroopers of the 7th Infantry during the July 1951 Assault

on Hill 717Your editor has an article (given to him by the late Lee

Brusow) from the July 1952 edition of Bluebook Magazine. Itcontains a description of the 3rd Bn. 7th Infantry Reg.3ID 4day assault on hill 717 (Sobang San), north and east of thelocation of Star Hill and OP Harry. The action took place inearly July of 1951. If that is accurate then the areas immedi-ately south of hill 717 were behind the American front lines.

Page 5In January of 1951 the Chinese had mounted an offensive

that captured Seoul but were stopped at Osan at the end ofJanuary. UN Forces mounted a counter offensive and recap-tured Seoul in March of that year. The battle lines extended to20 miles north of Seoul by April but were stopped by anotherChinese offensive. By June, after another UN Counter offen-sive that yielded huge Chinese casualties, a Soviet spokesmanproposed that cease-fire discussions be undertaken. For thenext two years cease-fire talks dragged on while the fightingcontinued along the MLR, which changed little during theperiod.

As it turns out the most recent spin on the original questioncame from Pete Chacho himself.

“It was OP Harry in July 1952. I have photos of thathill, and my caption stated “Outpost Harry”. Fox Co, 32nd

regiment, 7th Division was responsible for that Outpost andthe MLR directly behind Harry during the months of July,August and part of September 1952.

I was a rifleman in this company during that time.- - - -- I left Korea in September of 1952 and was shipped backto Korea in October 1952 assigned to the 2nd Bn., Hq Co.,65th Regiment. I eventually found myself back at Harry inJune 1953.”

The following is a map from the June 1953 issue of theNational Geographic Magazine. Note that Tom, Dick andHarry are missing. This probably means that in April of 1953they did not have the latest information from reliable sources

Your Editor, having seen this issue of the Magazine, wrotehome telling family to look at this map and put a dot above thesecond “o” in the word Chorwon, to see my location.

To sum up what we have found about the name, it appearsthe OP was named sometime after the truce talks began, butbefore July of 1952. Not a definitive answer, but who knows?Maybe one of our members out there, upon reading this, mayhave a revelation. Let us hear from you if you do.

`

Map by permission of the National Geographic Society

Page 6

HEAVY WEAPONS AT OP HARRY

In looking for a story idea we wrote to all the members onour group email address to ask for some information about theHeavy Weapons used in the defense of OP Harry. Many an-swers came in and some folks sent pictures along as well.

Member Dave Gulbraa, though not on the email,contributed information and several pictures to help in-form us about heavy weapons. Men who were officersin Korea sent information about the TO&E. Those whowere enlisted personnel and NCOs filled in the grittydetails from their perspective. The names will out as wedevelop the subject.

We heard early from both Martin Markley (K Co.,15th

Reg.) and Jim Steffan (D Co. 5th RCT) concerning the orga-nization of heavy weapons.

At the rifle company level the weapons platoon wasequipped with light machine guns, 60mm mortars and57mm recoilless rifles though Martin recalls a heavy 30Caliber MG on Harry as well.

The heavy weapons company, along with three rifle com-panies constituted a battalion. Battalion Headquarters compa-nies usually had 50 caliber MGs. The weapons company hada machine gun platoon, 81mm mortar platoon a 75mm Re-coilless Rifle Platoon plus a headquarters platoon. Normallyeach platoon had four squads. Each MG squad had a 30 Cal.water cooled MG or an air cooled 30Cal. MG.

Sgt.Jim Steffan, who was the leader of the machine gunplatoons’ 2nd section during the defense of OP Harry recalls,“At the time of Outpost Harry my machine gun platoonhad 8 squads divided into two sections. I don’t rememberif each squad had a water-cooled and an air-cooled at thattime or if four squads had water-cooled and the other fourhad air-cooled. I do know that each section had at leasttwo water-cooled guns.

Typically, the heavy weapons machine gun squads wereattached to the battalion rifle companies on line. Machinegunners were generally intermingled with members of the

rifle company they supported. I am not sure that the75mm recoilless rifle squads were attached to rifle compa-

nies, but they were also on line to support the rifle compa-nies. They were usually positioned on the high ground nearridge lines because of the back blast from their weapons.”

We spoke to Dave Gulbraa and received notes and photosfrom him that we have returned after scanning them for theNewsletter files. Dave gives us a look at the 75RRs and theirrole in helping defend OP Harry. The photo above showsDave with his squad’s 75RR in the valley to the west of OPHarry.

They had just relieved a Greek RR unit. The Greeksmoved back and to the left a short distance. In the dark aGreek officer moved forward of his unit and stood nearDave’s unit’s foxholes. Gulbraa’s crew did not have ordersfor fire missions at the time. The Greek RRs however, openedup. The Chinese followed with some counter fire. The Greekofficer did not take cover and, still standing, was hit squarelywith a Chinese mortar round! In the morning Dave and abouteight companions searched for the remains of the Greek offi-cer. At the end of the search all they had found was a smallpiece of his cheek. They buried it and said some prayers forhis soul.

We heard from Paul Gregory who was a member of D

Company, 5thRCT at the same time. He was in the 81mmmortar platoon. “We had 4 mortars and 3 forward observ-ers. One observer was attached to each rifle company. Iwas an FO attached to B company. Each FO would fire

their own concentrations when they went on line. Themortars would cover all three companies if theywere all on line at the same time. I was the FO with Bcompany when we went on OP Harry.”

The deployment of the machine gun platoon shows muchvariation, usually depending on the tactical requirements of aspecific situation. As most of the information for this articlecame from 5th RCT men we quote from an email from JimSteffan. “The machine gun platoon, Company D, had 4[water cooled guns] on OP Harry the night of June 12-13.(When the water cooled gun in John Ross’ squad finallyceased firing, that crew dug an air cooled gun out of thedirt, cleaned, adjusted it and continued firing it for the restof the night.)”

Jim Steffan sent a copy of the roster of the machine gunplatoon he received from his platoon Sgt. shortly before thefight for OP Harry. He penciled in a few names and rankchanges. We see from the roster that a recently promotedgunner in the seventh squad was Cpl. John Ross and a newammo bearer in the same squad was Pfc. Floyd Deiwert

A machine gun squad consisted of the leader, gunner, as-sistant gunner and three to five ammo bearers as indicated inSteffan’s roster. Effectiveness and survival depended on thekind of teamwork we see today in the pit crew of a NASCARracing team.

Floyd Deiwert sent a picture that he acquired over 50 yearsago indicating that the tension of that job was occasionallybroken by comic though macabre humor. A heavy machinegun appears to be overseen by one of its victims. Remember,these soldiers were still boys in their late teens or early twen-ties, and there was always a practical joker among them.

Page 7

Photo from Floyd DeiwertA heavy machine gun with the symbol of its purpose.

We have been corresponding with Mike Pagamenos,the son of member George Pagamenos. He sent thefollowing story. George told him about an incident notat OP Harry but on the MLR in that region.

“My father told me how he once stopped an AmericanSoldier who was returning to the MLR carrying a box ofammunition. My father indicated in sign language that heshould let him take the ammo. The soldier didn’t argue.He gave my father the ammo. (less for him to carry)

It was a fortunate thing because, for whatever reasonthey were short of ammo for the machine guns. TwoGreek soldiers (their first day in front of the MLR) wereresponsible for the machine guns. My father shared outthe ammo between them, told them where to place theirguns, and made sure they were pointing in the right direc-tion. (It was pitch black darkness)

It wasn’t long before the guns were in use. Orderscame to stop the shooting but the gunners didn’t stop. Myfather pulled them off the guns but the overheated gunskept firing on their own. He told them to disconnect theammo, which they did.

My father was told that the incoming troops werelikely to be Greeks coming back from a patrol. The intel-ligence was wrong. The troops were indeed CCF. TwoGreek soldiers were killed in this action. As soon as theyrealized that the troops were CCF they commenced firing.

The next day there were a lot of dead CCF where thetwo machine guns were pointed. It was a massacre. Theycould have easily been incoming Greek soldiers. But for-tunately they weren’t. Again the machine guns wouldn’tquit firing even when the gunners took their hands off thetriggers. The guns had been directed onto a path that myfather had seen the CCF use before.

I think that surviving in Korea required a lot of initia-tive and good luck, and that extra case of ammunition wasalways helpful.”

Here is an account from Jim Steffan about his experi-ence on OP Harry. “On the afternoon of June 12, Sgt.Ronald Caswell took the second and third squads up toHarry. I took the fifth and sixth squads up that same af

Page 8afternoon. Rhoden, Hedspeth, Young and Gose werekilled that night. Caswell and I were both wounded by amortar round at approximately 1700 hours on June 12 andevacuated. Chambers, Lockhart and four others werewounded. I have been told that at least two more wereslightly wounded but did not report their wounds

Cpl. Pippin did not go up with his squad, so John Rosstook over. As it turned out he was the only leader (Sectionor Squad Leader) from our platoon who was up there thatnight that came off unscathed. I still think that Caswelland I were the luckiest of all.”

To go back to the MLR and the 75mmRRs, Dave Gulbraatold me in a phone conversation that as the attack on Harrybegan that night they fired for a long period of time at the CCFadvance on the left flank of OP Harry. They almost ran out ofammunition. They kept sending drivers to the ammo dump ashort distance away to keep up with the firing They reached apoint, just as the attack was beaten off, that their ammo in thedump was almost depleted! It had been a very busy night.

Photo from Dave GulbraaAmmo dump somewhere behind the MLR in the vicinity of

OP Harry. When off the line, training was going on all the time.

New men were always being assigned to the units to replacecasualties and those who rotated home.

Photo from Floyd DeiwertTraining class on the 30 Cal. water cooled machine gun.

The constant training inspired a certain amount of gripingamong the GIs. The CCF were the ones who felt the results ofthat training in a most lethal manner.

It was, in fact, the line soldier who lived through thattraining and the battles that followed and especially those whowere killed or wounded that we cannot forget.

Photo by Jim SteffanThe machine gun platoon, D Co. 5th RC T before OP HarryThe comments written on the back of the photo by Jim

Steffan quietly say it all, “I recognize a few of the men. !stSgt. Ron Caswell (standing left rear) WIA OP Harry.(second from left) Tex Rhoden. Tex and 3 other membersof the MG Platoon were KIA on OP Harry. 8 (from thisplatoon) were wounded on OP Harry 6/12-13/53.”

After 50 fifty years the names of many comrades fadefrom memory. But the tasks that they accomplished in theface of a fanatical enemy and the sacrifices they made havebecome a part of history.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP MISSION-

KOREA

By Chaplain (COL) Ralph L. Smith, AUS, (Ret.)

My efforts to formReunion DMZ-2003 inApril 2003, never got offthe ground. This projectwas a plan to get veteransof the Korean Wartogether who fought in ornear the demilitarizedzone. My hope for such areunion was to relievesome of the tension whichis still a reality after 50years of Armistice.

The door finally openedthrough California Pacific Tours and Roy Montgomery, Presi-dent. I left Irving, TX 11 September and flew to San Fran-cisco, then Inchon, Korea with a 1st Marine Division tourgroup as their Chaplain. I was the only Army veteran alongwith six Marines, a spouse, granddaughter and Roy the direc-tor who was Navy. We had a Korean lady for our guide. Myhope of 50 years was realized when the group visited tunnel#2 in the “Iron Triangle” between Chorwon and Kumwha.We got to visit the Chong Song observation post (OP Howeduring the war) where I got to look out on the DMZ and viewOutpost Harry where I fought twice in July 1953, as a 2nd LT

infantry platoon leader with C Co., 23rd Infantry Regiment,the 2nd Infantry Division.

Following the tour, a banquet was held on 19 September atthe Hamilton Hotel in Seoul. Five of us were presented “Am-bassador For Peace” medals and certificates by the KoreanVeterans Association and the Korea National Tourism Organi-zation.

As great as that 8-day tour was, and in anticipation of asecond tour (10 days in October), what happened between 25September and 8 October turned out to be the dream of a life-time.

After retiring as a hospital Chaplain in 1997, I had the op-portunity to begin serving as Chaplain and counselor for highschool Youth Leadership Conferences during summer sessionsin Oklahoma and Texas.

Between battlefield tours in Korea, LTC Donald R. Hedg-path, director of Army Instruction at Seoul American HighSchool, arranged for me to teach a Youth Leadership Forumfor the JROTC classes in all four American high schools plusclasses in Taegu, Pusan and Osan. There were 19 classes(each 90 minutes long) and I spoke to 491 students. Thesestudents were highly motivated, and most of them were chil-dren of service or civilian personnel.

Before completing my last two days at Osan AmericanHigh School, I participated in coffeehouse ministry at CampStanley and Camp Red Cloud. I was back with soldiers of the2nd Infantry Division (my unit in 1953) . I preached at serv-ices at camp Stanley and spoke at one service on 5 October.After Osan I attended Sunday School and spoke at the Protes-tant worship service at Camp Red Cloud, 12 October.

The second battlefield tour was with Army veterans of the1st Cavalry Division and the 24th Infantry Division.

Tom Brokaw wrote a book about my WW II generationtitled ”The Greatest Generation.” I was a teenager during thatwar and was proud to finally serve my country after the Ko-rean War began in 1950. I believe Tom Brokaw was wrong,and I hope he made money on his book. After my Korean trip,I believe more than ever that the present generation is ourgreatest. I hope they will prove it in the years ahead as theyrisk and sacrifice to win the War Against Terrorism.

As interesting and valuable experiences, the two battlefieldtours made a great impact on what I believe about freedom.Coffeehouse Ministry was a blessing. But the greatest thingabout the six weeks, were the two weeks in the AmericanHigh Schools with JROTC students and their instructors.Imagine the possibility of going to Japan and Okinawa in 2004and teaching in all eight of the American High Schools! Ihope it happens because it is a great privilege to help in“passing the torch” to our greatest generation!

We wish to extend a special thanks to the members whocontributed information and pictures for the article on heavyweapons. Martin Markley, Jim Steffan, Dave Gulbraa,Brock Lippitt, Jim Evans, Brad Bradford, Paul Greg-ory.Mike and George Pagamenos.

We urge anyone out there with a story to tell or pictures toshow to send them to the editor for inclusion in a future is-sue of this Newsletter.

Page 9

THEN--------and--------NOW

Here is a look into our little time machine.Dave Gulbraa who provided information and photos for

the article on heavy weapons was 20 years old at the time hispicture was taken with his 75mm RR at right shoulder arms..In the photos below our time machine jumps us from 1953 to1997. Dave lives in a log cabin near Sidney, Montana, about90 miles south of the border of Canada, Montana and NorthDakota.

When we spoke to him recently he said the weather was “3feet of snow and 70 below!”. In response to our question heallowed as how it really was, “only 3 feet of snow and 7 be-low!”

1953 1997

Our OPHSA President, Francis Riley is slowly recoveringfrom complications from knee-joint replacement surgery. Hewould probably enjoy getting a few “cheer him up” cards.Francis X Riley7428 Rokeby Dr.Manassas, VA 20109-6407(703) 369-7949

Our Webmaster, Freeman (Brad) Bradford is in an in-tense self-education program with a new Olympus DigitalCamera. He uses it in his travels as well as in illustratingsome of the technical manuals he writes for various companiesin Silicon Valley. He is an excellent photographer already butas film goes out of photography and those flying digits moveinto the field he is staying on top of the trend.

We predict that the next guy in our group to go the newhigh tech direction with photography will be Jim Evans. Heis already working with sophisticated computer software(Photoshop) and enjoying it very much since he retired lastyear from his job as a probation officer in Florida.

Doug Jones sent an email indicating that L Co, 15th Reg.had a Snooperscope and a scope mounted Springfield sniperrifle. And then he cryptically wrote, “My squad had a veryfine Thompson sub…..Unfortunately the French wanted itback….Poor sports…..”

The Enemy Wanted This Hill------

With Courage, Tenacity and Faith.....WE HELD!

OP HARRY SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION

James F. Jarboe, Editor903 Crestfield DriveDuarte, CA 91010-213 1

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