Criteria Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbrea... Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953, Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days Performed his / her duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations MoreHide
Comments
KOREAN WAR SERVICE Served as SGTMAJ 1ST COMBAT SERVICE GROUP 1STMARDIV
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Description The blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on CubaThe blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on Cuba were capable of hitting Washington, D.C. or anywhere in the southeastern portion of the country, the Panama Canal, Mexico City or “as far north as Hudson Bay, Canada, and as far south as Lima, Peru.” A military confrontation appeared imminent when Kennedy told his audience that he ordered the evacuation of the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and put military units on standby. Boldly, he stated, “one path we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.”
Khrushchev responded by sending additional ships—possibly carrying military cargo—toward Cuba and by allowing construction at the missile sites to continue. Over the following six days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it is now known, brought the world to the brink of global nuclear war while the two leaders engaged in tense negotiations via telegram and letter.
Fortunately by October 28, Kennedy and Khrushchev had reached a settlement and people on both sides of the conflict breathed a collective but wary sigh of relief. The Cuban missile sites were dismantled and, in return, Kennedy agreed to close U.S. missile sites in Turkey.... More
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Other Memories
1JAN 1960: THE DEMISE OF THE SWAGGER STICK.
The official swagger stick came on the USMC scene during Gen L.C. Shepherd's time as CMC(1Jan52-31Dec55),and lasted to the completion of Gen. R McC Pate's time as CMC(1Jan1956-31Dec1959). Previously there were many home made versions of "THE STICK" in use by individuals throughout the USMC. UPON ASSUMING THE POSITION OF CMC ON 1Jan1960 GEN.D.M. SHOUP STATED "A clean, neat,well fitted uniform with the Marine Corps emblem is tops.. no need for for gimmicks or gadgets." As for the swagger stick itself---"It shall remain an optional item of interference. If you feel the need of it, carry it!" On January 2nd there were few gadget-bearing Marines to be found.
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Best Friends
Wilbur Bestwick (later first SgtMaj of the USMC): Mike Esposito: Glenn Morgan.
Best Moment
Passing under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Other Memories
In September I was rotated to the USA. The ship MARINE SERPENT, leaving Inchon on September 2 1953,contained many Army troops and about 250 1stMarDiv Marines. In addition there were embarked a number of former POWs being returned to the states, who were to be debriefed enroute. Among these was group of known collaborators, whose presence caused a concern of possible violence and retribution from their fellow POWs. The Marines aboard were divided into three companies and assigned the duty and resposibility for keeping the debriefing areas and the berthing areas of the former POWs segregated from the other Army troops embarked. In addition,due to previously vocalized threats against them,the POW collaborators were isolated under tight 24 hour security watch, to prevent any of them from disappearing over the side. The voyage stateside lasted for twenty one days during which the intelligence debriefing teams did their interviews and reports. The 1stMarDiv personnel assigned to the security posts thoughout the ship ensured a safe voyage for all troops embarked by allowing no major incidents to occur in the volitile environment present. Finally, to the relief of all concerned we passed under the GOLDEN GATE on September 23 1953, and docked at San Francisco. 32nd Rotation Draft Sept. 1953 MSGT Wilbur Bestwick SgtMaj MSGT Mike Esposito 1stSgt A Co. MSGT Glenn Morgan 1stSgt B Co. MSGT James Leather 1stSgt C Co.
Best Friends
MSGT GEORGE NESTOR:SSGT JOSE MARSANS:TSGT FRANK COX:MSGT JIM STILARTY:MSGT HOWARD LEGG.
Best Moment
2200 27 JULY 1953.
Worst Moment
ALL THE OTHER TIMES AND DATES BETWEEN 2 OCTOBER 1952 & 2200 27 JULY 1953.
Other Memories
APRIL 11th 1953:OPERATION "LITTLE SWITCH" Agreement to exchange sick and wounded POWs was finally reached at the Truce Talks at Panmunjom. A tent compound was hastily contructed at Munsan-ni, named "FREEDOM VILLAGE" and was prepared to receive the returnees. The POWs were exchanged during the period 20Apr-3May 1953. The Communists returned 684 sick & wounded UN troops. The UN returned 1,030 Chinese; 5,194 Koreans and 446 civilian internees 26 March 1953:BEGINING OF THE NEVADA CITIES BATTLES JUNE 18th 1953: SNYGMAN RHEE removes the South Korean guards from the POW camps and set free 27,000 north Korean prisoners with out UN or U.S. approval. This brought the Peace talks to a halt for awhile before the Chinamen and North Koreans returned to the table. This action also inceased the population of South Korea since all the loose ex prisoners were declared citzens of South Korea and were quickly absorbed into rice farming families, who claimed them as long lost relatives. 1 JULY 1953: BEGINING OF THE FINAL BATTLE BERLIN CITIES AND BOULDER CITY. THEN THE IMJIN RIVER ROSE TO OVER 11 FEET WASHING AWAY THE SPOONBILL BRIDGE. ON THE 14-15 JULY THE IMJIN CRESTED AT 26 FEET AT LIBBY BRIDGE, LEAVING ONLY FREEDOM BRIDGE OPEN FOR THE MOVING OF SUPPLIES TO THE DIVISION FORWARD SUPPLY POINTS. MARINES OF COL.JAMES A. MOREAU'S 1ST COMBAT SERVICE GROUP, CURSING THE RAIN AND MUD, FOUGHT THEIR WAY THROUGH AND DELIVERED THE MUCH NEEDED AMMO,RATIONS AND SUPPLIES TO KEEP THE BATTLE GOING. 24 JULY 1953 AT 0900 THE CHINESE LAUNCHED THE ATTACK ON BOULDER CITY FOR THE FINAL BATTLE OF THE WAR.DURING THE ATTACK THE CHINESE REGAINED OUTPOSTS BERLIN & EAST BERLIN, BUT FAILED TO TAKE THE KEY DEFENSIVE POSITION OF BOULDER CITY FROM THE MARINES.BOTH SIDES CONTINUED EXTENSIVE PATROL ACTION UNTIL THE TRUCE WENT INTO EFFECT AT 2200 27JUL53. AUG 5-DEC 23 1953-"OPERATION BIG SWITCH" The large and final POW exchange began at Freedom Village near the Imjin River, shortly after the cease fire (27JUL53)and went on and on for 5 long months while the UN and Communists argued over who was going where. There were many side issues during the exchange, which was supervised by neutral Indian Army troops. One being the twenty one USA troops who elected to stay with their communist captors instead of being repatriated.Another was the belligerent,riotous and somewhat admirable military attitude of the hard core communists being repatriated. On their trip from the POW camps on Koje-Do to the exchange site,they stripped off the utility uniforms issued to them and tossed them from the the trains and trucks along with all other American gear and supplies in their possession. They returned to the other side in skivvies or in some cases naked as Jaybirds. The United Nations returned 75,823 POWs (70,183 Koreans,5640 Chinese) The Communists returned 12,773 POW UN troops (7,862 Koreans 3,597 Americans, 946 British) In the final count 21 Amercans elected to stay with the Communists (NO MARINES)
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for service as Sergeant Major of 1st Combat Service Group FMF (attached to 1st Mar div)
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Comments
3 Service Stars Korean Defense Summer Fall 1952 May 1 to November 30th 1952
Third Korean Winter 1952-1953 December 1 1952 to April 30 1952
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Description The Battle for Outpost Vegas was a battle during the Korean War between the armed forces of the United States and China from March 26–28, 1953, four months before the end of the Korean War. Vegas was The Battle for Outpost Vegas was a battle during the Korean War between the armed forces of the United States and China from March 26–28, 1953, four months before the end of the Korean War. Vegas was one of three outposts called the Nevada Cities north of the Main Line of Resistance (MLR), the United Nations defensive line which stretched roughly around the latitude 38th Parallel. Vegas, and the outposts it supported, Reno and Carson, were manned by elements of the 1st Marine Division. On March 26, 1953 the Chinese army launched an attack on the Nevada Cities, including Vegas, in an attempt to better the position of China and North Korea in the Panmunjon peace talks which were occurring at the time, and to gain more territory for North Korea when its borders would be solidified. The battle raged for five days until Chinese forces halted their advance after partially obtaining their objective through capturing one outpost north of the MLR on March 28. The battle for outpost Vegas and the surrounding outposts are considered the bloodiest fighting to date in western Korea during the Korean War. It is estimated that there were over 1,000 American casualties and twice that number of Chinese during the battle of outpost Vegas. The battle is also known for the involvement of Sergeant Reckless, a horse in a USMC recoilless rifle platoon who transported ammunition and the wounded during the U.S. defense of outpost Vegas.... More
Description The Battle for Outpost Vegas was a battle during the Korean War between the armed forces of the United States and China from March 26–28, 1953, four months before the end of the Korean War. Vegas was The Battle for Outpost Vegas was a battle during the Korean War between the armed forces of the United States and China from March 26–28, 1953, four months before the end of the Korean War. Vegas was one of three outposts called the Nevada Cities north of the Main Line of Resistance (MLR), the United Nations defensive line which stretched roughly around the latitude 38th Parallel. Vegas, and the outposts it supported, Reno and Carson, were manned by elements of the 1st Marine Division. On March 26, 1953 the Chinese army launched an attack on the Nevada Cities, including Vegas, in an attempt to better the position of China and North Korea in the Panmunjon peace talks which were occurring at the time, and to gain more territory for North Korea when its borders would be solidified. The battle raged for five days until Chinese forces halted their advance after partially obtaining their objective through capturing one outpost north of the MLR on March 28. The battle for outpost Vegas and the surrounding outposts are considered the bloodiest fighting to date in western Korea during the Korean War. It is estimated that there were over 1,000 American casualties and twice that number of Chinese during the battle of outpost Vegas. The battle is also known for the involvement of Sergeant Reckless, a horse in a USMC recoilless rifle platoon who transported ammunition and the wounded during the U.S. defense of outpost Vegas.... More
People You Remember
Colonel James Moreau MSGT H. Legg MSGT J. Stillarty
Memories 1 JULY 1953: BEGINING OF THE FINAL BATTLE BERLIN CITIES AND BOULDER CITY. THEN THE IMJIN RIVER ROSE 1 JULY 1953: BEGINING OF THE FINAL BATTLE BERLIN CITIES AND BOULDER CITY. THEN THE IMJIN RIVER ROSE TO OVER 11 FEET WASHING AWAY THE SPOONBILL BRIDGE. ON THE 14-15 JULY THE IMJIN CRESTED AT 26 FEET AT LIBBY BRIDGE, LEAVING ONLY FREEDOM BRIDGE OPEN FOR THE MOVING OF SUPPLIES TO THE DIVISION FORWARD SUPPLY POINTS. MARINES OF COL.JAMES A. MOREAU'S 1ST COMBAT SERVICE GROUP, CURSING THE RAIN AND MUD, FOUGHT THEIR WAY THROUGH AND DELIVERED THE MUCH NEEDED AMMO,RATIONS AND SUPPLIES TO KEEP THE BATTLE GOING.... More
Description Korea, Summer 1953, 1 May - 27 July 1953. There was little activity anywhere along the front as 1953 began. Then, as spring approached, the enemy renewed his attacks against the Eighth Army 's outpostKorea, Summer 1953, 1 May - 27 July 1953. There was little activity anywhere along the front as 1953 began. Then, as spring approached, the enemy renewed his attacks against the Eighth Army 's outpost line. By July these attacks had increased in frequency and intensity until they were nearly as heavy as those of May 1951.
In January 1953 Van Fleet had twelve South Korean and eight U.N. divisions to defend the army front. Total strength of combat, service, and security troops was nearly 768,000. Opposing the U.N. forces were seven Chinese armies and two North Korean corps, totaling about 270, 000 troops. Another 531,000 Chinese and North Korean troops remained in reserve. With service and security forces, total enemy strength in Korea was estimated at more than a million men.
Other than a few patrol clashes, little fighting occurred during January and February 1953. On 11 February Lt. Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor took command of the Eighth Army as Van Fleet returned to the United States for retirement. The enemy increased his attacks during March, striking at outposts of the 2d and 7th Divisions and the 1st Marine Regiment. During the period 9-10 March the Chinese were successful in ambushing several U.N. patrols, inflicting heavy casualties in each instance. After these flare-ups the front quieted down until late May, when the enemy struck at the outposts of the U.S. 25th Division that were guarding the approaches to the Eighth Army's western positions. Although the enemy was successful in occupying three of the division outposts, he suffered nearly 3,200 casualties.
On the night of 10 June three Chinese divisions struck the ROK II Corps in the vicinity of Kumsong, attacking down both sides of the Pukhan River. Several attacks forced these units to withdraw about two miles. Both sides lost heavily; the Chinese suffered about 6,000 casualties and the ROK units about 7,400. By 18 June the attacks had subsided. By the end of the month, action along the entire front had returned to routine patrolling and light attacks.
Operation LITTLE SWITCH, an exchange of Allied and Communist sick and wounded prisoners, began on 20 April. When it was completed in the latter part of the month, 684 Allied prisoners had been exchanged for more than 6,000 Communists.
Armistice negotiations were resumed in April. The prisoner-of-war question was settled by providing each side an opportunity to persuade those captives who refused repatriation to their homeland to change their minds. By 18 June the terms of the armistice were all but complete; but on this date President Syngman Rhee ordered the release of 27,000 anti-Communist North Korean prisoners of war unilaterally, in protest against armistice terms which left Korea divided. U.N. officials disclaimed any responsibility for this action; but the enemy delegates denounced it as a serious breach of faith and delayed the final armistice agreement for another month. Enemy forces took advantage of this delay. On 13 July the Chinese launched a three-division attack against the left flank of the ROK II Corps and a one-division attack against the right flank of the U.S. IX Corps, forcing U.N. forces to withdraw about eight miles to positions below the Kumsong River. By 20 July, however, U.N. forces had counterattacked, retaken the high ground along the Kumsong River, and established a new main line of resistance. No attempt was made to restore the original line, as it was believed that the armistice would be signed at any time. Enemy casualties in July totaled about 72,000 men. Out of the five Chinese armies that had been identified in the attacks, the enemy had lost the equivalent of seven divisions.
By 19 July the negotiators at Panmunjom had reached an accord on all points. Details were worked out within a week and the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at 1000 hours 27 July 1953.... More
Best Friends
MSGT Wilbur Bestwick (LATER TO BECOME THE FIRST SGTMAJ OF THE U.S.MARINE CORPS); MSGT Mike Esposito: MSGT Archie Harloe.
Best Moment
CROSSING THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE AT 40 DEGREES NORTH LATITUDE & THE 180TH MERIDIAN LONGITUDE, THUS BECOMING A 'GOLDEN DRAGON' ON 25SEP52.
Worst Moment
OPENING A HATCH ON THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE MSTS "MARINE SERPENT" DURING A TYPHOON, ONLY TO SEE A GIGANTIC WALL OF WATER ABOUT TO SLAM INTO THE SHIP. I SHUT THE HATCH AND DOGGED IT DOWN JUST BEFORE THE WAVE HIT.
Other Memories
1. I CHECKED IN TO CAMP PENDELTON DURING JULY 1952 WITH THE RANK OF TECHNICAL SERGEANT. A FEW DAYS LATER WHILE SEATED IN THE OUT DOOR SCREENED IN HEAD ANSWERING A CALL OF NATURE, I GLANCED AT THE DECK AND SAW A DOGEARRED BROWN EDGED PAGE OF THE "PENDELTON SCOUT". I PICKED IT UP AND READ THE HEADLINE DATED 1 JUNE 1952. "HQMC ANNOUNCES ENLISTED PROMOTIONS", AND THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PAGE WAS MY NAME FOR PROMOTION TO MASTER SERGEANT (TEMPORARY). I IMMEDIATLY GOT MYSELF SQUARED AWAY, TIGHTENED MY BELT AND HEADED DIRECTLY TO THE 3RD REPLACEMENT BATTLION HQ.TENT, THERE I PRESENTED THE CRUMPLED PAGE TO COLONEL BRADY. HE HAD MY PROMOTION CERTIFICATE TYPED OUT, SIGNED IT AND PRESENTED IT TO ME THEN SAID "LEATHER YOU ARE NOW THE SGTMAJ OF THIS BATTALION." FACTORS AFFECTING THIS INCIDENT: A. UPON BEING TRANSFERED FROM SAN DIEGO I WAS GIVEN 40 DAYS LEAVE & AUTHORIZED TO TO CARRY MY SERVICE RECORDS BY HAND. B. THE DAY BEFORE I ARRIVED AT PENDELTON THE ROSTER FOR THE AUGUST REPLACEMENTS WAS CLOSED DOWN. SO, I BECAME THE FIRST MARINE IN THE SEPTEMBER REPLACEMENT DRAFT. 2.AT AGE 24, SIX YEARS OF SERVICE AND ONLY ONE HASH MARK, I WAS GIVEN THE POSITION OF SGTMAJ (MOST SGTS MAJOR I KNEW WERE OLD WITH HASH MARKS FROM WRIST TO ELBOW) AND MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT 96 OFFICERS; 2161 ENLISTED; 84 CORPSMEN: TOTAL OF 2341 TROOPS WERE TRANSPORTED FROM CAMP PENDELTON TO SAN DIEGO AND ALL LOADED ABOARD THE MSTS "MARINE SERPENT" BEFORE PULLING UP THE LADDER AND SHIPPING OUT. 3. LIBERTY IN KOBE,JAPAN ON 2OCT52
Best Moment
When,after many requests, my tranfer for overseas duty with the 1stMarDiv was finally approved.
Other Memories
I was assigned as 7th Recruit Bn Investigator,responsible for:
1. Refingerprinting hundreds of recruits who reported to MCRD with faulty fingerprint records due to carelessness or lack of knowledge concerning proper methods of taking prints by the recruiting offices.
2. Interviewing and verifying the claims of many, many draftees who wished to be classified as conciencious objectors.They all had letters from Pastors, Mayors, Teachers and one Mailman. All stating that Private (fill in the blank)was a pious and devout person and could never take up arms against another human being. I had fairly good sucess in convincing them (mostly the ones I determined were fakers) to accept their duty to serve in the USMC. I explained that the Corps had very few billets for Chaplain's Assistants and they were all filled at present.Some others I told to discuss the matter with their DI. A few reported back to me the next day "Sir,I want to be a Marine!" When I asked about an apparent bruise or black eye, the response was "Sir, I fell over my locker box."
SPENDING ABOUT ONE WEEK IN USNH BALBOA PARK, BEING CHECKED OUT FOR A POSSIBLE REOCCURANCE OF MY TB. AFTER BEING COMPLETELY EXAMINED AND COMPARING CURENT X-RAYS WITH THE OLD ONES I CARRIED WITH ME EVER SINCE I LEFT THE 2ND DIV. I WAS ALLOWED TO RETURN TO DUTY.
Fond memories of spending most liberty weekends in Tijuana, enjoying the Bull Fights at El Toreo de Tijuana and Jai Lai games at the Jai Lai Palace. Also devouring many Tacos and a few cervezas(mas o menos) before heading back to San Diego. Often I would come upon a Marine or sailor who overloaded his cerveza capacity and was totaly drunk as a skunk. Such individuals were usually picked up and put in the Tijuana Jail, which is not a good place to be for anyone. I would get them across the border to the Shore Patrol Office and let them sober up there, a much safer place than the Tijuana Jail House.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Comments
Third Korean Winter December 1, 1952 to Aril 30th 1953
Description In May the enemy became bolder, increasing his probing attacks and patrols, intensifying his artillery fire, and aggressively interrupting U.N. patrols. In May 1952 an estimated total of 102,000 artilIn May the enemy became bolder, increasing his probing attacks and patrols, intensifying his artillery fire, and aggressively interrupting U.N. patrols. In May 1952 an estimated total of 102,000 artillery and mortar rounds fell in Eighth Army positions.
As a result of increased Chinese ground action in the 45th Division sector, the division planned an operation to establish eleven patrol bases across its front. Operation COUNTER began on 6 June. By the 7th, ten of the eleven objectives had been taken. The last one (Hi11 191, eight miles west of Ch'orwon) was captured after a 48-hour battle on 14 June. The Chinese immediately launched counterattacks along the entire division front, climaxing their efforts on the night of 28-29 June with an unsuccessful 4-hour attack. The division sustained over 1,000 casualties during the month of June; Chinese losses were estimated at more than 5,000.
Throughout the first half of 1952, the U.N. forces waged a. war of containment. The frontline soldier, meanwhile, hoped that the armistice negotiators would soon reach an agreement.
As the Korean War went into its third year, in June 1952, the deadlock continued. July began with a series of small-scale attacks by both sides. Torrential rains restricted activity in the last week of July and through most of August. For some time the enemy had gradually increased the volume of mortar and artillery fire in support of his attacks, and in September fired a total of 45,000 rounds against the Eighth Army's front.
During the summer of 1952 the air war over Korea intensified. In addition to striking at supply centers, troop concentrations, power plants, factories, and rail and road networks, U.N. aircraft rendered valuable assistance to frontline troops by bombing, or searing with napalm, enemy bunkers, trenches, gun positions, and communications lines. On 29 August the largest U.N. air raid of the Korean War was carried out on P'yongyang, the North Korean capital. During the month of September alone the U.S. Fifth Air Force shot down 64 MIG-15's at a cost of seven Sabrejets.
A series of enemy attacks in October 1952 produced some of the heaviest fighting in more than a year. Most of it centered around two key heights, Hills 281 and 395, northwest of Ch'orwon. The attacks were opened on 6 October with the largest volume of mortar and artillery fire received by the Eighth Army during the war. By 15 October the disputed ground was held firmly by U.N. forces, and the enemy withdrew. Over 2,000 Chinese dead were counted on these two hills after the 10-day battle.... More
Best Moment
The invasion of ONSLOW BEACH at the conclusion of 2ndMarDiv maneuvers.(1951)
Worst Moment
Being a member of a detail first boarding a landing craft to go from Vieques to Roosevelt Roads,then to San Juan's Caribe Hilton Casino to apprehend a lieutenant who had gone AWOL with the battalion payroll.
Other Memories
1.Liberty in Norfolk, San Juan and Isabella Sequnda. 2.Lots of RUM. 3.Visiting the Royal Marines aboard the HMS Sheffield.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Best Friends
SGT JIM CHASE (A RESERVE FROM PA.) CPL JAMES ROBERTSON (FROM HUMANSVILLE MO.) SGT JIMMIE PUFFENBERGER (ARMY NCO WHO LOST 4 FINGERS ON RIGHT HAND IN KOREA 1950) SGT JAMES DUCKWORTH (ARMY NCO WITH MULTIPLE SHRAPNEL WOUNDS IN LEFT LEG SUSTAINED IN KOREA 1950)
Best Moment
THE DAY I WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE BODY CAST AND MANAGED TO STAND ERECT, WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY MONTHS.
Worst Moment
WHEN I WAS PUT IN THE ISOLATION WARD AND WAS TOLD I HAD TB IN MY LUNGS & SPINE AND NEEDED AN OPERATION ON MY BACK WHICH MIGHT REQUIRE I BE MEDICALLY DISCHARGED.
Other Memories
1. GETTING STREPTOMYCIN INJECTIONS EVERY 2 HOURS DAY AND NIGHT FOR FIVE MONTHS.
2. HAVING UNAUTHORIZED GURNEY AND WHEELCHAIR RACES DOWN THE LONG MAIN PASSAGEWAY OF USNH. I USED TO PROPEL THE GURNEY WITH TWO CANES AND GO ALL OVER THE HOSPITAL,EVEN IN THE ELEVATORS, TO VISIT OTHER WARDS. THE MASTER AT ARMS USNH WOULD SOONER OR LATER CATCH UP WITH ME AND CONFICATE MY CANES, PUT ME ON REPORT AND WHEEL ME BACK TO THE ORTHOPEDIC WARD.I WOULD SOON OBTAIN REPLACEMENT CANES AND START THE PROCESS ALL OVER AGAIN. IT WAS A REALLY A GREAT WAY TO PASS THE TIME.
Best Friends
SSGT D. J. O'CONNOR SGT Claude HOOPER SGT Ralph GOOCH SGT Red O'CONNELL SGT Dave WATSON SGT John COBB SGT Cornelius SCHIFFERT
Best Moment
26 NOVEMBER 1949. THE DAY I WAS PROMOTED TO SSGT. I PACKED UP MY GEAR,LEFT "H" BARRACKS AND MOVED INTO THE SNCO MESS WITH A PRIVATE ROOM.
Worst Moment
22 MARCH 1949. MY ENLISTMENT WAS UP AND ALL THE NECESSARY PAPER WORK WAS DONE FOR MY REENLISTMENT. I WAS PLANING ON SHIPPING OVER SINCE BEING PROMOTED TO SGT.(1 DEC 1947)
I WAS TOLD BY THE BATTALION RECRUITING OFFICER THAT CMC INFORMED HIM THAT I WAS NOT TO BE REENLISTED BECAUSE OF A CIVILIAN CONVICTION OF AUTO THEFT. WELL, THAT KNOCKED MY SOCKS OFF! IT TOOK A LOT OF CONVINCING FOR ME TO GET HIM TO MAKE A CALL TO WASHINGTON, WHICH HE FINALLY DID. AFTER A FEW HOURS THE REPLY CAME BACK THAT SGT LEATHER COULD BE REENLISTED. IT SEEMS THAT THE REPORT WAS ERRONEOUSLY FILED IN MY RECORD (EVERY THING WAS FILED BY SERIAL NUMBER).HE WAS TOLD THE CRIME REPORT HAD THE LAST DIGIT OF THE SERIAL NUMBER DIFFERENT FROM MINE (604431). SO EVERY THING GOT SQUARED AWAY AND I WAS SWORN IN FOR ANOTHER HITCH. I NEVER FOUND OUT WHICH ONE OF THE MOTLEY CREW I ENLISTED WITH DID THE DEED. IT COULD HAVE BEEN 604430; 604432; 604433; 604434; 604435; 604436; 604437; 604438; 604439;. BUT IT DEFINITLY WAS NOT 604431!!
Other Memories
Reported aboard August 1946 as Private. Left March 1950 as SSGT.
I remember at the noon chow formations in front of "H" Barracks where all the BRIG RATS convicted by Courtmartial and sentenced to BCD or Dishonable Discharge,stood at attention while the proceedings of the court were read. Then, flanked by two MP's, they were immediately escorted to the main gate and kicked out of our Corps. At that time we had the "Rocks and Shoals", not the UCMJ. THINGS WERE DIFFERENT IN THE OLD CORPS!!
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Best Friends
Don Barnett; Leo Mc Donough; Elmer Ramsey:Saul Manski; Ray Deweese; Earl Doggett
Best Moment
Being authorized to go off the island on a work detail to pick up some gear in Port Royal.(Little things mean a lot!). THE NCOinC BOUGHT ME A PEPSI COLA!(How good can it get?)
Worst Moment
Mess duty at the rifle range Mess Hall.
Instructors
GYSGT HAMPSON CPL KING CPL O'REILLY
Other Memories
1. The taunting cries of "YOU'LL BE SORRY" from the old salts of a week or two military service, as we dragged our newly issued gear down Panama Street.
2. Being constantly reminded that we were "Fouled up worse than a Chinese fire drill in a whale boat" until we mastered the manual of arms and close order drill to the DI's satisfaction.
3.Pvt Elmer Ramsey making nightly illegal trips to the Rifle Range PX,to bring back Pogey Bait and Ice Cream to the guys in Hut G-9.
4.Murdering the ever present Cockroaches in the hut by soaking them in lighter fluid and lighting them up, or the old standby of frying them on the coal stove.
Other Memories
1. WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL I JOINED THE NAVY RESERVE V-5 PROGRAM (1945), SCHEDULED TO BE ASSIGNED TO A COLLEGE IN 1946. WHEN THE WAR ENDED THE NAVY NOTIFIED ME THAT THEY WERE TERMINATING THE V-5 (PILOT TRAINING) PROGRAM AND OFFERED ME TWO CHOICES:
1. ASSIGNMENT TO ACTIVE DUTY AS A SEAMAN APPRENTICE FOR AN UNSPECIFIED TIME.
2. HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE NAVY.
I TOOK NUMBER 2 AND ENLISTED IN THE CORPS AS SOON AS THEY ISSUED MY DISCHARGE.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
1 AUGUST 1964 PROMOTION TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT (E9)
DEATH AND FUNERAL OF JFK. HAVING MY OWN PRIVATE PARKING SPACE RIGHT OUTSIDE MY OFFICE.