Vol 64 No. 1 Winter 2010 Taro Leaf
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The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page
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Sunday September 26 to Wednesday September 29. Millennium Airport Hotel 800-323-3331 for reservations. Information for the registration forms, tours, etc., not available for this edition; will be in April 2010 Taro Leaf. All ques- tions: Contact: Sal Schillaci, 716-837-1635, [email protected] or the Re- union BRAT—Phone: 360-663-2521; email: [email protected].
Page 2 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
~~~ President’s Letter ~~~ As I write this it ing right at your front, never at your too, but across the valley there were is Christmas, back. no lights, only the occasional flare, and Donna and I some tracers and maybe some artil- But that’s where the similarities are back home lery or mortar blasts. We didn’t end. Here I can sit in front of a in Minnesota to know each other and didn’t see roaring fire and watch the snow- spend the holi- each other, but when we did see storm outside; in Korea I sat in a days with our someone we tried our best to kill frozen, unheated hole in the ground children and grandchildren. A them. They did the same. and tried my best to keep warm. storm is raging outside, and the Sometimes we got a bunker with We always stood freezing by the snow is flying and the wind is blow- logs on the top but always had a open hole so we could see them if ing. As I gaze out at the snow I am hole to the north so we could see they came to visit. We were deter- reminded of the similarities with out. mined to hold on to “their land” my 1951 Christmas in the moun- even at the risk of our lives. I say tains near Kumsong, North Korea Here I can look out over the lights their land because it was theirs and with Easy Co , 19th Infantry Regi- on my deck and see my neighbor’s we took it away from them two ment. Christmas lights twinkling through months before. Ironically, after the the trees. I know that if I trudge More than a foot of snow is on the truce, we gave it back to them any- through the snow to their house I ground, and it is below zero and the way. will be invited in for hot chocolate snow crunches under your feet as or a cup of coffee. Around the Christmas holidays we you walk. Snow is everywhere and were always expecting them to visit the wind always feels like it’s com- We had neighbors in North Korea (President’s Letter Continued on page 17)
Call for Verbeck Award Nominations Association VP Sal He has selected the recipients: Dan Rickert, Keith Schillaci is seeking following as mem- Hagen and Tom Thiel to that list. member nomina- bers of this year’s Verbeck Guidelines: The Verbeck tions for the member Verbeck Award Com- Award is presented to that Asso- you think should be mittee: Gene Spicer, ciation member who best displays recognized with our Dan Rickert, Keith the ideals of Bill Verbeck–an un- Association’s prestig- Hagen and Tom abashed love for the Division and ious 2010 Verbeck Award. Thiel. its Association; a member who Schillaci says he would like to of- Contact Sal at: Salvatore Schillaci, most furthers the interests of the fer all members the opportunity to 59 Endicott Drive, Amherst, NY Association and the Division. nominate a member for the Ver- 14226-3323, ph: 716-837-1635. It is not intended to reward mere beck Award. So, please send Sal Past Verbeck Award recipients are popularity, but more to acknowl- your recommendation and a brief shown in the Taro Leaf, Vol. 61, edge hard work in helping to write-up on why you believe your Nos 3&4, Summer-Fall 2007, make the Association more suc- nominee deserves to be honored. page 49. Please add recent year’s cessful. ###
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From Your Editor’s Computer by Tom J. Thiel Well, an- cid169.kwvachapters.org. It was a Lebanon, Desert Storm, and else- other Taro neat learning experience that I where the 24th has been after Ko- Leaf has plan to have take me to launch a rea. They are out there; I see come and similar Taro Leaf or 24th IDA them every day on the web! And gone, and effort. I comment a bit more on if you don’t think we need them, we are all this effort on page 16. just look at pages 6 and 7, and 39 three and 40! Then too I should remind you months older than when the last that the Association must not re- You say you like the Taro Leaf. issue hit our mailbox. lax in its effort to find a Taro Leaf That it is the glue that holds the In that three months I have be- Editor. My commitment to stay Association together. come another year older, 81, and on for a while was limited to a But the Taro Leaf, and other As- have encountered difficulties dic- year. With this issue I will have sociation activities do not happen tating more medical tests. But completed half that tour of duty. by themselves. They take skill then we all have those. And I feel that the Association sets and energies that us old Also in those three months, I has not made the concerted effort codgers no longer possess. have produced my first web site. necessary to bring to our ranks Let’s do something about it now! This was for my local KWVA more younger Taro Leafers. Tomorrow may be too late! tjt Chapter, http:// Those who served in Germany,
Taro Leaf Editor Needed
Contact Mel Frederick or Sal Schillaci 507-455-1639 or 716-837-1635
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The Taro Leaf TAPS Medical Detachment in Korea
Association Members during 1951 -1952. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery. He Jasper D. Blow, Jr., CORRECTION In is survived by his wife, Mrs. The Taro Leaf, Vol. 62(2) incorrectly reported Ethelene Ladany, 15311 Beaver- that Jasper D. Blow, Jr., Life Member - #2011, brook Ct. Apt 1F, Silver Spring, "C" Company, 19th Infantry, had passed away. I Ladany MD 20906-1310. am pleased to report that on Nov. 28, 2009, I spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Blow and they are very Lloyd Robert McCandlish, 82, of Bre- much alive and well. If you should wish to wel- men, OH passed away Dec. 13, come Jasper and Maryellen back they can be 2009 in his home. Life Member reached at: 1550 Gant Rd., Scottsboro, AL 35769- 604, Lloyd served with the 21st In- 3507, 256-259-6873, [email protected]. The fantry Regiment in Korea and was Taro Leaf sincerely regrets this significant error. a member of Task Force Smith. In- TJT ED. terment Dec. 17, 2009 in Grand- McCandlish view Cemetery. He is survived by Richard H. Chatley, 81, passed away in his wife, Mrs. Mary McCandlish, 112 S. Broad St., Nunda, NY. Richard served in the 21st Infantry Bremen, OH 43107-9712. Regiment in Korea. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Janet Chatley, 8360 Short Tract Rd., Nunda, Orland E. Moncrief, 19th Infantry WWII, NY, 14517-9771. died Oct. 22, 2009. His is survived by his daugh- ter, Linda M. Pitts, 9505 Blom Blvd., Shreveport, Pomas B. Fasules, Life# 108, 3rd Engi- LA 71118. neer WWII died in 1988. Lucy Fasules, 426 Mar- garet Dr., Fairborn, OH 45324. Niels Eldon Mortensen, age 83, of Roose- velt, UT, died Apr. 30, 2009 at the Uintah Basin Victor Martin Gloe, 87, of Hermann, MO, Medical Center in Roosevelt. Life member #1187, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 at Frene Val- Niels served in WWII and Japan with the 19th ley Health Center, Hermann, MO. Association Infantry Regiment. His last known address Life Member 371, Victor served with the 21st In- was: 268 S. State #38 Apt 15, Roosevelt, UT fantry Regiment in the Philippines and Japan, 84066-2915. and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He is survived by Lillian Gloe, and four children. Burial Carl H. Oeder, Life # 1362, 724th Ord WWII at St. Martin's Cemetery, Starkenburg, MO, with died Sep. 11, 2001. Survived by his son, Richard full military honors. Mrs. Lillian Gloe, 1034 Jef- C. Oeder, 2236 E. Armand St., Lake Charles, LA ferson St., Hermann, MO, 65041-1260. 70611.
William D. Ladany, of Silver Spring, for- Glenn L. Osborn, 96, of Portland, OR, merly of Rockville, MD, passed away on Friday, passed away Jan. 8, 2010. Glenn was born in Dec. 11, 2009. Bill was a S/SGT assigned to Head- (Continued on page 6) quarters, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion,
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The Taro Leaf TAPS
(Continued from page 5) and (5) children. Ms. Myra Rosengrant, 880 Belle Road, Red Lion, PA 17356-9046. Cando, N.D., and served in the 34th Regiment, 81, of Babylon L.I., NY, died 24th Infantry Division stationed in Australia and Richard Solat, the Philippines in WWII. Glenn was preceded in Nov. 4, 2009 of lung cancer. Associa- death by his wife, Win Osborn. tion life member 1760, Richard served with the Division in Korea and Japan William Harold Oslin, 86, of Muskogee, with the 26th AAA from Jul. 1951 to OK, died Sep. 28, 2009 at Solara Nov. 1952, and was a member of the Hospital Muskogee. Life Member# swim team that won the Division’s 1151, Mr. Oslin served with Can- Solat 1952 swim meet. Richard taught art at non Company, 19th Infantry North Babylon, NY High School, from 1955-88, Regiment, in the Pacific, Philip- and is survived by his wife Arline, and daughters pines and Okinawa from Oct. 1944 Nancy and Sally. Mrs. Arline Solat, 112 Washing-
Oslin to Jan. 1946. He is survived by his ton St., Babylon, L.I., NY, 11702-1820. wife, Mrs. Billye Jean Oslin, 1013 N. Edmond St., , 77, of Paces Creek Muskogee, OK, 74403-3212. Harley Franklin Welsh Road, Trenton, SC, died Oct. 29, 2009 Jerome Elton Rasmussen, age 79, of Sar- in Edgefield. Mr. Welsh served with tell, MN, formerly of Howard Lake, passed away the 19th Infantry Regiment, Com- Oct. 21, 2009 at the VA Med. Ctr. of St. Cloud. panies C and B from Jul. 1950 to Aug. Life Member # 1728, he served with Battery A, 1951. Private burial at the Fort Jack- 11th Field Artillery in Japan and Korea 1949- son National Cemetery. He is sur- Welsh 1950, when he was wounded by mortar fire. Inter- vived by Mrs. Betty Louise Welsh, ment in Howard Lake Cemetery. Jerome is sur- 167 Paces Creek Rd., Trenton, SC 29847-2037. vived by his wife, Mrs. Jean Rasmussen, 2401 Utah Rd., Sartell, MN, 56377. Non-Association Members
Bertie Rose, wife of Perry W. Rose, passed Clifford Ray Barth, Colonel, Colorado Springs, away Jul. 22, 2009. Contact Mr. Rose at 605 CO, died on Dec. 1, 2009. He was in the 19th Infan- Broadway, Monticello Park #255, Longview, WA try Regiment in the Philippines and Japan; awarded 98632. the Bronze Star. His first wife Edmee Boddeker died Jan. 1967; in 1976, he moved to Leadville, CO where Charles E. Rosengrant, 78, of Fort Pierce, he married. Mrs. Louise Barth, Colorado Springs, CO. FL, passed away Nov. 9, 2009 at his home. Life Maynard A. Birkholz, 87, of Omro, WI died Dec, Member 2291, Charles served from 1949-1952 9, 2009. He served during World War II with the 24th with the 21st Infantry Regiment, Company B Infantry Division RCN, Recognizance Troop in the and was with Task Force Smith. Charles received South Pacific. Mrs. Lois Birkholz, 1701 Springbrook numerous medals, including a Bronze Star that he Rd, Omro, WI 54963-1810. never received, and a Purple Heart that he refused (Continued on page 39) to accept. He is survived by two brothers, a sister,
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The Thirty Fourth Infantry Regiment On Corregidor by Paul J. Cain Company Commander, I CO, 34th Inf. Regt. February 15, 1945, the 3rd objected. That wave consisted Battalion, plus A Company, of K Company Commanded by Cannon Company, and a Com- Captain Frank Cenntanni pany of light tanks of the 34th from Cleveland, OH, and L Infantry Regiment left Olan- Company commanded by gapo and Subic Bay on three Capt. Louis Stern from Cham- LST’s (landing ship tank) and paign, IL. They had the mis- sailed south to Marivales on sion of securing the top of Ma- the south tip of the Bataan linta Hill. Peninsula. The second wave, which in- The 34th Infantry troops were cluded I company commanded under the Command of Lt. by Lt. Paul Cain from Ivesdale, Col. Edward M. Postlethwait, IL, followed. I Company lost a graduate of West Point class of its Jeep and driver PFC Cresenzo Infantry Cannon Company and a 1937. Col Postlethwait served to a land mine as it left the land- platoon of Tanks loaded with three years at Fort McKinley in ing craft. I Company’s mission on troops and equipment on 25 the Philipines Islands. In 1940 he landing was to move across the LCM’s (landing craft mechanized) returned stateside and joined the beach to clear and secure the for the move of some five miles 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regi- north dock area. across north channel of Manila ment as a Company Commander, bay to Black Beach on the south A Company commanded by Gil- later rising to Battalion Com- bottom side of Corregidor. Each bert Heaberlin had one of Cannon mander. landing craft had a vehicle along company’s SPM’S (self propelled In Marivales, some 3 years before with troops, which made said craft mount) on landing craft with on 9 April 1942, General King, loaded to capacity. them; it also hit a land mine on Commander of the Philippine- leaving the landing craft and As the 34th Infantry crossed the American forces had sued for a ended up on its side on beach. channel, a flight of B-24 American truce. The Bataan Death March bombers flew over Corregidor and Bill McKenna, A Company came began here at this time . dropped their load of 500 lb. off the landing craft at the same Some 3 weeks prior to our Cor- bombs completely covering the time and was knocked to ground regidor landing, B-24 aerial bom- island with a cloud of dust and from the blast. A Company’s mis- bardment started with some 3,125 smoke. Following the bombers at sion was to clear and secure the tons of bombs dropped on the is- 8:30 a.m. came the C-47 transport landing area. land. On 7 Feb, 200 tons were planes dropping the 503rd para- By this time the Japanese were in dropped on that day alone. P-38, troopers on topside. action and sprayed the beach as P-39 & P-51 assaults also oc- The first wave of 34th Infantry well as the third and fourth waves curred. troops were scheduled to hit the still offshore with heavy machine At 8 a.m. on 16 February 1945, Black Beach at 10:30 a.m., they 3rd Battalion, A Company, 34th were two minutes early but no one (Corregidor Continued on page 8)
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(Corregidor Continued from page 7) the enemy soldiers disappeared. tions. Fortunately, he blew himself up under the front of the truck I Company Platoon leader, Lt. Phil gun (MG) fire from caves on both and only blew off the truck’s left Nast from NY, was hit two hours flanks. Fortunately Navy gun front wheel. after landing with shrapnel from a boats and a destroyer off shore mortar shell and evacuated on a The second day, 17 Feb, I Co found were able to quiet the guns, at stretcher to the Hospital ship off- that the area they had cleared the least for a while. shore. He still had his boots on! day before had been reoccupied by Lt. William Soboleski from Nati- the Japs, who were hiding in shell I Company had a man killed and coke, PA, a member of Headquar- holes created by our 500 lb bombs two wounded and were pinned ters Company, 3rd Battalion had a that had left a good sized hole in down from machinegun fire from mission with his mine detection the coral rock. the main tunnel. I Company re- team to mark and remove all quested a tank, but was told the Lt. Coleman and the first Platoon, mines from the landing area. He beach had not yet been cleared of along with Sgt. Ortez and his MG and his crew were able to crawl mines. Some 60 minutes later they squad moved from shell hole to under heavy machinegun fire and were advised that a tank was avail- shell hole, and by first tossing in a mark a path through mine field. able; it was brought up and qui- smoke grenade then followed by a They later removed 216 mines. eted that machinegun. couple of hand grenades then as- PFC Dan Car, a rifleman with K saulting the position. They killed I Company later again became Company was killed by a bullet over 40 of the enemy, and cap- pinned down by a MG firing from from a MG as he crossed the land- tured two MG, one knee mortar the icehouse in the north dock ing beach to Malinta Hill. Dan and numerous individual weap- area. Again the tank was called on; Valles called for aid man Ray ons. it only took a couple rounds to si- Cash. lence the MG and set the icehouse Meanwhile Sgt. Personni, who’s Donald Sletten from Thorton, CO., on fire. platoon was securing the road was a member of a dive team that around the north side of Malinta Frank Centani, CO of K Co, which had gone in ahead of us and Hill, spotted a cave with a large was at the top of Malinta Hill, ra- search the landing area for under- camouflage net hanging over the dioed BN Hdq and reported that water mines. When he and one opening. John Goodin, I Co’s the landing beach looked much other man surfaced they found flame thrower operator, was called like a movie war zone. Vehicles that the landing boat that brought and directed to burn away the net, were blown up by land mines and them had left without them. So, which revealed a large cave with casualties were all over the place. they quietly slipped ashore and an 8 in. coastal gun covering the All very quiet at that time on top hid until the 34th came ashore. north channel entrance to Manila of Malinta in K & L Co’s areas. bay. Sgt Personeni spotted a Japanese The first night a Jap slipped into MG some 500 yds to our left front. On top of Malinta Hill, K Co had Service Co. area and set off a It was firing at the C47’s as they two lower areas to their left flank. charge destroying himself and a passed over after dropping the The lower one was known as goal water treatment plant brought in paratroopers. We called up post ridge since it had a couple of to convert sea water to drinking Dwight Dipple from Ludlow, IL iron pipes sticking up that looked water. A second Jap crawled un- with his 60 mm mortars. After der a truck loaded with demoli- placing some rounds in that area (Corregidor Continued on page 9)
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Corregidor Continued from page 8) the handle fly off so he would not Next morning Sgt. Shorr had his have time to toss the grenade 2nd Plt reinforced with a section similar to a goal post used in foot- back, then toss it to the enemy. If of Sgt. Ortez’s Lt. MG. Following a ball. he were on the steep side of the 81mm mortar barrage, they hill he usually rolled back down moved onto goalpost hill with no Dan Valles, Jim Suffivan and and sometimes took another Jap enemy opposition. But, the enemy three other men from Dan’s Plt with him. continued to hit them every night. were sent down to secure goal post ridge. About midnight the One night I looked for my radio One morning we started to receive Jap’s attacked with force. After operator Sam Sniderman and sniper fire from Infantry Point, a they had used up all ammo and found out he was out gathering brush covered hill some 150 yds to thrown all grenades, Dan and Jim grenades for the men on the pe- the northeast of our position. One were able to slip over the side of rimeter. of Company I’s men was wound- the hill and work their way ed. We tried 81 mortar fire which Next morning I requested some around and at daybreak back up seemed to have little effect. sort of illumination during these to the Company at top Malinta night attacks. The Navy had a We next contacted our air liaison Hill. shell they fired into the air where officer requesting a napalm drop Next morning Cpt. Centanni with it would light up a large area for to burn off the brush. Less than 5 his messenger Corp Mureau went about 45 seconds. They continued minutes later he called me back down to reconnoiter the area not to fire them every 2 to 3 minutes advising that planes were already realizing there were still some en- during an enemy attack. They being loaded and that they would emy in that area. Both the Captain were a great help. be over our target in 15 minutes. and his aid were killed. Since he was down at Bn. Hdq, he Next day K Company sent up a asked me to help direct the planes K Company’s EX officer had been detail to pick up casualties on in. So, by keeping the line open killed in the attack the night be- goalpost hill and take them down between us and he in touch with fore leaving only a Lt. Fugetti. K off the hill. I Company Com- the planes, we directed the strike, Co had taken heavy casualties. mander went down with them to which was 100 percent successful. reconnoiter the area. Casualties I Company was ordered to move We also saw one of the enemy were recovered. There was no sign to the top of Malinta Hill and re- come running out of the brush of enemy. place K Company. Since it was and was immediately cut down by dark by the time it got in place, it Two hours later Sgt Owen with rifle fire from Malinta Hill. did not attempt to occupy goal the 2nd Platoon was sent down to Joseph Baron from Chicago, IL, a post hill. The enemy attacked occupy goalpost hill. He found the medic with a 4-man litter squad again that night at about midnight enemy had moved back in or had was evacuating a seriously until 3 a.m. been asleep that morning as a wounded man down off Malinta tough firefight developed with Sgt We found the primary weapon of Hill when the enemy opened up Owen and one other man killed defense was the hand grenade. spraying them with heavy caliber and one wounded. As dark came Harry Veick from Oak Park, MI MG fire killing one of the litter on 2nd Platoon now under Sgt. said if you spotted one of the en- bearers. The wounded man was Shorr was moved back up into emy crawling up the hill you just dropped off litter and rolled down Company perimeter for the night. pulled the pin out of a grenade, let (Corregidor Continued on page 10)
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(Corregidor Continued from page 9) cal supplies up to the 503rd Para- started firing. None of the 300 or troopers up topside. They had to so enemy troops ever reached the go up a road which had not yet top of Malinta Hill. been cleared of the enemy, and the hill for some distance. Jack Miller and his Platoon with received heavy MG fire at one two tanks attached was given the Naval vessels setting offshore point. fired and quieted the Jap MG so assignment to attack around the the medics could pick up the On return trip they carried north side of Malinta Hill. He po- wounded men. Hartman and sitioned one tank in front of the wounded man and continue on to Nolan made a second trip this north tunnel entrance where it aid station. time pulling a water tank along was stormed by the enemy in A MG had been spraying the land- with medical supplies, again MG bunches of 10 to 20 all armed ing area when any gathering had fire, however not as heavy and with sticks and rocks. They killed developed. Lt. Bernie an officer on again brought down casualties. a great number of the enemy, but patrol located it in a brush cov- took no casualties of their own. On the 7th night the Japs blew the ered cave on the side of a cliff. tunnel. Malinta Hill bounced, fire On 24 February the 503rd re- Bernie then went out to the came out of the tunnels and rose lieved I and L companies on the cruiser located just offshore and up the sides. A portion of the top of Malinta Hill. On 25 Febru- helped them spot the entrance to south end broke off burying six A ary, the 3rd Bn. with attached the cave where this gun was lo- Company men under rock and units were picked up by LSTs and cated and the Naval guns quickly isolating Bill Mckenna and his moved back to Subic Bay where shut down that heavy MG. MG squad from the remainder of they re-joined the rest of the 34th Bill McKenna and Joe Froelich the Platoon. Infantry. (who represented Austria as a A couple hours later the Navy On 2 March Col Postaiwait, his downhill skier in the 1932 Olym- moved a destroyer and a PT boat staff and the Company Command- pics) of A Company settled down into the area, and shot a rope up ers with about a dozen EM re- for the night in a shell hole. to Bill’s position and rescued he turned to Corregidor for the flag We were advised by a couple of and his squad one at a time. They raising with Gen McArthur. Naval Officers who had spent time took them out to the PT boat in a The 503rd Paratrooper Regiment on Corregidor back when it be- rubber boat. The remainder of the and the 3rd Battalion 34th Infan- longed to the U.S., that if the Japs A Company was rescued at day- try were awarded the Presidential ever blew the ammunition in the light. Unit Citation for the job they did tunnels the blast would create a Jack Miller and the 2nd Plt. L on retaking Corregidor. channel across the island. The Company were shaken from ex- tunnels held some 35,000 artil- Paul J. Cain hometown Ivesdale, IL., plosion and flames, which as ob- lery shells, 10,000 powder drafted a private 1940, commissioned served from above, appeared to charges, 2,000 lbs TNT, 80,000 2nd Lt. Inf October 1942, joined K cover their position. But they had mortar shells along with hand gre- Company 34th Inf. 24th Infantry Divi- no casualties sion on Oahu Nov 1942, transferred to nades and land mines. I Company 34th Inf as Commanding As it got daylight the following Sgt. Bill Hartman, Plt Sgt Cannon officer Nov. 1944. After Japan surren- morning, the east side of Malinta der August 1945 relieved and returned Co 34th Inf, with driver Mike Hill was covered with the enemy. to States November 1945. # Nolan stripped down a M7 self- They were crawling up the hill. L propelled mount (105MM & 50 Paul J. Cain Company spotted them first and Cal MG) and took a load of medi- 3109 B Chatham Dr. Page 10 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
With Task Force Smith at Osan By Jack H. Higdon I enjoy the magazine very much our weapon would stop tanks. I told him not me. and have followed the articles I was in an emplacement cover- They moved out towards the road closely. I have lost a lot of friends ing the main road with Elihude and I moved out in the opposite from the Gimlets and occasion- Bond from Kentucky, Rocky direction running as fast as I ally see their names in the maga- (Clyde T) Rockwell from Nevada could. zine. I hope to attend a reunion and Denton from Arkansas. some day. I ran until my lungs were on fire. We had been told that when the I was a very scared 16 year old This is a story I have never told. North Koreans saw that we were who had never tossed a grenade When the Korean War started I Americans, they would not shoot or fired my rifle at anyone. had been living the good life in at us. The mortars that were support- Kumamoto, Japan. I had learned Unfortunately no one told that to ing us were good news and bad to smoke, drink, gamble and the North Koreans! news. The bad news was the womanize, and had learned to do rounds they were firing were all very well, even at the young When they hit us we fired one landing behind us. The good age of 16! round and hit the lead tank. news was the ammo was so old I was assigned to Company M, While we were celebrating we did the rounds were not exploding! 21st Infantry Regiment at Camp not notice the tank’s gun was still It was pure mayhem when I ran. Wood in January 1949. I was in operational and that it had been The last person I saw surrender- the 75mm Recoilless Rifle pla- pointed right at our position. ing was Denton. toon. When the tank fired the first All three, Bond, Rockwell and In July 1950, I went to Korea round it hit in front of our em- Denton, were POWs. Rockwell with Task Force Smith where my placement! We were pelted with and Bond died in captivity. unit was attached to the 1st Bat- dirt and rocks and became very Denton lived and came home, talion, 21st Infantry Regiment, scared. but his health was destroyed. the first American unit into Ko- At that point the NK ground rea. I ran alone, keeping off the troops began overrunning our r0ads. I ran for three days. Sev- We were sent to delay the North Main Line of resistance and it eral times, I was given food and Korean advance until other units was total chaos. water by friendly Koreans. could be deployed. Colonel Smith Maybe if I had stayed on the selected a site near Osan, South G.I.s were walking over to the main roads I may have gotten Korea for our stand. road and surrendering. back to the troops that had ar- Rocky and Bond said they My first experience with combat rived after us, but I was scared was there at Osan. That was a guessed we were supposed to and kept to myself because I day I will never forget. surrender too. thought the NK were on the main roads. They sent our 75mm Recoilless I said not me. Bond who was a corporal told me I had to if he Rifle squad because they told us Finally I made it back to a river did.
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where our troops that had come gon/Cholon, and one in the 4th poorly trained, poorly led, very later had taken positions. Infantry Division. scared 16 year old who used his instincts to survive! They took me to their S2 to be I made master Sergeant 1n 1955 debriefed. I told the Major that in the 11th Airborne Division I do not know why I decided to our positions had been overrun, Honor Guard at age 23. I served write about that horrible day and that I had run when the oth- in the 101st Airborne and on the now. I carried a ton of guilt for ers decided to surrender. I told J6 staffs at USCINCEUR and US- years until I learned the odds we him that if they wanted to court SOUTHCOM. faced at Osan that hot July day. martial me to go ahead. During my service after Korea I The thing that still angers me is The Major said that I had not received four Bronze Stars for that we had very little training had a chance against the NK, and Meritorious Service, five Com- and being only 16 years old I sim- that I had done nothing wrong. mendation medals, one Joint ply did not know what I should Service Commendation medal do. I responded to a terrible In later action in Korea, I re- and the Legion of Merit. I retired situation using my gut judgment. ceived the CIB and the Silver as a CW4 in 1977. Star. I rotated from Korea on I wish I could tell you more. June 1, 1951, one of the first to For years I felt like I was a cow- Jack H. Higdon rotate. ard at Osan. Then one day on a CW4 USA Retired web site I learned there were 800 I went on to spend 30 years in 918 NE Van Loon Lane of us and 10,000 NKs! the Army. That included two Cape Coral, FL 33909-2639 tours in Vietnam, 1963-64, and I no longer felt like a coward! 239-573-8182 1969-70. One year in MAAG Sai- Rather I realized I was simply a [email protected] Task Force Smith - The Lesson Never Learned Conclusions from a Monograph by Major John Garrett * In the case study of Task Force In the case of Task Force Smith headquarters represent young Smith, the truth has been hidden by and the 24th Infantry Division, men who will never become a series of revisionist historians, the message that stands out is grandfathers, because the such as Fehrenbach, with agendas that soldiers cannot be em- leaders were not ready for bat- to serve. There are no conspiracy ployed without the intellect of tle. theories here, and many of the his- the leaders being engaged be- That is the lesson of Task torians generally believed that what forehand. Force Smith. (emphasis added) they were reporting was the truth. The army must learn that They however have done an injus- readiness of an army is more * Infantry School of Advanced Military Studies tice to the men that served and their than equipment and manning, United States Army Command and General fellow soldiers who need to under- it is the readiness of the lead- Staff College stand the reason’s why. ership to learn the military Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and operational art of the pro- Second Term AY 99-00 Uncovering the truth is only the September 19, 2000, Page 42. fession before the first shot is first step. Once the truth is clearly http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc? fired. Since, in the end, the ar- revealed, it must be examined to AD=ADA381834&Location=U2&doc=GetT rows drawn on the maps in RDoc.pdf determine what can be learned.
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A Deadly Reconnaissance Patrol 3rd Combat Engineers, August 11, 1950, 1st Lt. Ward Neville, et al By Merry Helm, December 13, 2009 The 24th Division was in a retrograde The actual patrol was led by 1st Lt Ward movement on August 11, 1950. Its re- Neville, leader of B Company’s first pla- sources were stretched dangerously thin, toon. With the main supply route threat- and its main supply route was in serious ened, Neville volunteered to lead a recon- jeopardy. On that date, seventeen 3rd Com- naissance patrol 5,000 yards into enemy bat Engineers ventured deep into enemy territory. Although his by-the-book leader- held territory to assess the location and ship style did not particularly endear him to strength of the opposition. Only a handful his men, Neville had proven himself a capa- made it back, including the Battalion’s ble soldier, having earned a Bronze Star/ commander. 1st Lt. Ward Neville Valor on July 8th and a Silver Star on July 12th. Now, he was about to receive a Distinguished In Counterattacks on the Naktong, 1950, Dr. Wil- Service Cross, which he would not live to see. liam Robertson writes, “Adding to the 24th Divi- sion's woes on the night of 11 August was a report A sketch of what happened can be formulated from from Eighth Army at 2150 that the North Koreans the citations that were later issued. had pushed another force across the Naktong, this From LTC Hyzer’s Silver Star: “Colonel Hyzer, a Ko- time just beyond the division's northern flank. The rean interpreter, CPL Johnson, and PFC Bolster ac- sectors held by the 21st Infantry and Task Force companied a Battalion Patrol to the West bank of Hyzer on the division's right had been relatively the Naktong River and part of the way to its objec- quiet for several days, enabling [General] Church to tive, Hill 207. After insuring that the patrol was well reduce troop strength there in order to reinforce on its way and that it was not being followed, Colo- more threatened areas to the south. An infantry bat- nel Hyzer decided to return with his group to the talion, an engineer company, and a 155-mm artillery East bank of the Naktong River. Upon arriving at the battery had all moved to Yongsan from the division's landing site of the West bank of the river, Colonel right within the past twenty-four hours. Thus, no Hyzer’s group discovered one of the boat guards ly- units were immediately available to respond to the ing beside the boat apparently dead and noted en- new threat. Lieutenant Colonel Hyzer of the 3d En- emy movement in the area. By mutual agreement gineer (C) Battalion, responsible for the 24th Divi- the group decided to swim the river. When they had sion's right flank, sent a seventeen-man patrol swum for about ten yards the enemy brought ma- across the Naktong during the night in hopes of dis- chine gun and small arms fire upon the group. At covering the enemy's intentions, but it would be at this point the interpreter decided he could not make least a day before an answer could be obtained.” it and turned around to return to the West Bank. In actuality, documentation indicates Hyzer’s patrol Colonel Hyzer, realizing the vital information as to took off hours before the 8th Army’s report came in the Battalion’s disposition and the status known by that night. In fact, they were walking straight into his interpreter, [. . .] turned around and went to the those same North Korean forces that had gotten assistance of the interpreter in an attempt to bring across the Naktong, and they were probably respon- him to the East bank. About this time, Colonel Hyzer sible for discovering this fact. noticed that Private Bolster, having become ex- (Patrol Continued on page 14)
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 13
(Patrol Continued from page 13) the areas from which the heaviest enemy fire was coming and urging them on, lest they be captured. hausted, was floundering in the water. Releasing his Lieutenant Neville, mortally wounded, dragged him- hold upon the interpreter, Colonel Hyzer swam to the self into a rice paddy and was last seen with a gre- assistance of Private Bolster. The intensity of enemy nade in his hand, urging the patrol on to safety. His fire and the struggling of Private Bolster made it im- utter refusal of assistance from his patrol after he was possible for Colonel Hyzer to save this man. Colonel wounded made it possible for five members of the Hyzer then swam to the assistance of Corporal John- patrol to return to friendly lines and safety.” son and noted he was apparently capable of reaching PVT Jose L. Archuleta’s Silver Star citation adds fur- the East shore. Colonel Hyzer then turned to go to ther details: “After proceeding 5000 yards, the four- the assistance of his interpreter and through increas- teen-man patrol was fired upon from three sides by ing enemy fire returned to the spot in the river where enemy riflemen of vastly superior numbers. In this he had last seen the Korean. Being unable to locate fire fight the patrol leader was wounded in the right the interpreter at this time, Colonel Hyzer then swam leg and ordered other members of the patrol to with- through enemy fire to the East bank of the river. draw to the opposite bank of the Hoechon River. Pri- Through Colonel Hyzer’s effort and total disregard vate Archuleta, after killing outright five of the enemy for his personal safety, the mission of the patrol was riflemen, worked his way to the wounded patrol accomplished, and the Korean was able to reach a leader and attempted to carry him across the river. position of safety and prevent a possible source of Under a direct order to leave, he crossed the river vital information from falling into enemy hands.” and gave covering fire to the patrol leader until seri- ously wounded.”
Meanwhile Neville and his men ran into problems of CPL Rosslyn E. Gresens also received a Silver Star, their own. Neville’s subsequent DSC citation reads: which reads: “Exposing himself, Corporal Gresens “At 1700 hours on 11 August 1950, the patrol, consist- advanced on the enemy and killed two riflemen who ing of Lieutenant Neville and thirteen enlisted men, were directly threatening the patrol from advanta- was attacked by a force of an estimated two hundred geous positions on the opposite bank of the Hoechon enemy riflemen. Lieutenant Neville, realizing the im- River. His effective covering fire during the river possible odds with which his patrol was confronted, crossing accounted for at least fifteen enemy casual- decided upon a desperate course of action. He per- ties, and he was last seen following the patrol across sonally led his patrol through a hail of enemy fire to the river firing his rifle at the enemy.” the west, one thousand yards farther into enemy ter- Neville, Archuleta and Gresens were not among the ritory, to the east bank of the Hoechon River, without five men who made it back. Three of the survivors casualties. Upon arriving at the Hoechon River, the received Bronze Stars/Valor, which offer further de- patrol was fired upon from the North and South by tails. an estimated one hundred enemy riflemen. Lieuten- ant Neville was shot through the right leg and immo- SGT Q. Z. Goodwin: “The small patrol of which he bilized, and three of his patrol were mortally was a member, probing deep into enemy held terri- wounded. Vehemently refusing assistance from any tory, was attacked by a force estimated at company of his patrol members, he directed them across the strength and its leader wounded. Assuming com- river and, after most had crossed, he dragged himself mand, Sergeant Goodwin personally directed the pa- through the river to the west bank. During this time he was constantly ordering his patrol to shoot into (Patrol Continued on page 15)
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(Patrol Continued from page 14) for a small Oakland Tribune article dated Nov. 1, 1955, titled Captain Ward Neville Funeral Services trol's withdrawal, and exposing himself to intense Held. The article reports: “The body of Capt. Ward O. enemy fire, he covered its movement by effective fire. Neville, Oakland Army officer who earned three of He remained in a forward position without regard for the Nation’s high decorations for bravery in Korea, his own safety until assured that the patrol had safely went to its final rest today at Golden Gate National withdrawn.” Cemetery at San Bruno. Capt. Neville’s body was brought to the United States after being returned by CPL Franklin Pinkerton: “The withdrawal was held the Chinese communists.” up by heavy enemy small arms fire, the patrol leader and several others were wounded. Corporal Korean War veterans understand the Chinese were Pinkerton observing three of the enemy advancing on nowhere near the Naktong River in August 1950. Al- the patrol, with complete disregard for his own per- though Neville is still officially listed as KIA on Au- sonal safety, exposed himself and hurled a grenade gust 11, 1950, his citation states he was last seen killing all three. Assuming command, he then di- alive, as were Gresens and Archuleta. Therefore it rected the withdrawal of the wounded. He continu- seems possible Neville was captured and remained ously exposed himself and remained in a forward po- alive long enough to reach a prison camp – predomi- sition in order to cover the withdrawal of his men to nantly operated by the Chinese communists. friendly positions by use of effective rifle fire.” In response to a query about the missing patrol Another survivor, CPL Gene Timmerman, was a members, John Zimmerlee, Vice President of the medic: “During the withdrawal they were held up by Coalition of Families of Korean and Cold War POW/ heavy enemy small arms fire which had wounded the MIAs, writes: “To date I don’t have much on MIAs patrol leader and several others. Corporal Archuleta, Bolster, Dillion, Gresens, Hill, or Stokum. Timmerman, with utter disregard for his personal However, the last names of MIAs Harold Church, Ed- safety, while continuously exposed to heavy enemy ward Heath, and Charles Royer were found on a fire, administered first aid to the stricken men until blackboard in the Moo Hak girls’ school in Seoul 20 ordered to withdraw.” Sep 1950. [POWs] were previously housed there, then marched to Pyongyang where they were loaded Besides PV2 John Bolster, who LTC Hyzer was un- on train cars and shipped north.” able to save from drowning, other members of the 3rd (C) Engineers listed as casualties on August 11 Zimmerlee continues, “Repatriated James Vaughn include CPL Norman Johnson (likely the CPL John- recalled a ‘Lawson’ from KY in camp #1 during 1952. son mentioned in Hyzer’s citation), PV2 Harold Alvis Lawson is the only ‘Lawson’ from KY still miss- Church, PFC Lahue Dillion, PFC John Frost, PFC Ed- ing, though other ‘Lawsons’ were POWs. [. . .] One ward Heath Jr., CPL Robert Heaton, PFC George should note that groups often were captured together Hill, CPL Louis Hirata, CPL Alvis Lawson, PFC Rich- and marched north to camps. The conditions were ard Stokum, CPL Gene Timmerman and CPL Bruce brutal. If a man could not keep up with the march, he Yax. All were listed as Missing in Action, with five was dragged to the edge of the road and executed.” listed as KIA on that date, including Neville and Zimmerlee further states, “The North Korean or Chi- Johnson. The three mortally wounded men men- nese captors rarely spoke English and wouldn’t know tioned in Neville’s citation are thought to be Frost, how to record English names. Lists were not main- Hirata, and Yax. The remainder of these men were tained during a march. Only when they arrived at declared dead on December 31, 1953.
One might assume this ends the story – were it not (Patrol Continued on page 16) The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 15
Your Association’s Electronic Communications II
In the last Taro Leaf we wrote your Taro Leaf articles via this ♦ an internal database manage- about initiating electronic com- email address; and it is working ment system that would allow munication between the Taro Leaf excellently! Thank you. maintaining our membership and those members who have online with access provided We of course accept material in all email, and who have been consid- only through secured systems, forms, even short handwritten erate enough to provide their ♦ membership itself available to items that you send via USPS that email address to their Association. all members again via a pass- we scan as digital documents. word scheme that would en- By now those of you who have Next Step: www.24th Infan- sure no public access, been kind enough to share your try Division Association.org ♦ an index of all TAPS notices email address have been receiving carried in the Taro Leaf and regular email TAPS notices and We would now like to advance the the notices themselves as well, maybe some other messages from Association another electronic ♦ the 24th IDA Honor Roll, and [email protected]. step by creating and operating a ♦ perhaps other such Association viable and up to date web site. I So far, Gmail has accommodated information. visualize this web site as contain- our bulk mailing need, at least it Such an endeavor is certainly not ing, among other things: appears so from this end. How- trivial. And it is not an amateur ♦ materials such as that Norm ever, I have had indications that endeavor either. Treadway maintained when he some ISP’s (your email ‘postman’) had a 24th IDA web site, This is an appeal to our members have black listed thetaro- ♦ full copies of as many of the who have skills and talents at in- [email protected]. If you have that Taro Leaf quarterly publica- formation scanning and indexing, problem, please contact me at tions as we can locate and as well as other skills necessary to [email protected]. scan, enable this effort. Please contact Many of you have been sending ♦ extensive historical informa- [email protected] now. TAPS, Letters, Looking For, and tion about the Division, Thank you very much. TJT
(Patrol Continued from page 15) stances involved in the return of Neville’s remains – which might shed light on the fates of other MIAs. At camps did lists evolve. Since 3 of these MIAs were the time of this writing, Major Ramon Osorio, JPAC known to be POWs, it is likely that a number of the Public Affairs, has begun investigating the case. rest were lost along the way. These and other cases Merry Helm, Life Member Honorary can be found on the website 420 8th Ave S www.koreanwarpowmia.net.” Fargo, ND 58103-2828 Despite information such as Zimmerlee’s, officials 701-293-5045 still do not designate Church, Heath and Lawson as [email protected] POWs, and Neville is still listed as KIA on August 11, Merry Helm became interested in this story while 1950. researching Ward Neville, who grew up in her home A query has been submitted to the Joint POW/MIA state of North Dakota. Accounting Command (JPAC) regarding the circum-
Page 16 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
(President’s Letter Continued from page 3) that much in our lifetimes has it? there in September. Sal Schillaci and his crew have been working Also, as I write this, my oldest so we were on 100 percent alert. nonstop to see that we have a great granddaughter is on her way home The worst thing was trying to keep 64th Reunion. from China where she has been a our feet warm. They told us it was a University teacher for the past two I have never seen Niagara Falls and court marshal offense if your feet and one half years. We visited her am looking forward to that and pos- froze. That wasn’t much of a threat, last Thanksgiving and it was amaz- sibly an extension of our stay to if you’re a frontline infantryman, in ing to see this petite little brunette take in a little bit of Canada. an icy hole in the ground, on top of sitting in the front of the taxi giving a mountain in North Korea; a warm For those of you also planning to go instructions in Mandarin and tell- Leavenworth cell sounded pretty to Canada be aware that while you ing the cab driver we were her ye ye enticing. may enter Canada without one, you (Grandpa) and nai nai (Grandma) must have a Passport to reenter the Let us not forget we have some of visiting her from America. They al- U.S. our young men and women serving ways smiled; two of them even sang our country and living in those Happy Birthday to me. After five years of service our Histo- same conditions in Afghanistan and rian, Larry Gay, has decided to re- She loved Shanghai and it’s people Iraq today. They are giving up their linquish the position. Thank you for and I told her it was probably best Christmas, their families, and your service and dedication, Larry. she didn’t mention to her students sometimes their lives so that we that 58 years ago her grandfather may enjoy the comfort and safety of If you might be interested in serv- was probably shooting at their our homes. ing as Association Historian, please grandfathers and vice-versa. contact either me or thetaro- Let us not forget these brave young [email protected]. Now I’d like to turn my attention to Americans serving their country our Association for a few moments. around the world and give thanks Finally, Donna and I extend to you our best wishes for the Holidays to them and pray for their safe and The 24th’s 2010 Annual Reunion in and the coming New Year. speedy return home. the Buffalo area is coming together nicely and I hope to see everyone Civilization hasn’t really progressed Mel Frederick
How to Get Copy of DD- 214 Send “Your Story” The National Archives has a website that allows individuals to request a DD-214 online. You may use this system if you to are: 1) a military veteran or next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military, or 2) the next of kin (can be any of [email protected] the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, fa- or ther, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother). 19147 Park Place Blvd www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs
The National Archives can be reached at (866) 272-6272. Eustis, FL 32736 TDD lines for College Park, MD: (301) 837-0482. Now! Thanks to the Kinseekers Genealogy Society (of Leesburg, FL).
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 17
Honoring the 24th’s Fourteen MoH Recipients We have received the below draft as ‘‘the Victory Division’’ for its sion, with its service in Korea, be- of a Resolution submitted during valiant efforts; came the first United States Divi- the week of January 17 before the sion to actively serve under the Whereas during World War II, the House of Representatives by the emblem of the nascent United Na- 24th Infantry Division was one the Honorable Christopher Lee (NY- tions; first United States Army divisions 26) member of the House. His to see combat in the war and Whereas during the Korean War, resolution directly supports the among the last to stop fighting; the 24th Infantry Division was placing of a memorial at Arlington heavily engaged on the front lines National Cemetery recognizing Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- defending the Republic of Korea and honoring the 14 MoH recipi- sion established coastal defenses and critical in delaying North Ko- ents from the 24th Infantry Divi- on the north side of Oahu Island rean and Chinese advances at the sion. quickly following the attack on Pusan Perimeter; Pearl Harbor; We have been advised that the Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- above legislation would be greatly Whereas despite torrential rain sion remained on front-line duty aided by each of us contacting our and marshy terrain, the 24th In- after the armistice to patrol the own members of the U.S. House fantry Division quickly seized the demarcation line in the event com- and Senate to ask them to support Hollandia Airdrome in Dutch New bat would resume; Mr. Lee’s resolution. Guinea and three other Japanese airfields, efforts that were critical Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- Herewith follows the draft resolu- in securing all of New Guinea and sion, along with the Marine Corps, tion: establishing a headquarters for were the first United States troops IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- General Douglas MacArthur; ever sent to Lebanon as interven- TATIVES tion forces to provide security as- Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- sistance in 1958; Expressing the sense of Congress sion spearheaded the successful that a site in Arlington National mission to liberate the Philippines Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- Cemetery should be provided for a from the Japanese by securing sion were was critical in operations memorial marker to honor the both Leyte and later the island of in Berlin, El Salvador, Somalia, memory of the 14 members of the Luzon; Kuwait, Haiti, Bosnia, and the first Army’s 24th Infantry Division who to be deployed to Iraq for Opera- Whereas at the end of World War have received the United States tion Desert Shield and Operation II, the 24th Infantry Division was Medal of Honor. Desert Storm; and one of only ten United States Army Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- divisions to remain activated; Whereas 14 soldiers of the 24th sion was established in the fall of Infantry Division, Captain Francis Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- 1941 from the Hawaiian Division B. Wai, Private Harold H. Moon sion was the first fighting unit de- in preparation for war on the Pa- Jr., Sergeant Charles E. Mower, ployed to Korea in response to the cific Front; Private First Class James H. Dia- North Korea’s attack on the Re- mond, Major General William F. Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- public of Korea in 1950, and the Dean, Sergeant George G. Libby, sion ascribed the motto of ‘‘First to first to engage the North Koreans Master Sergeant Melvin O. Han- Fight’’ and a taro leaf for its insig- in the war’s first battle at Osan; nia, and later became recognized (Congressman Lee Continued on page 19) Whereas the 24th Infantry Divi- Page 18 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
Congressman Lee Continued from page 18) Now, therefore, be it Resolved by Division who received the United the House of Representatives (the States Medal of Honor; and drich, Corporal Mitchell Red Senate concurring), (3) encourages the provision of an Cloud Jr., First Lieutenant Carl H. That Congress— appropriate site in Arlington Na- Dodd, Sergeant First Class Nelson tional Cemetery for a memorial Brittin, Sergeant First Class Ray E. (1) recognizes the proud history of marker to honor the memory of Duke, Sergeant First Class Stanley the 24th Infantry Division and the the 14 soldiers of the 24th Infan- T. Adams, Master Sergeant Wood- soldiers of the 24th Infantry Divi- try Division who received the row W. Keeble, and Private First sion who made countless sacri- United States Medal of Honor, as Class Mack A. Jordan, have re- fices to protect the Nation’s free- long as the Secretary of the Army ceived the United States Medal of dom; has exclusive authority to approve Honor for their sacrificial and in- (2) remembers with profound the design and site of the memo- trepid acts on the battlefield in gratitude, sorrow, and respect the rial marker. World War II and the Korean 14 soldiers of the 24th Infantry War: End resolution. 24th Medal of Honor Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
As was re- send your ported in the check made last Taro Leaf, payable to The a project is un- Medal of derway to Honor Fund at place a monu- the address at ment to honor the end of this the 24th’s article. MoH heroes at As the article Arlington Na- on the previous tional Ceme- and above page tery. illustrates, there has been The schematic considerable at right is the ongoing ancil- design of this lary support planned memorial, which is following the lead and for the memorial as well. And again, your support of methods employed in placing the 24th Memorial in this effort is likely to bear fruition as well. So, we ask Hawaii. you to kindly write your U.S. Member of Congress Project fund-raising has been going well; Keith and Senators asking them to lend their support to Hagen said that before Christmas he had sent over Congressman Lee’s resolution. Thank you. 450 letters to members asking for donations and Please send your financial contributions to: that up until then around $6,000 had been raised. The Medal of Honor Fund As this goes to press, Sal Schillaci said that number c/o Sal Schillaci is now nearer to $9.000 If you would care to add 59 Endicott Drive your support to the 24th MoH Memorial, please Amherst, NY 14226.
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 19
Call for Officer Nominations for 2010-11
It is already time to begin giving now or ever has been at any time later than July 15, 2010. some thought to our Association attached to the Division.” Keith Hagen has again agreed to Officers for 2010-11. “The Officers of the Corporation, Chair the Nominating Committee; The election of Association Offi- and one of the two Board Mem- members are: Dan Rickert , Dan cers will be conducted at the An- bers at Large (these alternate on Cretaro, and Tom Thiel. nual Corporate Convention an even odd yearly basis), shall be Keith Hagen, Chair (Membership Meeting) which will elected annually by the Legislative 41091 Ingersol Road be held at the Reunion in Buffalo, Body (members) at its annual Concrete, WA 98237-9778 NY, in September after the Mem- meeting.” All are for one-year Ph: (360) 826-3695, bers Breakfast. terms except for the At Large Di- [email protected] , rector, which is for two years. Only an Active Member as defined Dan Rickert 949-215-7553, and by our Constitution and Bylaws If you would like to serve, or may be nominated. would like to nominate a fellow Dan Cretaro, 210-653-2251, member to serve, please advise [email protected] “Active Membership. Any person the Nominating Committee now. who has served as a member of Tom Thiel 352-357-3943 thetaro- the 24th Infantry Division, or as a All nominations must be received [email protected] member of a unit that either is by the Nominating Committee not
Send TAPS Notices to the Taro Leaf Editor (Please include a photo) [email protected] or [email protected] 19147 Park Place Blvd. Eustis, FL 32736
Email Addresses A lot of email addresses are failing A lot of others are full Please send your current email to [email protected] or [email protected]
Page 20 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
The Taro Leaf The Official Quarterly Publication of the 24th Infantry Division Association. President DIRECTORS Melvin L. Frederick – 19th Inf. 950 W. Barney NAME YEARS UNIT PHONE ST. Owatonna, MN 55060-3800 Gene E. Spicer 2006-2008 19th Inf. Regt. 812-273-6996 IN Summer MN 507-455-1639 Wes Morrison 2003-2006 21st Inf. Regt. 831-883-2156 CA Winter CA 760-772-7909 James F. Hill 2000-2001 19th Inf. Regt. 770-998-3749 GA [email protected] Thomas Cochran 1997-1998 34th Inf. Regt 931-647-4793 TN James F. Hill 1995-1996 19th Inf. Regt. 770-998-3749 GA Vice President Vincent Gagliardo 1993-1994 5th RCT 415-279-1982 CA Salvatore Schillaci— 24th Recon Albert McAdoo 1991-1992 5th RCT 813-837-2728 FL 59 Endicott Drive Donald C. Rosenblum 1987-1988 Div. HQ 912-233-6717 GA Amherst, NY 14226-3323 Warren C. Avery 1986-1987 21st Inf. Regt. 203-239-3406 CT 716-837-1635 Richard C. Watson 1985-1986 19th Inf. Regt. 765 -378-3721 IN [email protected] John R. Shay 1983-1984 21st Inf. Regt. 708-724-5133 IL John E. Klump 1977-1978 34th Inf. Regt. 812-623-4336 IN Secretary/Treasurer William C. Muldoon 1970-1971 19th Inf. Regt. 941-743-7179 FL John A. Dunn—2nd Infantry Donald C. Williams 1968-1969 34th Inf. Regt. 586-566-4627 MI 9150 Hwy. 51 Westover, AL 35147-9527 The Taro Leaf is the official quarterly of the 24th Infantry Division Association, a 501(c)19 non-profit 205-678-6165 organization, and is published by and for its members. Opinions expressed or implied are solely those of [email protected] their author(s), and not necessarily those of the Editor, the Association, or the Department of the Army. The Taro Leaf is printed in Leesburg, Florida, and mailed from the Leesburg Post Office.
Editor: Tom J. Thiel Printer: Leesburg Printing Company Directors at Large: Address: 19147 Park Place Blvd. 3606 Parkway Blvd. Loyal Vincent 2nd Infantry City: Eustis, FL 32736 Leesburg, FL 34748 5120 N 159th Circle Telephone: 352-357-3943 800-828-3348 Omaha, NE 68116-4079 Email: [email protected] www.leesburgprinting.com 402-496-6570 [email protected] Publication Guidelines: Please send all TAPS notices, Manuscripts, John J. Slattery 2nd Infantry 7924 SE Double Tree Drive and Articles to the Editor at above address. You may send either elec- Hobe Sound, FL 33455-8123 tronically as email attachments in text (word processor) format, or by USPS 772-283-7810 [email protected] as typed or printed originals. Short handwritten material is acceptable, but
Taro Leaf Editor (repl sought) may be incorporated as is in a graphic image. Articles may be limited to two Tom J. Thiel or three pages typewritten. 19147 Park Place Blvd. Eustis, FL 32736 352-357-3943 PHOTOGRAPHS are desired for TAPs and all articles, and may be [email protected] submitted in electronic format (300 dpi resolution or higher, please) as email attachments, or as prints (Note that Xerox or Newspaper Photos do not copy Historian Vacant well; prints are much preferred). For all photos please provide the photogra- pher’s name and where they appear in the article, identify each person or other subject in the photo, and if you wish it returned. Copyrighted material should
have permission to reprint. Please include your current correct full name, address, phone number and email with all submissions. Chaplain Glenn Carpenter, Jr. 21st Inf. Quartermaster 8730 West 10-1/2 Mile Road Byrd R. Schrock - Assoc. Irons, MI 49644-8404 1009 Mesquite Drive Taro Leaf Deadlines and Publication Dates Phone: 231-266-5283 Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-1292 [email protected] 520-678-0207 VOL NO ISSUE DEADLINE DELIVERY [email protected] Membership 64 2 Spring Apr. 1, 2010 May 2010 Joseph R. McMahon – 34th Inf 2009 Reunion Prg. Chair 64 3 Summer Jul. 1, 2010 Aug. 2010 4427 Green Valley Drive Salvatore Schillaci— 24th Recon 59 Endicott Drive Arnold, MO 63010-3407 64 4 Fall Oct. 1, 2010 Nov. 2010 636-296-7385 Amherst, NY 14226-3323 [email protected] 716-837-1635 65 1 Winter Jan. 1, 2011 Feb. 2011 [email protected]
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 21
THE 24TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I desire to be: Enrolled □ (or) Reinstated □; as a Member□ (or) Associate Member □ (please check the proper two boxes)
of the 24th “Victory Division” Association The Greatest Combat Division the United States Army has ever known.
□ Annual Dues - $15.00 (1) Year From date of joining in The Association. □ Life Member - $150.00 Payable in one sum or 5 yearly payments of $30.00 each. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NAME ______
ADDRESS______
CITY ______STATE ______ZIP CODE+4______-______
PHONE _____-______EMAIL ______@______
OCCUPATION ______SPOUSE’S NAME______
Served IN the 24th Division, OR was Member of Any Unit Ever Attached TO the 24th at any time.
Unit: ______Squad___ Plt/Bat___ Co___ Bn___ (e.g., 5th, 19th, 21st, 3rd Eng, etc.)
Location Served: ______From (Yr.)______To (Yr.)______(e.g., Pearl H.,WWII, Japan, Korea, Germany, Ft. Stuart, Lebanon, Somalia, Desert Storm, Ft. Riley, etc.)
POW: From (Yr.)______To (Yr.) ______
Other Unit Served With: ______From (Yr.)______To (Yr.) ______
Sponsor: ______
Comment: ______
Please make checks in above amount payable to the “24th Infantry Division Association” And mail with this completed application to: John A. Dunn, Secretary/Treasurer
24th Infantry Division Association 9150 Hwy. 51 Westover, AL 35147-9527 June 25, 2009 Page 22 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
24th infantry Division Association Quartermaster Order Form Item # Description Price Quan. Amount 1 Philippine Liberation Medal Hat Pin $5.00 2 National Defense Service Medal Hat Pin $5.00 3 Good Conduct Medal Hat Pin $5.00 4 Silver Star Medal Hat Pin $5.00 5 Pacific Campaign Medal Hat Pin $5.00 6 Armed Forces Reserve Medal Hat Pin $5.00 7 Army of Occupation Medal Hat Pin $5.00 8 POW Medal Hat Pin $5.00 9 Distinguished Service Cross Medal Hat Pin $5.00 10 ETO Campaign Medal Hat Pin $5.00 11 The Soldiers Medal Hat Pin $5.00 12 Meritorious Service Medal Hat Pin $5.00 13 United Nations Service Medal Hat Pin $5.00 14 American Defense Medal Hat Pin $5.00 15 Vietnam Service Medal Hat Pin $5.00 16 American Campaign Medal Hat Pin $5.00 17 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Hat Pin $5.00 18 U.S. Flag Pin $5.00 19 Distinguished Flying Cross (Army) Hat Pin $5.00 20 Korean Service Ribbon Hat Pin $5.00 21 Army Commendation Medal Hat Pin $5.00 22 WW II Victory Ribbon Hat Pin $5.00 23 Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal Hat Pin $5.00 24 Korean Service Medal Hat Pin $5.00 25 WW II Victory Medal Hat Pin $5.00 26 Bronze Star Medal Hat Pin $5.00 27 Purple Heart Medal Hat Pin $5.00 28 Air Medal $5.00 29 24th Infantry Division Hat Pin $5.00 30 Korea 8000 Missing Hat Pin $5.00 31 19th Infantry Regiment Hat Pin $5.00 32 Remember our POW/MIA Hat Pin $5.00 33 POW/MIA Bring 'Em Home Hat Pin $5.00 34 Combat Infantryman Badge (Mini) Hat Pin $5.00 35 Combat Infantryman Badge Hat Pin $5.00 36 Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award) Hat Pin $5.00 37 Combat Medic Badge Pin $5.00 38 U.S. Army Desert Storm Hat Pin $5.00 39 Vietnam Heaven & Hell Hat Pin $5.00 40 19th Infantry Regiment Ladies Necklace $5.00 41 19th Infantry Regiment Ladies Bracelet $5.00 42 24th ID Color Patch $5.00 43 24th ID Association Patch $6.00 44 Cap, 24th ID Black Taro Patch $15.00 45 Cap, 24th ID White w/ Taro Patch (First to Fight) $12.00 46 24th ID Window Sticker (2.5" x 2.5") $2.00 47 Taro Leaf Bolo, Gold with Gold Braid $15.00 48 Taro Leaf Bolo, Gold with Black Braid $15.00 49 Taro Leaf Bolo, Silver with Black Braid $15.00 50 Taro Leaf Belt Buckle, Silver $15.00 51 Taro Leaf Belt Buckle, Gold $15.00 Total This Page (Include on rear of this form) Please Detach and Complete Both Sides Continued on Reverse Side The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 23
Item # Description Price Quan. Amount 52 24th Signal Battalion Unit Crest $9.00 53 19th Infantry Regiment Unit Crest $9.00 54 21st Infantry Regiment Unit Crest $9.00 55 34th Infantry Regiment Unit Crest $9.00 56 11th Field Artillery BN Unit Crest $9.00 57 13th Field Artillery BN Unit Crest $9.00 58 19th Infantry Regiment Color Patch $6.00 59 21st Infantry Regiment Color Patch $6.00 60 34th Infantry Regiment Color Patch $6.00 61 11th Field Artillery Battalion Color Patch $6.00 62 13th Field Artillery Battalion Color Patch $6.00 63 24th Infantry Division Unit Crest $9.00 64 Cap, 19th INF Dark Blue with Crest $12.00 65 Cap, 21st INF White with Embroidered Patch $15.00 66 Cap, 21st INF Dk Blue with Embroidered Patch $15.00 67 Cap, 34th INF DK Blue with Crest $12.00 68 Cap, 24th IDA Dk Blue with Taro Patch $15.00 69 Cap, 24th ID White with Taro Patch (Germany) $12.00 70 Cap, 24th ID Red with Taro Patch (Germany) $12.00 71 Cap, 24th IDA Red $15.00 72 Cap, 24th IDA White $15.00 73 Cap, 24th IDA Green $15.00 74 Cap, 24th ID White Mesh with Taro Patch $12.00 75 3rd Engineer BN Unit Crest $9.00 76 14th Engineer BN Unit Crest $9.00 77 5th RCT Pocket Patch $6.00 78 Cap, 5th RCT Red with Crest $12.00 79 24th ID License Plate with Taro Leaf $8.00 80 Cap, Desert Storm Veteran Black $12.00 81 Cap, POW MIA Black $15.00 82 Cap, WWII Veteran Black $12.00 83 Cap, Korean War Veteran Black $12.00 84 Combat Infantryman Badge Window Sticker (3"x7") $5.00 85 Combat Infantryman Badge Window Sticker (2"x5") $3.00 86 Bumper Sticker, 24th ID Proudly Served $3.00 87 6th Tank BN Color Patch $6.00 88 24th ID Neck Tie $20.00 89 24th Medical BN Unit Crest $9.00 90 24th ID Flag, 3' x 5' Outdoor Screen Print $65.00 91 63rd Field Artillery BN Color Patch $6.00 92 24th ID Sticker, 1" Taro Leaf , set of 12 $1.50 93 24th ID Christmas Cards, Set of 10 with Envelopes $8.00 94 24th ID Neck Wallet, Green $5.00 95 24th ID Keychain $10.00 96 History of the 24th Inf. Div., Book, 2nd Ed. Rpt. $41.00 97 Patch, 24th ID Korean War Veteran $5.00 98 CD-Audio, 24th Division Song and March $10.00 99 DVD, 24th Division Memorial at Punchbowl, Hawaii $15.00 Add Shipping and Handling (see below) Grand Total (Include Totals From Page 1) Name:______Shipping and Handling is $3.00 Mail to: Cap orders S & H is $5.00 Byrd Schrock, QM Address:______1009 Mesquite Dr. No phone orders accepted
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 Please allow 4-6 weeks for (520) 678-0207 delivery City & ST:______
Page 24 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Zip:______The Taro Leaf
Secretary-Treasurer Reports 1 Oct-31 Dec. 2009 by John A. Dunn - Sec/Treas, 9150 Hwy. 5, Westover, AL, 35147-9527, Ph: 205-678-6165, [email protected]
Presented below are the operating income, ex- Booster Contributions penses, and cash assets for the first five DONOR NAME UNIT AMT FOR Albrecht, Samuel P. 3rd Eng 10 Taro Leaf months of the current fiscal year. As I am Behrel, H.G. 19th Inf 50 Taro Leaf learning this job and the accompanying ac- Caldwell, Thomas M. 21st Inf 25 Taro Leaf counting software, these are the basic figures Davis, Dayton 34th Inf 10 Taro Leaf Donovan, Daniel F. 34th Inf 15 Taro Leaf without the usual detail. Ebert, Clayton W. 3rd Eng 5 Taro Leaf Ericson, Russel L. 21st Inf 10 Taro Leaf Note that the large percentage of the expenses Fijol, Stanley 21st Inf 10 Taro Leaf are one time annual expenses, if we continue Furtado, Vincent 26th AAA 10 Taro Leaf to develop new membership I feel we will end Gaston, Billy C. 24th MP 30 Taro Leaf Gavin, Thomas J. 26th AAA 10 Taro Leaf the year with growth in net assets. Gosnell, Orvie 5th RTC 30 Taro Leaf Harband, Myron J. 34th Inf 5 Taro Leaf Currently I am working with the Quartermas- Konkoff, Herbert J. 34th Arm 10 Taro Leaf ter so that we can easily exchange information Lovett, Joel L. 11th FA 20 Taro Leaf Marrell, Riley w. 24th Med 10 Taro Leaf to keep that data up to date in the Taro Leaf. McCourt, Jack G. 24th Div 10 Taro Leaf Mecca, Donald 13th FA 25 Taro Leaf Again, please check your dues expiration date Mock, Michael 21st Inf 5 Taro Leaf on the address label of the Taro Leaf and get Nunnally, Charles E. 11th FA 20 Taro Leaf those dues in on time. --- THANKS Schanzmeyer, Bernard A. 19th Inf 50 Taro Leaf Slarskey, Leon R. 21st Inf 25 Taro Leaf Snyder, Walter B. 24th Med 35 Taro Leaf John A Dunn Solo, Otis 21st Inf 20 Taro Leaf Williams, Donald 21st Inf 30 Taro Leaf INCOME Wszolek, Joseph F. 13th FA 5 Taro Leaf Membership $4,335.00 Zielezinski, John H. 19th Inf 25 Taro Leaf Full Life $1,200.00 510 Partial Life $350.00 Assoc Member $150.00 Donations $2,105.00 New Members Quartermaster Name Regiment Co/Batt $8,140.00 Chiarmonte, Cynthia Vella Assoc Father: Vincent Vella Henneman, Martin C. Hq Batt Lee, John R. 19th Inf D EXPENSES McWaters, Caswell H. 24 Recon Co Misc. Office Expense $1,119.83 Navarro, Peter A. Hq&Hq Co. Taro Leaf $4,839.25 * Sears,Robert C. 21st Inf Mailing Taro Leaf $1,029.12 Semerau, DeWillo F. (Bill) 21st Inf HQ Reunion Prizes $4,000.00 Winters, Dennis 67th Arty A Reunion Expenses $2,765.33 Bowman, William Larry Hq&Hq Co. MP Insurance $750.00
New Life Members $14,503.53
Name Unit Co/Batt No. Date ASSETS Peter A. Coe 5th RCT I 2362 9 Nov 09 Checking Accts $32,475.88 Herman A. Westrich 21st Inf H 2363 9 Nov 09 Savingd Acct $34,832.30 Quartermaster $67,307.10 * Includes $189.00 cost adjustment to reprint four pages after proof approval.
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 25
Cpl. Jerold Leonard Members Baker and Teruya on Vet- erans Day Local Korean War Veteran Reflects, I would like to hear from anyone who may have Updated: Nov 10, 2009 08:55 PM EST known my brother, Cpl. Jerold Leonard, who was Monterey, Calif- deployed to Korea from Japan on July 3, 1950 with Love Company, the 21st Infantry Regiment. Jerold In celebration of Veterans Day tomorrow the Defense was KIA on July 11, 1950; his body was found with Language Institute held a memorial this morning. his hands tied behind his back, blindfolded and shot through the head. It was an emotional day for veterans young and old at the DLI today, “I lost 25 of my 30 men in the first six My other brother Bruce was with the 19th Infantry weeks of the war,” said John J. Baker [Life - #2061, Regiment, Company D; Bruce made it home, but 34th Infantry Regiment] a local Korean War Veteran. he never talked about the war. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in com- It was a tragic time in our family. Many men made bat and today he sat down and shared with me one of many sacrifices in that undeclared war just so we the saddest parts of fighting a war, facing death: “I can have the privileges we have today and I pray pulled his fatigue jacket down pressed on the wound he that generations to come will never forget. bled to death. He never came back,” said Baker.
I appreciate your doing this. I was a kid of 13 when Baker and Henry Teruya [Assn Member, 21st Inf] both he was killed but I'll never forget how that unde- fought in the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. They did- clared war changed our nation and our lives per- n't meet until recently when Baker started writing a sonally. book about the war. After 59 years, he still chokes up thinking about his fallen comrades, “I find myself with Myrna Busse, 500 Park Ave., Monterey, Ca. 93940, tears running down my face when I’m writing it. I re- Ph: 831-646-8393, [email protected] member what happened. I can still see the men's faces,” ED Note: I found Myrna on the Blog containing said Baker. the column at the right. These men may be new found friends, but their bond as veterans runs deep, “I owe him. He was in front of me Glenn M. Clark ten miles in front. He took the brunt force of the enemy Jacqui Anderson, niece of Glenn M. Clark, and then we got it 8 hours later. He’s my hero,” said Hq, 3rd Bn, 21st Infantry Regiment, who Baker. died while a POW in Korea is seeking informa- See page 46 for photos of Baker and Teruya tion from anyone who may remember her uncle Glenn and have information they would share with her. The family has information from a Clifford Bowman but has lost his address. Any- one who has any information may contact Jac- qui Anderson, 14219 IL Rte. 127, Butler, IL 62015 217-556-4764 [email protected].
Page 26 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
Hello Tom, Tom,
About 18 months ago Thanks for Ted's (Jansen) number. Keep up the you printed a query in good work. I just thought I'd give him a call the Taro Leaf (Vol. 62(3) when the spirit moves me. I have only three Summer 2008 Page 13) buddies left. for me, regarding my I was drafted Sept. 8, 1950. Took basic at Ft. Great Uncle SFC Knox. Went to Pusan, Korea Feb. 8, 1951. James F. Dolan Served in Dog Co. of the 19th Infantry Regiment (Ipswich, Mass), from Feb to Dec 1951. Was in heavy weapons "C" Co, 3rd Engi- 81's, 50 & 30 Cal Machine guns. In August '51 I neer Battalion (Combat), 24th Infantry Divi- was First Sergeant. I also was involved with the sion. He was Killed in Action at or near Taejon on 555ths 105's. July 20, 1950. I was wondering if it would be possi- There was a Lieutenant Barney Haynes who ble to run another query on the off chance it might was in Dog Co that I lost contact with. If anyone jog anyone's memory. knows where he is please get in touch with me.
Regards, Carl B. Gamel Sam Dolan, (661) 644-6430 26431 Williamsburg Dr. [email protected] Bonita Springs, FL 34135-6162 941-495-1586 [email protected] NOTICE: Mailing Label Hughie Urquhart, Cpl. ER from Brooklyn, Expiration Dates NY, served with the 19th Infantry Regiment. The Taro Leaf mailing label contains the member- Hugh was seriously wounded in South Korea on ship expiration date. Unfortunately, in converting Feb. 4, 1951, and returned to duty on Mar. 30, from our database to our mailing list format for the 1951. He was then killed in action in North Ko- last issue of the Taro Leaf, I inadvertently con- rea on Jun. 27, 1951. If you remember Hugh in verted all Regular Member's expiration dates in June 1951, or if you remember action by the such a manner that all dates were assumed to be 19th Infantry Regiment at that time, please get 2009. in touch with me as we were childhood play- mates living two doors apart. Thank you for Some of you had paid your dues, and therefore your consideration. were surprised to see your mailing label showing an Joseph C Seyfried incorrect year. I believe that we have properly as- 2277 Honeydew Dr, sessed the problem and apologize to all of you who Spring Hill, FL 34608, Ph: (352) 688-1388, were adversely affected. tjt ED [email protected]
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 27
Help please Bill Allen is looking for former members of C Company, 19th The picture at right was Infantry to add to his company taken sometime in 1950 history: “My Old box of Memo- in Korea. It shows sev- ries, Thoughts of the Korean eral members of the War.” Ammunition and Pio- neer Platoon, Head- Bill says this is also the name of quarters Company, 1st his book, which is once more out Battalion, 24th Infantry of the box and is available for $15.00 + $3.00 shipping from Division. It has been the address below. tucked away with my treasures. I need help identifying the first three men from the left side. If anyone knows the names of these men, The money from the sales is please contact me. The man on the right is me, Charles E. Unsworth. used to support Bill’s projects in The Korean boy in the front center was known as “peewee,” no other helping those in need, also our name known. Sincerely active military veterans, abused children and other causes, and Charles E. Unsworth, 715 Horseshoe Loop, Doyune, LA 71023 spreading the word about the Ph: 318-745-2144 Korean War when he has the op- portunity , because so little is known. ALBERT DENNIS PFC, 19th Infantry Regiment, KIA in the Philippines on April 7, 1945. Received the Silver Star It is called the Forgotten War, and Purple Heart; is buried at William McKinley, Manila, The but only by those that didn't "fight it!” Philippines. He was my uncle and I am trying to locate any- one who knew him or was in his unit so that I can inform Bill Allen, C. Co 1950-53 my father what happened to his brother. Thank you. Steve 421 4th Ave. N. Dennis, 2911 South 42nd St., St. Joseph, MO, 64503. Tel. Tierra Verde, FL 33715-1730 816-390-4836, [email protected] [email protected] Phone # 727-866-8337
Bill Allen (l) with Frank Blood Digital Photos in Taro Leaf
Please be sure to scan and submit all digital photos at a resolu- tion of 300 dots per inch or higher.
Make certain your email program does not compress the files to 72 dpi when you send it; send as attachment.
If a jpg file is less than 400-500 Kbytes it probably is too small!
Page 28 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
Tom, Editor - The Taro Leaf
I arrived in New Guinea at Milne Bay as an infantry replacement early in 1944. I was assigned to G Com- pany of the 34th which was then training on Goodenough Island.
Shortly thereafter I was summoned by the Regimental Surgeon who asked me if I would like to join the 1st Bn Medical Detachment. I had one semester of college before enter- ing the Army and my records indi- cated that I had been a pre-med stu- dent because that was what I had Helm intended to pursue. Of course, none of my subjects of Hi Tom, just received my latest issue of the study had anything to do with the medical field. Taro Leaf and as always read it from cover to I was assigned to the 1st Bn Medical Detachment and cover. I especially enjoyed the segment that served as a litter bearer in the Hollandia operation. covered our Divisions history. Thanks for all Shortly thereafter I was assigned as the aid man - medic - your hard work and for giving us all such a pill roller in D Company. I served in that position until the great Association publication. I'd be willing end of the War. Learning the location of the five pressure to bet there's none better anywhere. I wanted points to stop bleeding was the extent of my medical edu- to be sure you had my E-mail address on re- cation. The rest one would describe as on-the-job training. cord so here it is
I was 18 when I entered the Army. I spent 6 months in the Thanks again and God bless. States for basic training and then spent 23 months over- seas. I was discharged on January 9, 1946 when I was still T. J. Nicholas C/21 only 20 years old - too young to vote. Twenty-one was the 2140 N.E.62nd Court voting age then (and it still should be!) Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308-1301 954-776-5027 I was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Bronze [email protected] Star Medal - the latter was not for any specific event but, I learned when it was awarded, it was given to every combat medic. Email Addresses The foregoing is a brief summary of my life with the 24th A lot of email addresses are failing I.D. in WW II - a lengthy story just to furnish you with my A lot of others are full e-mail address. Please send your current email to [email protected] Daniel F. Donovan, 244 Baltimore Pike, Unit 218, or Glen Mills, PA 19342 , Phone 484-574-8420 [email protected] [email protected] The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 29
Nisei PW Interrogators
Tom: They worked as far down in the ———————- division as Battalion Headquar- Thanks for another good Taro I did a Google search and found a ters, and provided incredible in- Leaf! couple of references that were telligence for us. most interesting. They are: I don't ever recall an article about I played lots of bridge with a our Nisei PW Interrogators in the ———————- number of the interrogators. One Taro Leaf. Those Japanese of them would bid three no- Loyal Linguists: Nisei of World American guys really took their trump on only 10 cards—and War II Learned Japanese in Min- life in their hands just by being make it! A very good partner to nesota anywhere around! have. Masaharu Ano There was a team of about 6 or 8 Minnesota History, Vol. 45, No. 7 Those guys were special heroes in Nisei Interrogators attached to G (Fall, 1977), pp. 273-287 (article my book, and certainly deserve to -2 at Division Headquarters, consists of 15 pages) be remembered by all of us. where they worked very closely Published by: Minnesota Histori- with our three-member Order of Perhaps a little blurb in the Taro cal Society Press Battle Team. Leaf would bring a response of Stable URL: http:// value. www.jstor.org/stable/20178492 I can only remember one name, ————————— that of Sgt. Kenny Shimbo. James W. Mims http://nisei.hawaii.edu/object/ 811 Lawson Ave. These guys could out dig all of us. io_1149316451356.html Midland, TX 9701-4144 I remember seeing this first on —————————- 915-682-1757 Leyte Beach. They were like a [email protected] bunch of prairie dogs!
My name is Jasper D. Blow. I’m I am a life member of the 24th Di- now 78 years old. I was in C Com- vision Association. The photo pany, 19th Infantry Regiment shows what I look like now. My e- 24th Div with Ronald ??. I got mail is: [email protected]. frostbite but I stayed. But frostbite My wife Maryellen and I live in was not put in my file in the VA . Scottsboro, AL; we both came Had to cut the end of my finger from Burlington, VT. off, and they will not pay me for it. Jasper D. Blow, Jr. I am also on oxygen for bad lungs. 1550 Gant Rd. I was wounded on March 12, 1951, Scottsboro AL 35769-3507 and did return to the front lines. I 256-259-6873 got out of the army in 1969 after [email protected] putting in 23 years of service.
Page 30 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
The handwritten note at left was sent to Keith Hagen, a member of the Medal of Honor Memo- rial Committee, in re- sponse to Keith’s request for donations. (Keith has sent over 500 letters at his own expense so far.)
It is from: John S.Baldwin 8929 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. Front Royal, VA 22630-5038 540-635-4474
Thought I'd send you a picture of the Fire Direction Center of the Heavy Mortar Co., 19th In- fantry taken on a hot day in May 1951.
I am the shirtless man and the operations Sgt. is ordering Cpl. Garry to put on his jacket. I can only identify the man with his back to the picture as Lou Falvey who ultimately received a battle- field commission. In retrospect, I am sorry I liked going jacketless, as I developed skin cancer later in life.
William (Bill) Garry 3204 Huntwick Ln. Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3977 [email protected]
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 31
Re: The 24th Infantry Division History Dear Tom: -ni to see if the 6th Tank was still there. It was, so I know the 24th In reading the latest Taro Leaf was still there as well. monthly [Vol 63(4) The 24th In- fantry Division History, pp 30-34] I hope this helps to clear up that I noted an error in your history on time period. The 24th may have page 32. You indicated that the left Korea sometime early 1959. Division returned to Japan in The picture at right was taken in early 1955 and returned to Korea the 6th Tank Motor Pool in the in February 1956. Unfortunately Fall of 1955. I am on the left and that is incorrect. Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia Walter C. Quinn is on the right. that can be contributed to by any- I arrived in Korea aboard the Gen. one who has an access code to Thank you and I hope you publish Mann in September 1955 and was Wikipedia. It is a self-governed more 6th Tank Bn. stories. assigned to the 24th infantry Divi- open source encyclopedia that has sion, "A" Company 6th Tank Bat- Ralph G. Green, 907 Walbash St. become one of the most widely-used talion, at Munsan-ni. I left Korea Salisbury, MD 21804-9326 encyclopedias today. in September 1956. I re-enlisted 410-341-4424, What this means is that you need to and was sent to Okinawa, and as- [email protected] add your first-hand historic experi- signed to the 663rd Artillery Bn. ED Note: Ralph, you will note at the ences to the Wikipedia entry. ( 280 MM Atomic Cannon unit) end of the article that I referenced and in the Fall of 1958 the 663rd Go to Wikipedia.com and then look this as being from “Wikipedia, the was re-assigned to Korea just out- for the 24th Division. I can help you free encyclopedia © 2001-2006 side of Seoul. While there I de- with this if you’d like. But for his- Wikipedia contributors cided to hitch a ride up to Munsan tory to be correct it should be done. (Disclaimer).” Tom
Another wonderful edition It makes us remember those who cation - I would like to suggest that are gone who didn't get back home it is simple enough to ignore any- Thank you for another memorable - who never lived out their lives - thing one doesn't enjoy reading creation. I wait until after Bob and their families who had to live while going on to read all the other reads the latest copy and then I all of their lives without them. parts. pick it up to go thru (cover to cover) at my leisure. The Taro Leaf is such a vivid re- We hope that you, our Editor, and minder, and such a wonderful trib- all the officers and volunteers who The number of veterans now listed ute to all of the 24th Division keep this organization running so in Taps seems to be growing faster "warriors." well, will continue to do so and will all the time. While we are sad to enjoy Happy and Healthy Holi- read the many names, we stop to One has to be so proud that it days. Sincerely, Ann Moncur thank God that these men and makes me wonder that there is any women came home to lead long room left for criticism and petti- Bob and Ann Moncur lives - hopefully healthy and ness. Not to belittle anyone else's 98 Woodland Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854-4220 happy. opinion - and being someone who 908-463-0218 doesn't skip a word in each publi-
Page 32 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
My “Occupation” of Japan, 1946-47, by Don Van Beck I had just graduated from We arrived in Japan safe and Marion Military Academy in sound after 25 days, but I left Aurora, IL at the age of 16 in 25 pounds of myself in those 1945. So, with nothing better to damned barrels. do, when the Army offered an We went to the 4th Replace- eighteen-month enlistment ment Depot at Camp Zama. program in 1946 I joined the Each morning we fell out to the Army to “see the world.” parade-ground with our duffle After four weeks of basic train- bags for assignment to various ing at Fort Jackson, SC and one units in Japan. There were sev- From left to right: Bernie Michaels, John Hast- week of leave, I was one of ings , Don Van Beck and Royal "Red" Hazlett. eral thousand of us and they 1,700 troops that boarded the This is a US Army Piper Cub that was used for called out about 100 names USS LEJEUNE, a German lux- "spotting." Picture taken in the field in front of each day. Those not called went ury liner that had been con- barracks at Camp Mower in Sasebo, Japan back to the barracks. verted to a troop ship. barrels became clear. I fell out every morning for almost The “luxury” sleeping accommoda- a month until I was the last guy We bypassed Hawaii because there tions were pipe racks, with 5 high left! I identified myself to the Offi- was a typhoon, but unfortunately canvas “mattresses.” Gourmet cer in Charge and after looking we did not bypass the typhoon. We meals were beans and franks for through a stack of paper measuring were in it for five days. breakfast and on alternating days in feet, he said I had been called we had SOS. The “mess hall” had The only personnel with life jackets three weeks before and was AWOL! tables where we stood up for all our were the Navy crew and the Marine Welcome to Japan. meals. And 55-gallon metal barrels guards; this gave us a warm and My original assignment was with were strapped to bulkheads fuzzy feeling especially with first the 101st in Hokkaido, but some- throughout the ship. the bow coming out of the water as one else had been sent. So instead I we passed over the top of a wave Shortly after we went under the was to now go to the 24th Inf. Div., followed by the stern and the props Golden Gate Bridge we ran into 34th Inf. Regiment Headquarters, as the ship started down to plow what are called “ground swells,” Cannon Company in Sasebo. into the next wave! that are long rollers waves that ap- On the train trip to Sasebo, we peared to be over 70 feet high. One We finally cleared the storm and went through Hiroshima, which moment you’re a in a trough and three days later the engines was of course still a disaster area. It there is water all around you and stopped and the general alarm appeared nothing had been done the next you are on top of a swell sounded. A WWII mine was float- since the A-bomb was dropped. and cannot see water at all! ing near the ship and the Marines were attempting to sink it with rifle Sasebo had received several U.S. An ex-navy man told me two im- fire. It kept floating nearer to us fire bomb raids so there wasn’t portant things, never stand down- when they finally sank it. If they much left of it except for the rail wind of someone vomiting, and al- had hit one of the “spines” I’m sure station, a government building and ways sleep in a top rack! One day we would have been hit with the into the trip the use of the 55 gallon (Japan Continued on page 34) flak. The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 33
(Japan Contin- lecture us on ued from page 33) STD preventa- tive measures. a two story And, the VD dance hall slide shows called the were always in- Kasbah. teresting.
They served I took part in warm Japa- several night- nese beer time medic VD wrapped in a 34th Infantry Headquarters Staff: Front row left to right: James R. Denman, raids where straw cover. Denny Main, Royal “Red” Hazlett, Richard Poe, Bernard Michaels, Bill Helfrid some “ladies of The second and Kent Hoopes. Standing, from left: Victor E. Javier, Bill Barham, Un- the night” were known, Myron A. Nigh, Donald L. Van Beck (aka Van Glabeke), Cleland L. floor was a picked up and Whorton, Lloyd H. Wagner, Henry J.A. Bailey, George H. Egan, Bernard balcony tested (I won’t Goodman, Bob Kraiman, John C. Hastings , Arthur Doherty, and Tadashi wrapped go into the de- Ogawa. around the tails), had their whole building and it was a great ID’s registered, were given some able to type. I was told to turn in place to watch the “action” down medicine and then let go. The MP’s my M-1, get out of my 5 button roll, below. would then declare the area “off herring bone twills, boots and bon- limits,” and the next day these en- Our Headquarters and the rest of net, get into my Class A’s and re- trepreneurs would pack all their our regiment was at Camp Mower port to the Classification Section. stuff in a two wheel pull cart and outside of town; Colonel Ralph I became an understudy to the move to the other side of town. Bing was Regimental Commander. Chief Classification Specialist and The Japanese baths in the base- I was given a rifle and started pull- soon thereafter he went back state- ment of our downtown Sasebo ing “guard” duty on the waterfront side and I was promoted to PFC Headquarters were special! You at Sasebo Bay. There was a large and then T-5, which was the fastest would strip off your clothes and sit cave there stacked high with Japa- thing alive going to an NCO meet- on a little stool while the bath la- nese weapons and supplies. With- ing. dies gave you a good scrubbing. out that A-bomb we might still be The Classification Section handled fighting there. You then crawled to the pool full of all the Form 20’s (Enlisted Qualifi- “boiling” hot water; it took forever The most excitement I had was cation Record), selected men for to finally get yourself completely when a Destroyer Escort pulled up schools, special training, continu- submerged. And, if you stayed in and a shore party came in looking ously updated the records of all the pool very long you needed help for food; they had missed their sup- personnel, etc. My boss was Lt. getting out because you were so ply ship. We gave them some C and Harlan Gilman weak. Ah, yes, I still remember this K rations and you would have For excitement, we were offered hardship duty. thought they had found gold. the monthly meetings with the We were not far from Nagasaki, so After some time there someone in Chaplin who lectured us on the evils of sex with the natives and the Headquarters discovered that I was (Japan Continued on page 35) Regimental Doctor who would then Page 34 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
(Japan Continued from page 34) little pissed. He tore us a new one and threat- we took several day ened to send us back. trips there. One day we Finally, he indicated we were there when they would be assigned to were removing bodies MP duty at the Oakland from the vats behind the Army Base. This was medical center, which when they were return- happened to be one of ing all the bodies from the few concrete build- the South Pacific. ings in the city. So, I spent the next cou- Each body had a ple of months riding wooden ID wired to its shotgun across the Bay big toe that gave the lo- Bridge while my bud- cation from ground zero dies guarded the draped where the body was caskets that were await- found. They were taking ing escorts to take them them to be examined. The medical party at 34th HQ and then we home. building had a concrete balcony cleared Division and got to Tokyo. that ran all around the building. On We settled comfortably into our Since we had not had any milk for the third floor someone had been “yacht,” and began to breathe eas- over a year we made up for it at the caught outside when the A Bomb ier as we sailed for home. chow hall. It was open 24 hours detonated and his “shadow” from and served 5 meals a day. There the waist up was left on the wall. We arrived in California where a were cases of milk at the door and band was playing, and wives and we all drank at least 3 to 4 quarts a In June 1947 we had the dedication kids were meeting their husbands day. of our post as Camp Mower. This and dads. was a three day holiday and we had But all good things must come to a field day with free drinks. Up to now our scheme had worked an end. I was convinced to join the perfectly! But that changed dra- “inactive” reserves before my dis- In August, several of us went on matically when we got in line to be charge. R&R to Karatsu Rest Hotel in Kar- mustered out! atsu, Kyushu. There were no beds Then in August of 1950 they de- so we slept on mats on the floor. I Jim Denman was first in line. The cided they could not hold a Korean played some golf and drank warm Officer in Charge looked at his pa- “Police Action” without my help, so beer. pers and yelled: “What the hell are back to the Olive Drab, but that is you doing here? You are not sup- another story for another time. My three close “buddies” and I posed to be discharged for another were basically “running” the paper- four months!” Stand Over There!! Donald L. Van Beck work for the 34th. So, we hatched a 32004 Harris Rd plot to send ourselves back to the Next in line was Barney Michaels; Tavares, FL 32778-4630 ZI early. same problem, same result. Next 352-343-1529 was Royal Hazlett. Next was me. By [email protected] All went well with a going away now the Officer was more than a
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 35
The Voice of the Old By N. Paul Lund Is it really so tough for the young to understand were few The words of a man who’s grown old But they honored their nation, their wives, and their No one listens to those who took a stand homes And built a country so strong and bold. And over the years their wisdom grew.
They were born in the years of the horse and the cart They are grandma’s and grandpa’s to a nation in And some are alive today need To the Depression and War they gave all their heart Their words are many and actions are slow So we could have all that we have today. But just take a few minutes and listen to their deeds And you’ll learn something you didn’t yet They tell us the stories of lives they have lived know. The stories of good times and bad The blood sweat and tears and all that they gave Find an old man who’s words will ring true And how it took all that they had. His wisdom is worth more than gold My hat is off and my salute is to you They all pulled together when the country went to To the voice of the man who’s grown old. war The soldiers had all our support This poem was written by 33 year old N. Paul Lund Women went to work with men off to war in honor of this nation’s older generation. Like his And all prayed for a hopeful report. dearest friend and mentor, Laurence Personni, Life Member 2341, the older generation helped make this country strong, fought in World War II, and gave the When the war had ended and the men came home younger generations of their children, grand chil- They resumed a traditional roll dren, and great grand children, an example of high- The men all went out and worked their fingers to the est character, courage, and family values. bone Laurence E. Personeni And the women kept home under control. 10126 Bitney Springs Rd.
Nevada City CA 95959-9011 They have lived this life with the strength of stone 530-273-4507 Their lessons were many and their riches
Your help is needed to update and add to our 24th Infantry Division Association files. Only you can help us to make sure our files are complete r today and for the future. Send all ad- e ov C dress, phone and email changes today to: r ea [email protected] or R [email protected]
Page 36 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
I remember Hill 1157 by Eugene Ames, “A” 21st Regiment
I remember Hill 1157. us to the high promontory. There and then tried to put them in with was only a narrow place to get my left hand. But I managed. We could see it the day before, around to where the enemy was looming up in the distance. We As day break came, we heard a dug in. And only room enough for a were told that we were going to wimp, wimp, whup and didn’t squad or two to get in position. move up to where the North Kore- know what the sound was at first. ans held the top. Two men were sent out on point to (Sometimes incoming artillery locate the enemy. One was Donald shells sound like that.) But then, It was March 7, 1951. Fortner, the other was a Greek kid here comes a helicopter. They said it had snowed up there named James Tsitsinos. They Over the trees, sideways! Never the night before. But it was thought weren’t gone long when we heard had seen a helicopter before then. there was no more than a platoon some muffled explosions. One was It was very close to us and with its up there. And it was our job to take shot and the other had his throat sides open, it fired on the enemy it from them. Piece of cake. Sure. slit, a hand grenade put down his with a recoilless rifle. Man, what a field jacket and both were thrown We picked up our gear and during sight! How elated we were to see off the cliff. From time to time, I the night hours they boarded us on that! had to pull point. It could have trucks and then unloaded us just been me. Shows of disbelief and excitement! below the mountain. It fired on the enemy and knocked We began to receive rifle and ma- We began the arduous ascent along them off the knoll. Later a flame chine gun fire. The day began to a long twisting finger on the right thrower was moved up and that wane and there was little place to side of the mountain. In single file, took care of the rest. A couple of get a foot hold. We would slide with very little banter and just the the enemy came out, waving white down after firing shots and would sound of tromping feet and the flags. But our guys were so in- have to re-position ourselves. It equipment rubbing against us. censed and infuriated about was a hell of a place to be. There Fortner and Tsitsinos, that they all Day began to break as we neared was an enemy machine gun nest at opened fire. No prisoners that day the crest. We were loaded down the bottom of the rocky knoll and (that I know of). with bandoliers and ammo cans for also fire coming from the top. The the machine guns. The iced over, enemy had us contained. No place I believe that this was the first time encrusted snow became a real to dig in that rocky ground! Only a helicopter had been used in this problem. In the saddle of the the cover of darkness protected us. fashion. Prior to this, they had mountain, with the weight of all been used to transport casualties. We fought all night, returning en- the equipment, the icy crust would This is just one of many incidents emy fire. My field gloves had three give way and we would find our- burned into my memory that fifty- digits worn through and my fingers selves deep in snow right up to the eight years hasn’t faded away. were exposed to the bitter cold. crotch. We would have to lay prone The receiver on my Ml rifle was Eugene Ames, A Company, 21st on the snow and pull our legs out very cold and working the bolt and Infantry Regiment, 2711 39th Ave. and try to get back on our feet. securing 8 round ammo clips was W, Bradenton, FL, 205-3540, It was extremely tiring and cold. extremely difficult. After a while I 941-756-7623, The slow progress finally brought put the clips in with my knuckles [email protected]
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 37
Notices 24th West Coast Reunion Korean Defense Veterans 28-31 March, 2010 of America, Inc. Laughlin, NV 89029 We express our sincere appreciation to the KDVA Room Rates $28.00 for a $1,000.00 donation in memory of Norm Treadway, KDVA National Commander. Facilitated Room reservations 800-662-5825 under by Tom Murray, 3279 E. Boquillas Dr.,Kingman, contract #C-WCR10 by 14 March 2010 AZ 86409 928-692-2230. to qualify for the $28.00 rate. Contact Byrd or D.J. Schrock 5th RCT Association (520) 678-0207 or (520) 678-0513 18th Annual Reunion—Northern Kentucky [email protected] Apr. 28 to May 2, 2010 Drawbridge Inn, Ft Mitchell, KY, (859) 341-2800 19th and 34th Mini- 800-354-9793 for room reservations mention 5RCT Reunion Deadline Mar. 29, 2010 Anthony C. Kreiner, April 26-28, 2010, Pigeon Forge, TN 5070 Bell Avenue Bob Taylor Cincinnati, OH 45242-3804 Tel: 828-884-9593 [email protected] (513) 891-2870
Florida Annual Mini Reunion 5th RCT Association (17th) and Central Florida 24th IDA Group (1st) Thursday November 4 through Sunday November 7, 2010 Holiday Inn, 860 Hwy A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach, Florida Rooms: $79 plus tax: 904-471-2555/800-626-7263 Reunion registration deadline: October 23, 2010; Contact: Bill Kane, 5023 Andrea Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807, 407-275-7450 or 407-421-4465 cell; email: [email protected]
Central Florida 24th IDA Group Florida 24th IDA Members (and all members in FL then) Dutch Treat Luncheons, Golden Corral, Leesburg Florida, 11:30 a.m. Scheduled: Feb 10, May 5 and Aug. 4, November Reunion (see above) Space limited; contact: Tom Thiel, 352-357-3943 [email protected] or Bill Stokes, 352-750-6952 [email protected]
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The Taro Leaf TAPS
(Continued from page 6) Marshall Farmer, 80, of Greenville, SC, died on Dec. 2, 2009. A 1950 graduate of Clemson University, James D. “Bill” Cofer Sr., Holdenville, OK, Mr. Farmer was a First Lieutenant Infantry Platoon passed away Oct. 28. Bill was with L Company, 34th leader with the 21st Infantry Regiment in the Ko- Infantry Regiment, when he was captured Jul. 20, rean War. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, a son and 1950 at Taejon. He was a Tiger Survivor, being repatri- three daughters. ated on August 29, 1953. He is survived by his wife, Alex French IV, Staff Sgt., 1st Battalion, 21st In- Sarah Pauline Cofer, 3503 N. 372d Road, Holdenville, fantry Regiment, was killed in action in Afghanistan OK 74845. on Sept. 30, 2009. (see page 42) Edward Joseph Ehrhardt, of Sulphur Springs, Walter Paul Habash, 77, of Lino Lakes, MN, died TX, passed away Nov. 3, 2009. He joined the 21st In- Jan. 4, 2010. Walter was born in Steubenville, Ohio, fantry Regiment on Dec. 26, 1942, and saw active and was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann. He duty in New Guinea and the Philippines. He is survived earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service by his wife, Mrs. Norma Himrod Ehrhardt. with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea.
Andrew R. Garcia, passed away Oct. 20th 2009 in Lloyd Preston Johnson, 80, of Somerset Ken- Kinston AL. He was a member of I Company, 21st In- tucky, passed away Apr. 25th, 2009 in Somerset. He fantry Regiment when captured on Jul. 12, 1950; he served in Japan from 1947-1950, and Korea Jul. 5, was a Tiger Survivor. His wife Kathleen preceded him 1950 to Jun. 1951, with E Company, 19th Regiment. to Glory. Cards may be sent to Sandy Reichardt, PO He was preceded in death by his wife and is survived by Box 482, Allenspark, CO 80510-0482. one daughter, one son and one brother.
Forrest Melvin Good, 87 passed away Dec. 13, Gordon Keller, 82, known to many simply as the 2009, in North English, IA. He was a Sergeant in the "Piano Man," died Oct. 25, 2009 in Alexandria, VA. He 24th Infantry Division where he was in the first as- was stationed in Japan, serving supply for the 24th sault wave in the Philippines and rec’d a Purple Heart. Infantry Division and playing string bass in an Army He also served in Japan. Mrs. Maxine Good. 221 N jazz band. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Highland St, North English, IA 52316-9600. Alice Keller.
Ira Harris Green, Sr., passed away Nov. 23, 2009, Sammy B. Lawing, CO A, 19th Infantry Regi- in Houston. He served sixteen months in Korea where ment, passed away Dec. 4, 2009. He was wounded two he served in the 24th Infantry Division and later in times and was POW in Korea for 32 months. He is sur- the 1st Cavalry Division. He is survived by his wife Mrs. vived by his wife of 55 years, Montez Lawing, 1580 Margaret Kathryn Green. Eddy St, Merritt Island, FL 32952-5733.
Glen R. Horn Sr., 85, of Shippensburg, PA, died Carl E. Lindberg, 93, Worcester, MA, passed away Dec. 6, 2009, at Chambersburg Hospital. He served Jan. 6, 2010, at St. Mary Healthcare Center. Carl was a with the 24th Infantry Division from Feb. 22, 1946 Sergeant in the 34th Infantry Regiment. He leaves to Feb. 21, 1949. Mr. Horn is survived by his wife, Janet his wife of 70 years, Elvira E. (Johnson) Lindberg. and four children. Arthur H. Marthens, 84, of Annapolis, MD died on Nov. 19, 2009 in Washington D.C. He served during World War II in the 19th Infantry Regiment, Head-
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 39
The Taro Leaf TAPS (Continued from page 39) Wade E. Sanders, Santa Maria, CA. passed away on Jul. 11, 2009. Lew Howell says he is sure Wade was quarters Company in New Guinea and the Philippines, a 24th Division veteran from Korea. He is survived including the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Mrs. Marla J. by his wife, Mrs. Doris Sanders. Santa Maria, CA. Marthens, 751 Bon Haven Dr, Annapolis, MD 21401- 7107. Aaron Stewart, 94, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away Jan. 9, 2010. He served in the Army Air Corps Nicholas "Mickey" Matviya, 92, passed away with the 24th Infantry Division during WWII in Nov. 7, 2009 in Latrobe, Pa. He served for more than the Philippines. Mrs. Ruth Stewart, 1601 SW 119th St, 3 years with the 11th Field Artillery in the South Oklahoma City, OK 73170-4902. Pacific. including Luzon, the Philippines, and New Guinea. He is survived by his wife Mildred, a son, Tho- John R. Szarpa, Company C, 5th RCT (53-54), a mas, a daughter Patricia. survivor of the battle for Outpost Harry died Nov. 8, 2009 in Buffalo, NY. Services at the Barron-Miller Fu- Robert "Bud," "Bob," McGee, of Levittown, PA neral Home, 3025 William St., Cheektowaga, NY. died Nov. 30, 2009, at his home. A veteran of the U.S. Army's 24th Infantry Division, Bob was a member Royal V Tiner died Sep. 3, 2009 in Lumberton TX. of the Victory Sport Parachute Team stationed in Royal served in B Battery, 63d Field Artillery Europe. Bob is survived by his wife Claire, and three Battalion at Camp Hakata, Japan and entered Korea children. on July 6, 1950. He was with the battalion on Jul. 14, 1950 on the Kum River. His home address was Royal Ernest A "Ernie" Morfin died Jan. 3, 2010 in V. Tiner 6737 Pepper Lane Lumberton Texas 77657. Battle Mountain, NV. He served in the 34th Regi- ment from Feb. 1945 to May 1946 and received the Herbert W. Wilkes, Jr., Ltc Ret., passed away Purple Heart. Mrs. Mary Morfin, 74 W 4th St, Battle on Oct. 10, 2009, in Murrells Inlet, SC. He served in Mountain, NV, 89820-1973. the 63rd Field Artillery BN in Camp Hakata, Ja- pan, and in Korea in July 1950; awd Silver Star. (Taro Fred Morse died on Sept. 23, 2003 in Flint MI. He Leaf 60(1) Winter 2006, pg 32.) Mrs. Mary Wilkes, 26 was with the 34th Regiment, at Camp Mower in Sa- Evergreen Circle, Surfside Beach, SC 29575. sebo, Japan, Jan. 1950, and in Korea; after the am- bush in Taejon he was placed with the 19th Regi- ment. John Tucker, [email protected]. Edward L. Phillips, Col. Ret. , Virginia Beach, VA Send TAPS Notices passed away Dec. 30, 2009. He was the Discom Com- mander of the 24th Infantry Division. His wife, to the Patricia Ann, and son, Edward L., predeceased him, and he is survived by four daughters. Burial will be in Taro Leaf Editor Arlington National Cemetery Apr. 5, 2010. (Please include a photo)
Harry A. Putnam, 81, Bordentown, NJ died on [email protected] Dec. 11, 2009, in Mt. Holly, NJ. He was in the 24th Infantry Division in Japan in 1950, and in Korea 19147 Park Place Blvd. 1950 to 1951. Mrs. Anne S. Putnam of Bordentown, Eustis, FL 32736 NJ.
Page 40 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf
General Stanley A McChrystal (photo at left) Commander, International Security Assistance Force/ Commander, United States Forces Afghanistan United States Army
The following extracted from his long list of credentials.
Nov 82 Sep 84 Commander, A Company, 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia
Sep 84 Sep 85 S3 (Operations), 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia
In July 2008, member Charles E. Garrett died in Switzerland. He was interred at Arlington Cemetery, but his wife Margit was unable to attend. So, Michael and Candee Doherty attended on her behalf, and sent the flag and photographs of the interment to Margrit. Below is part of her Christmas card and pictures thanking the Association for its help. Actions like this makes the As- sociation appreciated by our members and illustrates the reason for our existence. With regards, Don Maggio. [See: The Taro Leaf Vol. 62(4) Fall Page 42 for article/photo and page 9 for the TAPS Notice.]
Dear Don,
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and all the good wishes for a Happy New Year. At the mo- You earned it! ment we still have no snow [in Rorschach, Switzerland] Why not be part of the elite? – this is very unusual for this [time of] year… Join the organization for Combat Infantrymen.
Applicants must have earned the Combat Infantry This year I will stay here in the apartment…there…are Badge that is certified by official notification on the memories of Charlie. I miss him each day so very much. applicant’s DD-214, Official Army Orders, or other But I also know that he is with me each day. I sent official documents. you…[a] calendar and I For more information and membership application, would be thankful if you please email: [email protected] could send it to Mr. and Mrs. or mail to Mike Doherty… He was with Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Inc. his wife at the Arlington fu- National Deputy Commander neral for Charlie and ac- 7319 96th Avenue SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-3317 cepted [the] flag… I am for- (253) 224-0817 ever thankful for all you and Name:______your friends have done for Address: ______me. City:______State:___ Zip:______Phone:______With greeting from Bodensee Email:______(Lake Constance), Margrit Margrit and Charlie
The Taro Leaf Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 Page 41
Baker and Teruya visit new “Star Wars” rifle range Tom
Captain Peter Leu of the Military Intelligence group at the Defense Language Institute here in Monterey invited Henry Teruya and me to see their new rifle range. Remem- ber that old rifle range--rain, mud, snow, Maggie’s draw- ers? Well today it is in an old warehouse with a plush car- pet! It’s Star Wars! Everything on computers. A machine gun, elec- tronic con- trols. Henry said to me: Association members Henry Teruya (left) “What the hell and John Baker (right) speculating whether is this?” they might have been able to stop the North Koreans with this weapon! John Baker Life member 2061 839 Newton St. Monterey CA 93940- 9394 Baker (left) with Lisa Metcalf of the Institute. 831-375-3328 Lisa was a Captain – Pilot flying Apache heli- copters during the first Gulf War. She left the (Right) Yoshinobu service and took a position with the Defense Teruya, who served Department. She is now using her skills with with Task Force Smith, computers! at Osan Korea July 1950
940 Iverson St. #12 Salinas, CA 93901- 1837
The article on the facing page was submitted by Life 21st IR-Staff Sgt. Alex French IV (inset above) Member 862, Joseph A. U.S. Soldiers from the Georgia Army National Guard's 21st Infantry Mieleszko, Box 103, North Hat- Regiment, pay their respects during a memorial ceremony for Staff Sgt. field, MA 01066-0103, 413-247- Alex French IV at Camp Clark, Afghanistan, Oct. 4, 2009. French was 5512. Joseph was a member of killed in action by an improvised explosive device on Sept. 30, 2009. the Pearl Harbor Attack Veter- DoD photo (above) by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Evelyn Chavez. ans, Post #1.
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NON PROFIT Check Your Dues Date Below U.S. POSTAGE PAID Send Dues & Permit #1040 Leesburg, FL Address 34748 Changes To: 24th Infantry Division Association Secretary/Treasurer John A. Dunn—2nd Infantry 9150 Hwy. 51 Westover, AL 35147-9527 205-678-6165 [email protected]
Send TAPS Notices to the Taro Leaf Editor (Please include a photo) [email protected] 19147 Park Place Blvd. Eustis, FL 32736
Looking Forward 2011 24th IDA Reunion Dayton, Ohio September 2011
Page 44 Vol. 64(1) Winter 2010 The Taro Leaf