The Hourglass
The Semi-Annual Newsletter of the 7th Infantry Division Association Summer 2007
7th Infantry Division Association Comments from your 8048 Rose Terrace Largo, FL 33777-3020 President www.7id.us We have lost a very great comrade, our first Vice President, Dennis Camp, who In this issue... went to glory in December 2006. We went to many events together and he will 2. We Get Letters be missed by many. He was also a 14. Energy Crisis - Korea, 1945 member of the 17th Infantry Regiment. 16. I Was Never Hit - Part II The first Vice President has not been filled 17. A Few Old Heads From WWII as of to date with the association, 19. Scenes of 7th Division in late 1959-60 therefore I hope someone will step up 20. Membership Application Form and run for the position. 21. The Quartermaster’s Store Another comment; my wife and I have made several tours 23. Seekers Pages around the United States and the most impressed city to visit 24. Dead Stick Landing was Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a lot of things to do and fair 25. The Chosin Few prices which I will discuss at the reunion. 25. From the Archives 26. The Adrenalin of Combat I have several contacts within the military and they still do not understand why the 7th was de-activated when new national 27. Pastor’s Corner guard units were called up. Our reunion this year will not have 28. Heartbreak Ridge, December 1951 a guest speaker from the 7th Division that I know of. 29. Editor’s Perspective 29. Executive Secretary’s Comments I would like to comment on our reunions. I know Membership 30. Treasurer’s Report has heard this before but we have to do something about our 30. Doug’s Report reunion situation. I know I sound optimistic to say but with the 31. The 7th IDA Booster Club showing of reservations so far this year about our upcoming reunion we must start considering having our reunion once every 31. 7th IDA Dues Status Report five years, or to delete them all together. 31. Recruiting Honor Roll 31. Active Roster Unit Membership Count So far this year we have not even had enough reservations of 32. New Member List people going to the reunion. Henceforth, we will probably not 35. Final Taps have a quorum to even vote on anything about our bylaws or 36. Dues Status where to hold the next reunion or to vote on filling our positions of Governors and Officers. 36. The Hourglass Staff
I wish to make a plea to the Membership to please keep up their telephone and eMail addresses. We sent out several eMails Published by and of the first 50 that were sent out, 14 of them came back as GARP Custom Newsletter Service non-valid addresse. So please keep us informed of any change www.garponline.com [email protected] Continued on Page 13
The Hourglass Summer 2007
We Get Letters
I have been reading the latest Hourglass, One last thing, several years ago, and an article on page 17 of the Winter it seems someone wrote in about 2006 issue really caught my eye and the 7th Div “Order of the Bayonet” memory. It was the article about Gene pin, and that it was made around C. Richards and his time with the 1960 something. This was 7th Air Section. totally incorrect as I have one presented to me in early ’54 I was in the Division HQ, assigned to (pictue enclosed) along with a nice Finance Section, and handled all the letter signed by then Gen. Lionel C. personnel pay records for all the McGarr, Div Commander. I can send you a Division except the 17th, 3lst and 32nd. copy of the letter if needed. This included the Medical. Anyway, I had been paying all four of the men in I am a member of the Color Guard of the the picture for some time, including Gulf Coast Chapter of Korean War Vets. Gen. Trudeau. He usually let his pay I wear that Badge on my Color Guard ride until he wanted a box of cigars. uniform with pride. Ha! From Deep Down in Dixie!!! Lt. Richards stated that he rotated out Clinton L. Howell (Lavon) of Korea on July 24th, 1953, just three 2500 S. Vaughan Drive days before the Truce. I am sure that I Mobile, AL 36605-3318 processed him out, and the very next Tel: 251-473-5589 day (25th) I had a fall and broke my eMail:
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We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 basic training with who then went on to by General Sebree as early as 1954 as Artillery OCS. I went to Branch reported in the December 2000 HG. Immaterial OCS at Fort Riley in MSC. Bottom line, the “Order of the Bayonet” By the way, I suspect the “MASH” unit is a unit specific award that applies that cared for you when you broke your only to those who served in the 7th jaw was north of Uijonbu and it was the Infantry Division. It is not an Norwegian MASH (we called it NORMASH). officially authorized decoration and They were the unit to which our clearing can only be worn on an active duty company sent all the surgical cases uniform during the time that the wearer that needed more sophisticated surgery. is actually assigned to the 7th Infantry I visited Korea in 1996 and took a Division. As the Division is no longer drive up the highway north of Uijonbu active, the award cannot be worn on the and actually found a marker and the uniform of an active duty person. You three flag poles that I remember being are now confirming that General McGarr in front of the NORMASH complex, still was issuing the badge in early 1954. I flying the US, UN and Norwegian flags. have no reason to doubt this although others have told me that they are pretty My memory of Camp Casey is different sure the badge came about in early 1953. than yours. I recall that we moved off I have not been able to locate any good line after the hostilities ceased documentation to that effect and welcome (sometime in August) and into a rocky any additonal information you can valley that became Camp Casey. It was provide. the first time we had floors for our tents! I do not recall that Camp Casey I must admit that I have one which I existed before the summer of 1953. I bought from our QM store (I was never will not argue the point and if you awarded that badge) but I wear it proudly have better information, I will defer on my VFW and KWVA caps. to your knowledge. Thanks for your continuing support of Charlie Richardson will certainly and interest in our Association. welcome your contribution of pictures Doug Halbert that can be included in The Hourglass. Treasurer I did send your letter with picture on o O o O o O o O o O o to him because he is always looking for material for the HG. Keep up the great work. I enjoy “The Hourglass” very much. I served with the Last item - The Order of the Bayonet. 57th FA in Korea-June 1952-March 1953. You are absolutely right! The award came into being long before the 60’s. I Belisario J. Flores started a research project on this 1 Towers Park Ln subject in 1998 and found that General San Antonio, TX 78209-6434 Sanford issued this award in the mid- o O o O o O o O o O o 50’s. This was reported in the the 1999 edition of the HG. In response to that Enclosed are some pictures taken in report we received verified information Korea (circa 1945) with captions. If that the Order of the Bayonet was awarded they are worthwhile, please feel free
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We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 to use them in any way that is sixty years ago. The copies that I have appropriate. If additional information enclosed are better than then originals. is needed on them, please contact me. I have several more pictures that I could have copies made if you wish. All of the pictures were taken by a young Korean boy that we befriended. I The “Unit Lineage” and the “Unit paid him with food (C and K rations) Insignia” and crests on the back cover for him and his family and with a couple of the “Nightstalkers” Ball program of sets of fatigues. He had a good might be interesting history for you. German pre-war camera. I located some Albert E. (Bert) Skaggs film, print paper and chemicals. He Tel.:(916) 487-8972 made the pictures for all my friends to eMail:
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We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007
Division’s 13th Cbt Eng Bn. I ended up Keep it coming! in B Co. and went into Okinawa with the first wave with L Co 32nd Inf. I was Henley S. Smith very fortunate. The landing, for the 701 W. 32nd St. most part, was uncontested. Holland, MI 49423 Batttery A and Headquarters, 57th FA I have many photos of the 7th Div while BN, Oct. ’52 to Aug. ’53 on Okinawa which I was able to find o O o O o O o O o O o last May at the National Achives in College Park, MD. I also took several Gentlemen: hundred photos of Okinawa in 2005. Let I read with interest the latest edition me know if you want any. I am planning of “The Hourglass” and previous copies to go back to Okinawa in 2007. and have found little or no mention of Bill Cooper submissions by the 13th Engineer eMail:
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We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 expert writer. Feel free to use any Dear Gene: part for your publication. I am writing to request in your next issue of the “The Hourglass” that you If you know of anyone who would like a add to your list of honored dead: Capt. copy, they can obtain from any large Ado Commito who served in WWII and Korea. bookstore, using the ISBN number, He died Nov. 5, 2005 and is buried at although they will not receive the the Veterans’ Cemetery in Bourne, pocket of photos. If they mail me a Massachusetts. Of course, he is buried check for $20 I will send them a copy of with his buddies which was his only the book with the photos. request.
Thanks for your interest. I would welcome I was fortunate to hear many of his your comments as I am starting my second stories as he taught my classroom 2-3 book. days a week. Ado was a teacher, principal Don Carlton and assistant superintendent of schools 745 Temple St. after serving his country. San Diego, CA 92106 He was a naturalized citizen, born in Editor’s Note: Many thanks, Don, for the attractive 159 page Vittenito, Italy on Jan. 7, 1915. “Love paperback, “Wanna Live Forever? A machine gunner’s of country” was his theme when he spoke adventures during the battle for Okinawa - World War II.” to students. He had two purple hearts, The cover is reproduced below and I look forward to digesting having been hit on Okinawa and Leyte. its contents in the near future. He loved the 7th Division (32nd Infantry Regiment, C Co.) and always explained to the children why it was the Hourglass Division insignia. Ado loved being stationed at Fort Ord, of course, because of the beauty of California.
We went back with his best friend, Ignatius Rohr from Kansas and tried to find where the ammunition dump was! We ran around the whole base and all we heard was “Is this where the huts were”, “the commissary?”, “the motor pool?” I just remember many beige buildings! We had fun and I knew Ado and Iggy felt like “young” soldiers.
My dad was a Fort Benning “90 Day wonder.” He was sent to the Aleutians, then to Kiska and Attu. He always told us about how they had to literally throw the clothes overboard as they went from the Arctic Circle to the Equator! He did not go into gruesome details about o O o O o O o O o O o Okinawa and Leyte. Many men were lost Page 6
We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007
in both bloody battles. end of two Jap bayonets while on Leyte in the Philippines. Four months later In 1951 he left being a principal of an while on Okinawa I was on the receiving elementary school back to Korea! He was end of six Jap bullets. Or was that supposed to teach/train “on the job.” just a bad dream? When he got there at age 36, the commander said to him, “Why did they Come on now just a little more about send you? You are too old. You’ll get “The Proud 184th” Not all members are us all killed.” dead yet, but we are working on that. Just give us a little more time. Ado served his time, freezing cold and George W. Carter sweltering heat and then returned to be P.O. Box 1691 an outstanding educator. As it says on Oceanside, CA 92051-1691 his stone: “Husband-Dad-Teacher- Tel.: 760/941-7376 Soldier.” Editor’s Note: George, thank you very much for your letter. As you know, he is greatly missed. He We’re receptive for articles and memories from the “The Proud would have been 91 on Saturday, Jan. 7, 184th” and others too. Keep them coming! 2006. o O o O o O o O o O o Warmest regards. Claudia McCarthy Hello Charlie !!! 4A Carnation Cir. Sorry for the delay in getting back to Reading, MA 01867 you regarding the letter you sent me. Tel:781/944-0021 or 781/944-7861 It seems there is always something to be done before I get to my keyboard. P.S. Please do not cancel Ado’s membership. I love reading “The With reference to the letter, I got a Hourglass” to my class. It teaches nice letter back from Doug Halbert about patriotism and bravery. the same time as a nice one from Gene Richards. In retrospect, I believe we Editor’s Note: An accompanying newsletter noted that Dr. moved the HQ from Camp Casey up to Commito earned Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees Yonchon later in 1953, because I now from Boston University. remember it happened after Marilyn o O o O o O o O o O o Monroe came over and put on her show. The stage for the show was right outside You are doing an awesome job with “The my tent, so I had a front row seat, so Hourglass” except there isn’t much about to speak. “The Proud 184th”, other than in the obituary which isn’t the best way to She spent the night there, just across make news! the road and it was cold enough that she came down with a bad cold after our I will remember Frank “Rabbit” Carrison. show and messed up the rest of her time We all loved “Rabbit.” His obituary was over there. I have more details about in the Winter 2006 publication. that show..... When we got up to Yonchon, it was probably early fall. I was a proud member of “The Proud 184th” long enough to be on the receiving As far as the letter..... I didn‘t expect Page 7
We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 it to get published. Maybe I would have The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) left some of it out, and entered some is providing the Military Reunion other items, like my getting over there Listings as a FREE service to the veteran with 3 different MOS‘s, and then getting community. I search the Internet looking put into Finance. I missed being up on for reunions and then send requests for Pork Chop on April 16, 1953 by a 6 foot the information to the listed POC. I distance between me and a 2½ ton truck. sent 2,108 reunion organizations eMails I lost several close friends up there. requesting information on the 2006 There is one typo error at the end. It reunions, and unfortunately 25 % failed should be “Gulf Coast Chapter”. to respond. We have 1,398 listings on the calendar year 2006 listing. With If you ever get down our way, let me the next listing update, we will have know and I would love to show you around over 600 reunion listings for calendar and show you our Korean Memorial. We years 2007, 2008, and 2009. had a grand opening on 6/25/2002 and it has had it‘s share of hard knocks since Please take a look at our web site and with numerous storms and hurricanes. scroll down the left side and click on Hurricane Katrina pushed in water until Reunions/Buddies. This will bring up it was about 8 feet deep and really the reunion page. As reunions are messed it up, but a lot of teamwork has completed, they are transferred to the it back up again. Completed Listing at the end of the month. There they will remain as a Laissez les bon temps rouler!!!! Mardi reference point for someone looking for Gras Day will be next Tuesday and Mobile a unit contact. My intention is that is the birth place for Mardi Gras in each calendar year reunions will be the USA. individually listed. Cheers, Clinton L. Howell I appreciate any help you can provide Mobile, AL in getting the word out to the Veterans. eMail:
We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 photo is John G. Geier. Thank you for deactivated? I forgot to mention that publishing the photo. Capt. Wheeler also served in Burma, Yours truly, India campaign plus Korea. John G. Geier 35 Arpad St. Say “hi” to all those men who were Hicksville, NY 11801 stationed in Japan. Thomas (Sam) Kane Editor’s Note: Thanks for correcting our information, John, Lukoski Post-7096 VFW and best regards! 710 61st St., Brooklyn, NY 11220-4212 o O o O o O o O o O o o O o O o O o O o O o
In June 1952 I arrived in Korea from Charlie, I would be delighted to be on Seattle. I was assigned to the 7th your staff in what position I could Division’s 57th Field Artillery B best contribute, while following your Battery. While there we took part in direction and counsel. A Contributing the Battles of Pork Chop Hill, Old Baldy, Editor sounds great to me. And my efforts Heartbreak Ridge. Many more. On July are pro bono. 9th, 1953 we took a direct hit from Chinese artillery, leaving a 105 cannon I have a few articles in mind too that destroyed. I dedicated a block in our I feel would interest the whole Veterans Memorial in honor of my fallen membership. I feel that The Hourglass buddies. is by far the best medium to reach its John Robison members and to dramatically increase 914 Woodlawn Ave. membership in the Association in the Waukegan, IL future. o O o O o O o O o O o I’d like to submit an article to you in Hi Charlie, memory of the late Colonel Joseph S. There is no doubt about “The Hourglass” Kimmitt, Commander of the 48th FA Bn in being one of the best newsletters. At Korea, under whom I served. I need to least that’s my opinion. If there is yet do a few interviews. Please advise any first class information, it’s right the space/word limits. And the deadline there in the newsletter. for the article.
What I want to talk about is a mixed up Will The Hourglass be retained in a 40 situation. I was in both the 48th and page layout? If so, I’m sure that there 57th F.A. (field artillery) from early will continue to be great latitude in 1949 to 1951. I joined the 57th while covering many varied interests and at the Chosin Reservoir. The 48th F.A. doings. is supposed to be deactivated and I can’t even get a 48th F.A. crest. I had Another article that I would like to one and I sent it to the wife of a Capt. tackle at some point in the future is a Wheeler who was in C Battery as she was recount of the momentous 7th Inf Div making some type of a plaque for him. reactivation ceremony at Fort Carson that some of us attended a few years Now how can they keep putting members ago. It would be most interesting and I in that organization if it’s feel it would attract many old and new Page 9
We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 veterans to join the 2007 Fort Carson Christmas Day in Tokyo on R&R (rest and reunion if done right. And in turn it recuperation) and returned to Chunchons would help increase our membership. K2 on Dec. 26, 1951 in a blinding snow storm. Some memories are great, others I’m to visit Fort Carson in late Feb or not so good, but they never go away. early March and I’m making arrangements now to search its history archives. The Hope the hurricane didn’t do nasty 7th certainly has a great history, and things to you. the subjects are limitless. Roy Drago P.O. Box 533 Thanks much for responding and for Boardman, OR 97818 offering me this opportunity. o O o O o O o O o O o Ken Sleight
Dear Gene, I received the 7th I.D. “Hourglass” and Doug Halbert tells me that you were noted dues overdue. We moved from were with the 7th Med Bn. I also served Honolulu in February to Florida. Bought with that great organization from April a house in Valarico (Brandon) on 8 April. 1951 till January 1952. My final position (2005) We love it here. was as field first sergeant of Headquarters Company. Did rotate from I noted they showed me as a new member Korean town called Inje which was in 2003 and that they they listed me in approximately 45 miles north of the the 3lst Inf. Actually, I was in the 38th parallel near Hwachon Dam. 3lst FABN “B” Btry. Better known as “The Blasters.” I lost two people. One was KIA when he He hit a land mine. His name is lost to Thanks for listening.There is a lot time but I do remember that he was the more to my story; 22 years in the Army, battalion chaplain’s driver. The other two wars - Korea and Vietnam and 53 was on litter duty and was KIA in an years of marriage! artillery barrage. Gayle E. Westberg Valrico, FL. As to more pleasant thoughts I did spend o O o O o O o O o O o Page 10
We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007
Dear Friends, Doug: I am the widow of Bernard Moravits and Thank you so much for your response to I was so pleased find your magazine. He my last eMail. I guess I just took for was a great soldier and father to five. granted that my father, (Pfc Raymond E. When he passed away at the age of 43 I Snider) would always be able to tell me remarried, and now that my second husband about his military unit, I mean his has been gone for six years I am trying battalion and regiment etc. Right now to get the memories of our children’s he may not be able to explain it father together. He took his basic in carefully enough. Hawaii and I have all his letters and three albums of pictures from his duty I will write to the National Personnel on Triangle Hill. Records Center, but I don’t have a blank form DD-214 or a Standard form 180. How When he came home, he only talked about can I obtain these? the war to me twice. I would like to get the name of the first battle and also Through the years my father has told me be able to purchase the medals if I can some harrowing stories about the many get some help. I would also appreciate campaigns of which he was a part in the hearing from anyone that could help me. Philippines. He talked about Training How can I side step the unremarried and weekends in Hawaii. He speaks of a law? Please help if you can. soldier named Stahancic (sp) , and of With respect, one of his best buddies Arthur Steiner Darlene Mueller who became the Mayor of Kit Carson, 10347 Humphrey Rd. Colorado. Praire Du Chien, WI 53821 He fought for 90 days on Okinawa and Editor’s Note: Mrs. Mueller provided a copy of a letter from was in the Aleutians. He has three purple the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO, stating heart medals, but I can’t seem to find that Army regulations allow awards authorized to a former service the actual history of his smaller unit. member may be issued to the next of kin in the following order: I know it was Company B. Dad came home unremarried widow, eldest child, father, mother, eldest sibling or after Okinawa to his young bride who eldest grandchild. Doug Halbert, our efficient Roster Manager, was not even 20 years old, and his wrote to her suggesting several avenues of approach, including young son who he had never seen. He purchasing decorations that Bernard was entitled to from raised eight children and was a pillar commercial vendors. Badges of the Order of the Bayonet and of the community and a fine church 32nd Infantry Regiment, of which he was part, may be leader. purchased from our Quartermaster. Later on in my own life, I became a Bernard Moravits came from Woodman, WI and was a staff world class athlete (wrestling) and went sergeant cook in the Service Company, 32nd Regiment, 7th on a cultural exchange trip to Japan in Div. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the 1966. While I was gone my father took Korean Service Ribbon and the United Nations Service out an entire chest of WWII momentos Medal. A news story tells how when he was a private first class and burned them in the front yard. He he carried ammunition and supplies to the front-line foxholes did this out of love for me and a desire and bunkers during a long battle at Triangle Hill. to put aside the hard feelings from his o O o O o O o O o O o past.
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We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007
I stayed in Japanese homes in many, many towns in Japan and I appeared on You also might want to write to: NHK television in Tokyo and other places. National Personnel Records Center I took the kindness of America and Military Personnel Records brought it to the Japanese people. When 9700 Page Avenue I was an All-American Wrestler from St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 Oregon State University, I had some They should have your Dad’s records. Japanese wrestlers come to stay in our home. The form you want to get is your Dad’s DD-214. You may need to fill out Standard My father was so gracious and kind. He Form 180 to prove your entitlement to is man among men, and I will honor him your Dad’s records. Also, they had a all the days of my life. The point is bad fire in the 70’s and a lot of records that I deeply respect the sacrifices of were lost but it is still worth a try. my father and those gallant men, many of whom gave their lives so that I can We certainly welcome your interest in be free. and support of the Association. Your new member kit will arrive in a couple Please assist me if you can in making of weeks. my fathers service to his county once Doug Halbert again visible to his many many offspring. 7IDA Roster Manager Kimsu Studios o O o O o O o O o O o eMail:
We Get Letters (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007
I work at the Lake County Ohio Veterans 2LT Jerry Service Office, we are looking for Piller, S3 information about WWII veterans Air of the receiving the Purple Heart for 2d Bde, frostbite. Can you help us? 7th ID, at John Kish his desk in Lake County Veterans Services Spring 105 Main Street 1970. Painesville, Ohio 44077 eMail: Hi Charles, I’ve put together some photos that you In the Summer of 1970 the 2d Bde conducted a field might be able to use in The Hourglass. training exercise to the south and east of Camp Casey. I didn’t write an article, but include This shows information about the photos. some of the umpires I gave the coordinates for a number of taking a locations which at one time were probably break and classified, but I can’t see any problem the mama- with publishing them. The uninhabited sans area just south of the DMZ is now peddling obviously being used by civilians with their wares. lots of buildings and rice paddies. The white cloth attached to the Jeep’s antenna denotes it belongs If you have any questions please feel to the umpires. free to contact me. Jerry Piller CPT INF (long ago) Continued from Page 1 to your eMail address. At our reunion this year we will have several positions to be filled. Feel free to run for any of the positions. I found out that there is nice river boat tour which includes dinner on the river. Anyone wishing make reservations can do so once they get to the Drawbridge Inn. At this moment I do not have a price but I understand that it is reasonable. Your President, December 1970 at 2d ID HQ camp (can’t remember the name of the camp) when Bob Hope put on his Christmas show. Gene Peeples You can see more of Jerry Piller’s photos on Page 15. Page 13 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Energy Crisis - Korea, 1945 By Bert Skaggs 2nd Lt., Co. L, 184th Inf. Regt., Korea, 1945 Lts. Skaggs and Vlassis at Su Zsak (sp?); old About two weeks after arriving in Korea I was sent with two Japanese “peep” run on squads (15 GI’s) to secure an abandoned Japanese military coke burning fumes. One of warehouse compound at a railroad assembly yard named Suzak the men figured out how to a few miles north of Seoul. It was a challenge as it would have “fire it up” as there was plenty taken a battalion to do the job properly, several large buildings of coke in a warehouse on a few acres of land. nearby. It had a maximum Company speed of about 10 or 12 headquarters at mph. 14 Oct. 1945. a girls’ school on the outskirts of Photos contributed by Albert Seoul, Korea. E. Skaggs. 23 Sept. 1945. Retreat ceremony; Co. K, 184th Inf. Regt. Lt. Bigelow returning the salute of the 1st Sgt.. Four platoons in ranks. Soeul, Korea, 23 Sept. 1945. There were small hills within thirty yards of the porous, broken fence. No electricity and no lighting were available. The warehouses held small arms, ammunition, medical equipment, Japanese uniforms, blankets - all the accoutrements for supplying managed to get a generator working. We tested the light next to the two training divisions in Korea during WWII. the generator and the light was nice and bright. None of the men The Koreans were looting the buildings, mostly for blankets. were electricians unfortunately. We placed the generator in a They came over the hills at the rear of the compound at night. nearby warehouse and strung wire to a good position about 50 We made large signs warning that trespassers would be shot, yards away near the fence. but to no avail. There were men, women and children involved. I told the guards not to shoot anyone, but to fire into the air to I was given the privilege of throwing the switch when the group scare them off - very ineffective deterrent. They figured us out. of looters approached the fence line. Pitch dark and quiet night. Too few guards, too much area to cover! We awaited the action. The entire GI contingent were observers nearby. We heard the looters at the fence about 100 feet away. There was an abandoned armored train (vintage WW1) in the I threw the switch, but the light was only about as bright as a rail yard, old, rusty steel-sided baggage cars, dilapidated flat candle. The electrical drain on the long, undersized electrical cars, one with a mounted, antique artillery piece, machine gun line from an undersized generator provided to be a real dimmer! platforms, etc., and one car with several search lights. Why not One man hit his zippo cigarette lighter, others struck matches. take one of the smaller lights, hook it up to one of the small The raucous laughter, loud cheers, hoots and profanity from the gasoline generators that we found in one of the warehouses and observers did wonders for our morale, but also frightened off surprise the looters? the looters. Fortunately, the Military Government and MP’s took over the warehouse in a few days and we got back to being A small work-party dismounted a fourteen inch light; two men ‘gravel agitators’ with our Company in Seoul. Page 14 The Hourglass Summer 2007 The HQ Bldg. for the 2d Brigade of the 7th Infantry Division in Spring of 1970. Located in Camp Hovey just South of Camp Casey, it was the headquarters for Demarkation line marker in the 7th ID at that time. DMZ near the 3d Bn, 32d Inf. TOC Both camps were (Tactical Operations Center). just to the East of Tongduchon. Marker at the top of Holmdahl Hill (3/32 TOC) at the southern edge of the DMZ. Sp4 Jan Holmdahl was killed on patrol in the DMZ on 20 July 1966 while was serving with Co. A, 1st Bn, 32d Inf. Christmas 1970 inside the 3/32 TOC LTC James Asente (Bn commander) and 1LT Jerry Piller (TOC officer) in September 1970 outside the 3/32 TOC. SSG H. Heible was on duty inside. The TOC was manned by 1 officer and 1 NCO at all times. SSG Heible and 3 other TOC personnel The 3/32 TOC looking northwards toward N. Korea where inside the TOC opening Christmas presents. Holmdahl Hill memorial marker is located at 37* 57.57' N, 126* 46.17' E. The area was completely uninhabited in 1970, but recent satellite photos show lots of development in this area (unknown if it’s military) but there are plenty of rice paddies visible. One of the 3 outposts “inside the fence” of the DMZ in the 3/32 sector showing the ever- present “duece and a half” utility truck. The 3 outposts were: Dessart - 37* 58.27' N, 126* 46.45' E Hendrix - 37* 58.05' N, 126* 44.78' E Turner - 37* 57.30' N, 126* 44.12' E Page 15 The Hourglass Summer 2007 I Was Never Hit - Part II that the target was beyond the range of our 155’s. They said they would forward the fire mission to Division Artillery who The first installment of Major Anthony Woolf’s article could reach it with their eight inch howitzers. They must have appeared in the Winter 2006 issue of The Hourglass. succeeded because soon I saw flashes at exactly the spot that my scope’s cross hairs were trained. Our artillery stopped the enemy less than a 1,000 On another occasion, while our crew was doing some yards away by leveling triangulating from the top of a hill, we received fire from enemy our gun barrels and firing 150 caliber howitzers sending us scurrying down the back of all night at point blank the hill and into a cleft for protection. The next morning our survey range. My survey section crew and a Lt. Hoffman, who had just joined us and was to be acquired direction and my replacement, drove out to yesterday’s hill where we would elevation from Captain try again to finish our triangulations. It nearly got us both killed! Williams of Division Artillery, a good friend The two of us started to climb but we hadn’t gone very far before from my Texas and a bullet whizzed over our head. It sounded like a GI rifle bullet Oklahoma days who had but we looked around and couldn’t see anyone, so we again been promoted from the started to climb. Soon we heard another bullet whiz over us and job that I now held. Recent photo of 92-year-old this time we saw a U.S. soldier several hundred yards to our left, waving his rifle. We met him half way and he said, “I wouldn’t Tony Woolf. After running a survey line go up there if I was you sir, there is a battle going on just from Division Headquarters to our battalion he assisted our crew over the top of the hill.” The Japanese were attempting to to survey a line over swampy land and waist-deep water while penetrate our position by coming down the line between the under enemy machine gun fire. At one point our crew were forced Seventh and the next Division. I thought my battalion S-2 should to duck under the water so a squad of our artillerymen calmly have told me but I guess he hadn’t gotten the word. picked up their carbines and walked out into the tall grassy field as if they were going pheasant hunting. Soon the machine gun Our survey chief, Sgt. Jackson, was a cat operator and been fell silent. assigned to build roads. That was fine with me because I enjoyed survey and enjoyed this hands-on opportunity to work with the Captain Williams was awarded the Silver Star for his valor in crew. As the fighting in Okinawa was coming to an end and we acting over and above the call of duty. I didn’t even receive any were driving the remaining Japs over a high cliff into the ocean I thanks but I was just doing my job and just glad to have survived was promoted to battalion S-2. From Okinawa we shipped out the action. for Korea. It had been a tough battle, but then I really got into the war as We made a beachhead landing at Inchon and proceeded on to we went on to Okinawa where things were much tougher. It Seoul, which we called Sool. We could easily have occupied was comforting to see the ring of ships surrounding us as we the whole country but the politicians wouldn’t allow us to do so. landed. When we landed at Inchon the 31st Battalion was converted After a day’s work surveying I was sometimes sent out after into a temporary MP Bn. My survey crew and I had a good dark with a BC scope to a forward OP to look for enemy gun time rounding up and detaining suspected North Korean flashes. One evening I saw flashes which, according to my map, undercover agents. Consequently, when the time came for us to were coming from a cliff rising above a 100-yard beach. Since I return home I was very proud to award bronze stars to three had the direction from my BC scope and the distance and men in my survey section. Our new commanding officer said he elevation from my map it looked like an easy target. couldn’t give me one as he’d ran out! I wasn’t that disappointed because all I wanted was to go home. I called the fire mission into our fire direction center but was told Page 16 The Hourglass Summer 2007 I arrived in Salt Lake City on Thanksgiving Day and although there was no band and no homecoming parade, I was home in A Few Old Heads From WWII time for the University of Utah football game and a big turkey Helped Us Stay Alive dinner with family and relatives. I had been shot at by nearly By Charles E. Herrington every weapon the combined Japanese forces had, and even once Mooringsport, LA 71060 by one of our own battleships, I was trully thankful that I was never hit. Instead I survived to marry a wonderful woman and I was raised in the cotton fields of north east Louisiana, in East be blessed with seven children, twenty-three grandchildren, and Carroll Parish, near Lake Providence. Just before my 19th seven great-grandchildren. birthday, I decided I had followed a team of mules long enough and enlisted in the U.S. Army. By the way, I stayed in the California National Guard and Army Reserve long enough to retire as a Major. My last assignment I was sworn in on the 6th of April, 1950, and sent to Fort Riley, was to serve in an intelligence unit located near to my home in Kansas, for basic training. After basic training, I was given a few the Bay Area, so my army career had come full circle. days home, then off to McCord AFB, Washington, for a flight to Japan. They put me on a C-54 (the kind with bucket, web Major Anthony D. Woolf, USA (Ret) seats) and and I was seated just behind the right wing. After 3885 Cedar Mist Lane takeoff I decided to take a nap. When I awoke it was dark, and Auburn, CA 95602 as I looked out the window I saw flames coming out of the Tel: 530/888-0955 engines! I had never been on an airplane before and I thought eMail: Tony Woolf is one of our older members at 92 years I was assigned to “G” Co., 2nd Bn, 17th Regt. at Camp Fuji, young. He joined the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, Japan and every time one of the big guns went off, the sides of CA in December 1942 and served with the Division my fox-hole would fall in and I would have to shovel it out again. throughout the Pacific Theatre until November of 1945. On the night before we departed for Korea there was a huge His unit was the 31st Field Artillery Battalion. storm that blew almost all the tents down. Just as we owe our gratitude to those who are serving in When we arrived in Pusan Harbor, we were docked next to the Iraq and Afghanistan today, we owe Tony and his battleship Missouri. They took us off the ship a few times and comrades for their service in defense of our freedom marched us around to get some exercise.After the landing at when some of us were but gleams in our father’s eyes! Inchon, and the securing of Seoul, we were taken by truck back to Pusan and put on an LST and made another landing at Iwon, Sgt. First Class North Korea. As we made our way toward the Yalu River, William C. Thanksgiving Day came upon us. The Air Force dropped Boise, left, Thanksgiving Dinner to us by parachute. greets Lt. Gen. Emerson L. We were dug in on a hill where the snow was four of five foot Cummings, deep. It was a problem to move around with just a trail though deputy the snow to get down to headquarters. It was so cold that the commanding coffee had ice on it before you finished drinking it! Usually, there general of Eighth were only two men to a fox-hole, but for some reason we had U.S. Army in four at this time. When we went down for chow one time, we Korea in March left one man on guard duty. When we returned he had built a fire 1959. Photo by in the hole and let the sleeping bags catch fire, burning some of Sp. 5 Robert H. them up! Hardin. Continued next page Page 17 The Hourglass Summer 2007 “Old Heads” cont. from previous page. of footsteps. I strained my eyes trying to see what was causing When the Chinese came across the Yalu River, we bugged out the noise, but could see nothing. As the crunching continued, I for Hungnam on the coast. We walked out over the mountains became a little unnerved. I awoke the soldier in the hole with me on roads covered with one or two inches of ice. It was hard to and told him what was going on and he started laughing. I asked, keep your footing and sometimes someone would slip over the “What is so funny?” I sure felt silly when he pointed to a magazine side of the road and drop several feet. It would take 20-40 laying beside me with the wind turning the pages making the minutes to get them back up on the road again. sound I heard. When we came down into the valley we commandered a North Most of the guys were young men like myself, but we did have Korean train. It was a coal burner with open cars and no a few old heads from WWII, who helped us stay alive. I wish I protection from the wind or cold. The track went through a tunnel could remember their names. My platoon sergeant was one of and as the engine started to emerge from the tunnel, the enemy those men I would have followed anywhere. He was a gifted started shooting mortar rounds at it. The train stopped and we leader and received a battlefield commission. I thank God that were almost suffocated by the coal smoke in the tunnel. he was my Platoon Sergeant. One time he led us on a recon patrol behind enemy lines that lasted five or six days, over snow When we reached Hungnam, we set up a perimeter round the covered mountains where there were no roads. How he found post and held it until the men could get out of Chosin. The Navy where we were going and then found the way back again I never had brought many ships to take us out of North Korea and understood, but I trusted his judgment and followed faithfully. back to Pusan, South Korea. There were tens of thousands of North Koreans gathered around wanting to go to South Korea At one point there suddenly appeared four F-80s which peeled with us. I don’t know how many North Koreans that the Navy off for an attack on us, thinking we were the enemy. One of the took to Pusan with us, but I know it was in the thousands. planes fired two rockets, which looked like they were coming straight at me, but they landed some way in front of me. Thank January 1951 found us fighting our way north again. I would like God for rice paddies as I was able to get down behind a dike. to touch on some of the events that took place through June Somehow we finally let them know were friendly and they flew 1951, when my turn came to rotate back to the States. The off. No one was hit so we went on our way, but that was about personal belongings that we did not carry on our backs were as scared as I ever got while in Korea. kept by the supply people back at the company headquarters. I Brig. Gen. Ben had come across a green glass clock which I valued highly Harrell, assistant where you could see the working parts. One of my buddies had commanding the habit of knocking the gold teeth out of the dead enemy and general of the 7th Inf. he kept them in sack. The sack had become full and he had left Div., left, officially it with his stuff at headquarters. One day the supply tent caught cuts the ribbon at on fire and destroyed all the valuable stuff that we had been Camp Kaiser, collecting. Korea, of the Division’s Training One mountain that we captured was so high that we looked Film and Equipment down on the airplanes flying by and it took you about a half day Exchange in late to walk to the top. Someone had tied a Chinese body to a tree January 1959. With just around a curve on the trail. Needless to say, that body was him are Lt. Col. full of bullet holes. Duane Davis, The army had the practice of sending two soldiers in front of the commanding officer of the 7th Inf. Div. Signal Battalion and Sgt. Ralph lines about two or three hundred yards to act as a listening post. Turasky, NCOIC of the Film Exchange at Camp There was about an inch of snow on the ground one night when Kaiser. Photo by Frank Welch, 7th Inf. Div. Photo I was in a listening post. The moon was shining so bright you Lab, 127th Signal Battalion. could almost read a newspaper when I heard the crunch, crunch Page 18 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Maguire (left) Scenes of 7th Division converses with a 7th Div. trooper in late in late 1959-60 1950s. (7th Div.Photo) M/Sgt. Weiche, who served at Camp Casey, Korea in late 1950s, examines a globe in the 7th Inf. Div. library. Major General N.A. Costello, A little South Commanding General of the 7th Inf. Korean boy Div., 1959 to 1960, shakes hands with enjoys a soft personnel. (Contributed Photo) drink. Many children were seen over the years by soldiers of the 7th Inf. Div. 1st Lt. Frank J. Peterson, left, is shown with members of the 7th Inf. Div. Information Office in a field training exercise in early 1959. Men of the 7th Div. in a bayonet training session in the late 1950s. Page 19 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Membership Application Form Please type or print clearly. Name: . Sex: Last Name First Middle Male Female Address: . Street, RR, or PO Box Apartment # . City State 9 Digit Zip Code Country Status: Active Duty Veteran Widow of Veteran Child of Veteran Spouse’s Name: . (or next of kin) Phones: ( ) ( ) ( ) , Home Business Fax eMail Address: . Military: . Assignment Platoon Company Troop Battalion Battery Regiment Brigade With 7th ID from: .To: Highest Rank: DOB: / / . Please attach another sheet giving details of the following: Overseas Assignments, Major Battles, Awards & Decorations and Service Medals: _ Applicant’s Signature Application Date Recommended By 7th IDA Member: Mail the completed form and your check or Name: . Money Order for $20.00, made out to: Address: . . “7th Infantry Division Association” and send to: New Members are immediately placed on our mailing list and 7th Infantry Division Assn. receive a paid up membership card, lapel pin, auto decal, copy of our current newsletter, and a copy of our Constitution 518 Hilinai St. and By-laws. Subsequent dues will be $20.00, due in June of Wailuku, HI 96793-9426 the biennial reunion year. Page 20 The Hourglass Summer 2007 The Quartermaster’s Store Caps www.7id.us The official “bill cap” for the Association. They come in red, Small Bolo Tie white or black with the “Hourglass” Specify Silver or Gold end caps. logo on the front and one size fits $12.00 each. all. Please specify the color you want. $11.00 each 7th IDA Tie Bar Lapel Pin $9.00 each $3.50 each Crests $7.00 each Auto Decals 4½" diameter 17th Infantry $3.00 each, 2 for $5.00 Regiment 31st Infantry 2¾” diameter Regiment 32nd Infantry $3.00 each, 2 for $5.00 Regiment Souvenir Brass Coin 7th IDA Key Ring th 7 Inf. Div. (Light), 1980’s & 90’s, 1½" diameter. $8.00 each Illustration below shows the obverse and the reverse. Dog Tag Key Ring $3.00 each Brass Dog Tag Key Ring $8.00 each Page 21 The Quartermaster’s Store (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 Military Black Belt Distinctive Unit Crests Black belt with brass One is worn on each side military 7th Inf. Div. belt on the lapel. buckle. $3.50 each $14.00 each Dress Hourglass Patch Black & Red $4.00 each, 2 for $7.00 Hat Pins $3.50 each 7th IDA Cloth Patch Tee Shirts With Logo (S, M, L, XL or $3.00 each XXL) $12.00 Order of the Bayonet Pin $9.00 each The cost of packing and shipping is included in the price. Be sure to state any color choices and sizes in your order. Make your check for the total cost of all items payable to: “7th Infantry Division Association” and mail your order to: Bumper Sticker $3.00 each 7th Infantry Division Association Robert Hoxsie, Quartermaster 30 Mapleview Drive Cranston, RI 02920-3110 Phone (401) 946-9967 NOTE: All profits from the Quartermaster’s Store go into the Association Treasury and are used for the betterment of the Association. Page 22 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Seekers Pages Dear Mr. Peeples, Dear Mr. Peeples, I’m hoping that you might be able to help me locate anyone who I just left you a voicemail about this. I am working on a recalls my father, Captain Edmund Condon Roberts, killed in documentary about Paul Fusco who is a Korean War Veteran Korea on January 3, 1950. A member of the 7th Infantry and now a renowned still photographer. His full name is John Division in Korea, he had also served in WWII in the 106 Paul Fusco, and he was a private in the US Army Signal Corps, Division, was captured at the Battle of the Bulge, and later 7th Division, (Leominster, MA) and he was in Korea in 1951 escaped from a German prison camp. and 1952. I am preparing to write about him and hoping to come to know Unfortunately, he does not have any pictures of himself while he him through the comments of others; I was only eight months was in the service. Do you know if there is a photo archivist or old when he died. a network of veterans where we might be able to search for a Thank you so much, photo of his division? M. Virginia Brackett Any advice would be greatly appreciated! eMail: Seekers Pages (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 these remains were sent to. If you can help me in any way I Dead Stick Landing would be very appreciative as it means a lot to our family. By Gene C. Richards Best Regards Dan LoCascio On the night of May 7-8th., pilot Lt. Larry Scheer and I were eMail: Fortunately, we had about 5,000 feet of altitude when we lost the engine and cleared all the mountaintops to the point where <<<<<<<<< Page 24 The Hourglass Summer 2007 The Chosin Few From the Archives 7th Inf. Div. personnel unloading amphibious truck on established beachhead, Carlson Island, Kwajalein Atoll. Signal Corps Photo 7th Div. men transfer to alligators from Higgins boats On Sept. 1, 2006 the Wisconsin Chapter of The Chosin prior to landing on Kwajalein Island so men will not have Few held a monument dedication at the Southern to wade ashore across coral reef. Signal Corps Photo Wisconsin Veterans’ Cemetery. In the photo above are members of the organization present for the ceremonies. Bob Jaskowak, (Army) on the left, and Dave Schultz (Marine), directors of the Wisconsin Chapter of The Chosin Few. They are shown standing by The Chosin Few monument which can be seen in greater detail below. While you were in Korea or other places the 7th Inf. Div. All photos were has served, did you contributed by Bob encounter special dogs who Jaskowak. became a part of your unit? The dog below, whose name has been lost in antiquity, was a Camp Casey adoptee in the late 1950s. A South Korean soldier (KATUSA) examines a gift package. Page 25 The Hourglass Summer 2007 The Adrenalin of Combat casualities before they could dive under the tanks and take cover. You have heard the ditty about the Engineers with hairy ears By Edwin F. (Ed) Pelosky who have no fears? That’s a lot of c....And the rest of the Colonel, USA, Retired ditty...that they are rugged SOBs? Partial truth. I and all the “fast diver” members of my platoon learned very quickly how to A combat engineer in the first year of the Korean War was much dig a foxhole with bare hands in a sun-baked rice paddy that more than an engineer, a builder and demolisher of bridges and had been drained for harvest. The overhead rice reeds were roads. Another task not approached with aplomb was the hairy being cut by bullets, and covering us like a straw mat. job of locating and removing enemy mines. We performed these tasks in conjunction with being infantrymen in the assault. The The cries for help, “Corpsman,” “Medic,” “I’m hit” rang through fluid nature of the Korean War, the scarcity of roads, the terrain the air, almost overridden by the hammering of machine guns, itself, all combined to make engineers’ fight often as infantry. mortar shells bursting, the “sping” of rifle fire and hiss of bullets. The first relief was our jets strafing the enemy. The noise of low In Korea, every engineer soldier knew that the (C) in his unit level strafing was deafening, but most welcome. Whatever I did designation stood for combat. He also knew, from training and after that must have been adrenalin kicking in since the Silver briefing prior to the Inchon landings, engineer duty could and Star citation stated that I carried nine wounded soldiers to safety, often would freely translate into infantry action. mounted a successful attack with my remaining engineers and sustained a slight wound in the process. After the enemy was As a platoon leader in B Company, 13th Engineer Combat routed, I realized I had picked up several souvenirs in the form Battalion of the 7th Division, I can vouch that we performed of shrapnel. as infantry as well as engineers. We landed at Inchon the afternoon of 15 September, 1950 to clear land mines for a new On my second tour in Korea in 1963/64 with the 7th Division, I beachhead. My soldiers numbered one third untrained KATUSA. tried to locate the site. I was not successful until I flew over the Raw KATUSA trained GI engineers alike became mine experts location. I then could pinpoint it. The paddy fields were still there. in a matter of hours. A few mistakes taught the lesson that a The ridge now had a village, Tonong-ni. The bridge was intact. slight mistake was a fatal mistake. The Korean beehive grave mound where I had carried my wounded soldiers was still there. Deactivating a mine field is a wonderful sharpener of wits and an instantaneous educator. Learn or die. We did not link up with The distance from the outskirts of Seoul which I had thought to Company HQ for two weeks. We were assigned to one battalion be about 25 miles was now only a few miles. The city had grown, or other of the 32nd of 17th Infantry or the Korean Capital but the memories linger. Division. Tankers loved us. They always wanted us to have the seat of honor. Ride the first tank! This article was originally published in “Korean Vignettes - A Fact of War.” On 29 September, Task Force Thomasek was formed with the primary mission of making contact with the enemy northeast of This photo of Seoul. My platoon was thrown in with Easy Company, 17th the 7th Infantry, a platoon of tanks, some medics, a sprinkling of Artillery Aviation Co. FOs, an FAC and other odds and ends to form the task force. crest was submitted by In forward movement we came to a bridge that spanned a river. new member My platoon sergeant and I walked the bridge and both Wesley approaches, checking to see if it had been wired for demolition. Connally who It had not. We signaled the tanks forward, mounted the lead served in tank, and with 200 yards all h....broke loose. Korea in the early 1960s. Raging fire from a low lying ridge cut into us. Many men were Page 26 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Pastor’s Corner By Dr. James C. Denison Teaching Pastor, Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas might be sympathetic if I were typing with a sprained wrist or trying to use a virus-infested laptop. But all that really matters Evaluating Your Success are the words you can see where you’re sitting today, not the “You are what you are.” That was Bill Parcells’s most famous circumstances where I am. and oft-repeated statement as coach of the Dallas Cowboys. After his surprise announcement yesterday that he is retiring, it’s The good news is that the way we look at the world is not the the mantra by which he is being evaluated in today’s Dallas way our Creator does. David prayed, “O Lord, you have Morning News and sports outlets around the country. The certain searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and future Hall of Fame coach won two Super Bowls with the New when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far York Giants and took the New England Patriots to a third. He is away…Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you leaving a team which is far more talented than the one he inherited. know it completely” (Psalm 139:1-2, 4). Our Father knows But his 34-32 record after four seasons is the standard by which every sin we’ve ever committed and every sin we have yet to he will be remembered here in Dallas. In the National Football commit. And yet he doesn’t conclude that we are what we are. League there are winners and there are losers, and no one in He is employing every resource in the universe to help us grow between. to be like Jesus (Romans 8:29). He is using your circumstances and challenges on earth to make you ready for an eternity in his The coach’s mantra extends far beyond coaching. When perfect presence in Paradise. President Bush delivers his State of the Union address tonight, we will evaluate the speech based on what he said, not what he A man out for a walk happened upon a stonemason on his knees, meant to say. Today’s New York Times reports that Pfizer will carving a rock. He asked what the man was doing. The craftsman cut 7,800 workers as the pharmaceuticals giant tries to cope pointed at the elevated steeple of the church building he was with competition from cheaper generic drugs and product helping to construct and said, “I’m shaping this down here to setbacks. The company is what its bottom line says it is. fit up there.” Ask God to use the events of this day to make you more like Jesus, and cooperate with his Spirit’s work in your I’m sure Coach Parcells would say that this is the way of the life. And he’ll do the same with you. world. You’ll be evaluated today based on your performance, not your intentions. You’ll decide whether to keep reading this Copyright © 2007. GodIssues.org. All rights reserved. essay because of what I write, not what I meant to say. You Used with permission. Cpl Bob Carlyon with 32nd Inf. Regt. sign at Hq. USO Show in Korea about Aug. 1953. Photos contributed Co. in the fall of ’53 or spring of ’54. by Bob Carlyon. Page 27 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Heartbreak Ridge, December 1951 By Paavo Pogue. I was a Browning automatic rifleman in K Co., 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division and my company positions were dug in 500 yds. from the Chinese on the next hill in the Taebak Hq. 7th Inf. Div. Hills above Naha, Okinawa,Aug. 1945. Mountain Range of North Korea.. Our bunker was located near the top of the ridge on the reserve slope out of direct small arms fire, and on this day, four of us were fathered in the trench in front of the bunker crawling entrance. PX, 7th Inf. Div., near Naha, Okinawa. South Gate, Seoul, Korea, Paavo Pogue at Heart Break Ridge, Korea, Sept. 1945. December 1951. I was sitting next to these one-size fits all white camouflage suits that we use on night ambush patrols in the snow. It was bitter cold so I crawled inside the bunker to warm up.I had been inside only seconds when a tremendous explosion shook the place causing part of it to cave in. I was unhurt, but my three squad mates were taken out. Japanese Emperor The mortar round had hit the camo suits exactly where I had Hirohito’s Throne been sitting only moments before. In just ten days our nine-man Palace. He never rifle squad was reduced to three. Up to this point I had been the visited Korea nor sat Bunker man assistant, now I was the B.A.R. man. It would be in Throne. Seated a couple of days before we got replacements. occupant in photo unknown. Nov. 1945. I had many close calls before and after this action, but that one remains especially clear in my memory. All photos contributed by Glen Burdick. Paavo Pogue 10460, S. 100 E. Fairmount, Ind 46928-9544 Page 28 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Editor’s Perspective Executive Secretary’s Comments By Charlie Richardson By John H. (Casey) Stengel Dennis W. Camp, the 72-year-old 1st Vice President of the As of this writing we are far short of members joining us at the 7th Infantry Division Association and Past Editor of “The reunion. We need at least 75 to 100 members in attendance so Hourglass”, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer that changes to our Constitution and By-laws and other business on December 8, 2006. can be addressed, otherwise we will be forced to find another way. Your views can not be heard if you are not there! As a new member of the Association I was surprised in October 2004 to receive a phone call from Dennis. He asked “Would We need a person willing to run for the Board of Governors for you consider taking over as Editor of The Hourglass as I have a term of 6 years, and a person willing to run for a term of 4 just been diagnosed with liver cancer?” years that was left unfilled at the last election. We also need to fill the positions of 1st Vice President, sadly made necessary by At the time I was still fully employed at Hardin-Simmons Dennis Camp’s death, and 2nd Vice President, which is a 4- University, Abilene, Texas. How year term. Any comments or could I serve as Editor with the nominations should be sent to me limited time I had available? Long as soon as possible so that I may story short - I was honored to present them to the Board of accept. Occasionally I would call Governors. Dennis for advice and I had the opportunity to meet him and his I personally am proposing 13 gracious wife, Mary Jo, at the minor and 22 major changes to Atlanta reunion in September the Constitution and By-laws to 2005. My wife, Karin and Mary bring it up to date. It is impossible Jo also became friends, a double to mention them all here, but blessing for us. everyone will have a chance to Hourglass Editor Charlie Richardson (left) and the read and prepare comments Born on Nov. 4, 1934, Dennis late Dennis Camp seen above at the 2005 Reunion. before the General Membership was a friend to many members of the 7th Infantry Division meeting. A copy of those changes will be in your reunion package, Association, including this editor. Dennis was also active in the but basic changes proposed are in the area of reunions, l7th Infantry Association. He began his military service while Governing Council, Membership, Duties of Officers, and Voting a teenager, was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and was and Quorums. wounded while on active duty. I am also looking for some ladies that will be willing to work He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, a son, 5 daughters, 20 behind the Welcome and Registration table on Thursday. If you grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters. are willing to help, please call me at 616/243-7174, eMail me at Page 29 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Treasurer’s Report Doug’s Report Financial Reports for Summer 2007 Hourglass I am pleased to report that our Operating Statement shows more OPERATING STATEMENT income than expenditures for this reporting period. Not a lot, October 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007 but at least some. A lot of members have been paying their 2007- 2009 dues early and this is much appreciated by the writer. INCOME Spreading the renewal process over several months certainly Donations $251.73 makes my job a lot easier. For those of you who have not paid Dues $4,240.00 your 2007-2009 dues, now is the time. They become due and Interest $902.76 payable on 7/1/07. Quartermaster Sales $1,466.97 Reunion Deposits $5,037.97 With the decision to increase publication of The Hourglass to TOTAL INCOME $11,899.43 two issues per year came the associated expenses. Additionally, th EXPENSES postage went up on May 15 this year which has an impact on Advertising $230.55 our membership communications, Quartermaster product Computer & Web site $407.16 delivery and The Hourglass. It costs us almost $20,000.00 every two years just for The Hourglass. Add to that the cost of Honorariums $2,000.00 membership communication, membership cards, honorariums Hourglass $4,709.24 to our four compensated workers, computer supplies and web Licenses & Permits $20.00 site maintenance and I come up with the fact that we need to QM Store Inventory $593.10 have an income of at least $35,000.00 every two years to avoid Office Expenses $183.29 eating into our reserves. With 1,389 members, of which 71 are Postage $479.97 non-paying Associates, Honorary or Complimentary members, Reference & Archives $80.27 this means that the biennial dues should be $26.56 in order to Special Reunion Flyer $1,673.03 break even. I think with good money management we can earn Travel $334.02 enough to cover the $1.56 so it looks like the dues should be TOTAL EXPENSES $10,710.63 raised to $25.00 biennially. This is the amount I will be BALANCE SHEET recommending to the Board of Governors at the June reunion. March 31, 2007 Bear in mind that our last increase in dues was from $15.00 to $20.00 in 2003 and there have been two postal increases since ASSETS that time. Cash & Bank Accounts Bank of Hawaii Checking $6,057.40 I am pleased to report that the purchase of high yield government Bank of Internet CD’s $22,487.72 insured certificates of deposit has resulted in the organization Capital One Money Market $14,622.23 earning $1,650.00 on our reserve funds during the last two Petty Cash $300.00 reporting cycles. TOTAL ASSETS $43,467.35 Our organization is at a “crossroads” when it comes to reunions. LIABILITIES & EQUITY Because a number of you responded to the request for proxy Liabilities forms, for which we thank you, we will have a quorum at the Pending Reimbursements $1.74 2007 reunion. One of the topics will be making changes in our TOTAL LIABILITIES $1.74 By Laws which will permit the organization of reunions on a TOTAL EQUITY $43,465.61 different time elapsed basis. Some are suggesting the next reunion be scheduled for 2010 and every 5 years after that. Some are TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $43,467.35 Continued next page Page 30 The Hourglass Summer 2007 The 7th IDA Booster Club Recruiting Honor Roll We are pleased to recognize the following contributors to the The following 14 members contributed to the addition of 59 Booster Club since the last report. Another 12 members have new members on our roster since last Fall. WELL DONE! parted with $234.00 of their hard-earned cash to support our Recruiter Count Association. You generosity is most appreciated by the John Stengel 17 membership. James Bryant 17 Gerald G. Silvester Howard J. Williams Military Magazine 10 Mildred Coffey Billy K. Cassetty Gene Peeples 4 Lorn W. Jackson Harold B. Dixon Doug Halbert 2 Garland K. Miller Joseph R. Selvidio Robert E. Johnson 1 Frank R. Pascoe Stephen D. Vermillion Richard Gough 1 Paul C. Zaiser John R. Durham Peter J. Chang 1 Total Contributors = 12 Levi O Haire 1 Total Received = $234.00 LeRoy Quernemoen 1 Jerry D. Thomas 1 7th IDA Dues Status Report Gene Richards 1 Frank R. Pascoe 1 2007 1,002 Clyde Carlisle 1 2009 263 2011 38 We depend upon you to spread the good word and help bring 2013 4 some new blood into the 7th Infantry Division Association! 2015 8 2017 2 Active Roster 2027 1 Unit Membership Count Associate 68 (20 or more Members) Courtesy 3 Honorary 3 17th Infantry Regiment ...... 270 Total Members in Good Standing 1,392 32nd Infantry Regiment ...... 258 Processed 10/1/06 – 3/31/2007 31st Infantry Regiment ...... 216 New Members added 59 Division Headquarters ...... 63 New Associates added 2 57th Field Artillery Battalion ...... 62 Renewals Processed 200 13th Engineer Battalion [C] ...... 61 “From your Treasurer” cont. from previous page. 48th Field Artillery Battalion ...... 49 suggesting that reunions be discontinued entirely with the 31st Field Artillery Battalion ...... 47 Association striving to keep the lines of communication open 184th Infantry Regiment ...... 43 with the twice-a-year publication of The Hourglass and 49th Field Artillery Battalion ...... 40 maintenance of our web site. If any of you wish to provide input 15th AAA Battalion ...... 27 on these matters before the reunion, please send your written 7th Signal Co...... 27 comments to John Stengel, our Executive Secretary. He will make sure your opinions are heard at the reunion meetings. 707th Ordinance Maintenance Co. .. 26 Doug Halbert 7th Medical Battalion ...... 22 Treasurer & Roster Manager 7th Military Police Co...... 20 Page 31 The Hourglass Summer 2007 New Member List Organization Name Address City, State, ZIP Phone Co/Batt 127th Signal Battalion Labbe, Jr., William E. 5518 N Plumb Rd. Stanton, MI 48888 (989) 368-4119 B 13th Engineer Battalion [C] Bradley, Donald D. 3327 Lafayette St. St. Joseph, MO 64507 (816) 279-3645 A Goudreau, Gary A. 34022 W County Rd. Trout Lake, MI 49793 (906) 569-3854 HHC Holt, Ebben E. PO Box 183 Cimarron, NM 87714 (505) 376-2805 B Loveless, James D. 19 Sean Meadow Dr. Morris, CT 06763 (860) 567-3863 Stiefel, Thomas 254 Maple Ave. Collegeville, PA 19426 (215) 767-4447 HHC Thomas, Jerry D. 922 Voohers St. LaPlata, MO 63549 (660) 332-4944 15th AAA Battalion Bricker, William R. J. 603 North Washington Ave.Ellsworth, KS 67439 (785) 472-3066 C Lawless, Jerry T. 127 Baptist Hill Rd. Providence, KY 42450 (270) 667-9689 A Purcell, William R. 9712 Elmira Cir. Sacramento, CA 95827 (916) 362-3125 HQ Whitaker, Ira E. 11106 NE 135th St. Fletcher, OK 73541 (580) 365-4224 17th Infantry Regiment Bertoli, Richard O. 53 Stonewall Cir W. Harrison, NY 10604 (914) 686-0448 E Billups, Charles E. 7402 Spokane St. Yakima, WA 98908 (509) 966-1894 Dixon, Harold B. 213 Deerpath Dr. Minooka, IL 60447 (815) 467-2946 HQ Fontana, Phillip S 20 Grove St. Wayland, MA 01778 (508) 358-4115 HHC Herrington, Charles E. 509 Lakeview St. Morningsport, LA 71060 (318) 996-6860 G Hook, Carrol F. PO Box 1185 Dundee, FL 33838 (863) 439-1958 A Kittinger, Lawrence W. 225 SE 3rd St. Loveland, CO 80537 (970) 669-8458 A 184th Infantry Regiment Butler, Allen E. 10188 Twin Pines Pl. Grass Valley, CA 95949 (530) 273-7016 B 21st Infantry Regiment Slowik, Donald 787-A Eversole Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32227 (904) 242-8161 C 31st Field Artillery Battalion Cabot, Robert L. 3662 S. Brust Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 744-2153 HQ Johnson, Howard W. 16634 Magnolia Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 437-9073 C Jordan, Floyd 9799 TWP Rd 160 Box 302 N. Lewisburg, OH 43060 (937) 747-3107 B 31st Infantry Regiment Callaghan, James Roy 527 Hillandale Dr. Newark, OH 43055 (740) 763-3749 D Kelly, Billy E. 1105 Ave M South Houston, TX 77587 (281) 642-6241 B Labra, Tito C. 8520 E. Brookhollow St. Wichita, KS 67206 (316) 691-5615 A Page 32 New Members (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 Organization Name Address City, State, ZIP Phone Co/Batt 31st Infantry Regiment Otis W. Livingston, Jr., PO Box 453 Columbus, NC 28722 (828) 894-0637 A Shuchter, Michael G. 611-B 13th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 801-6499 A 32nd Infantry Regiment Catalano, Jr., Frank A. PO Box 3057 Hayden, ID 83835 (208) 722-8486 A Cotton, Thomas C. 8378 Oakwood Dr. Becker, MN 55308 (763) 261-4006 G Gilliland, Herbert H. 111 E. Bartlett Apt K-34 La Plata, MO 63549 (660) 332-7376 I Goodwin, Gerald L 611 S. Blackhawk Byron, IL 61010 (815) 234-5045 A McCulley, Lewis G. PO Box 323 Beardstown, IL 62618 (217) 323-1202 C Medina, Jose E. 4009 Montgomery Blvd NE #L-4 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 830-0321 L Miley, James D. 905 Division St. #1 Horicon, WI 53032 (920) 960-2271 Svc Richards, Irwin R. 40 Climax St. Pittsburgh, PA 15210 (412) 431-3594 I Walters, Kristopher J. 28 TLA St. Lake Lotawona, MO 64086 (816) 774-2393 B Watson, Thomas W. PO Box 73 Bulverde, TX 78163 (830) 980-9774 A 49th Field Artillery Battalion Achin, Alfred A. 36 Sumner St. N. Attleboro, MA 02760 (508) 695-3474 C Ferguson, Sr., Charles E. 63 Cherry St. Crossville, TN 38572 (931) 788-1147 B Morgan, Julius T. 8238 Fairway Dr. Covington, GA 30014 (770) 786-5201 Radford, William H. 1111 Powell Dr. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (561) 848-0919 A 57th Field Artillery Battalion Banas, Jr., Andrew 3640 186th St. #302 Lansing, IL 60438 (708) 895-5774 HQ & HQ 707th Ordinance Maint. Conley, William A. 3300 Odair St. Mc Keesport, PA 15132 (412) 644-6387 HQ Hunt, Sherwon G. 685 Hambrick Rd. Boaz, AL 35957 (256) 593-6437 A Jackson, Lorn W. 28689 Timberline Dr. RR-24 San Antonio, TX 78260 (830) 980-9437 E Timm, Sr., Marvin D. 3105 Hidden Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 860-8578 7th Aviation Co. Connally, Wesley R. 1808 Berkner Dr. Richardson, TX 75081 (972) 234-2546 7th Medical Battalion Weiss, David 213-11 102nd Ave. PH Queens Village, NY 11429 (718) 468-0684 Clearing 7th Military Police Co. Herrington, Paul H. 11112 Carlile St. Northglenn, CO 80233 (303) 280-0575 7th Quartermaster Co. Skumautz, James G 428 Wellington Circle Waite Park, MN 56387 (320) 252-3829 8th Field Artillery Alarid, Drol G. 717 E. Linfield St. Azusa, CA 91702 (626) 967-7737 C Page 33 New Members (cont.) The Hourglass Summer 2007 Organization Name Address City, State, ZIP Phone Co/Batt 9th Infantry Regiment Cobb, Dwight C. 10909 Loma De Rio Pl. El Paso, TX 79934 (915) 822-1916 B Division Headquarters Bellgardt, Donald R. 8103 E. Southern Ave. #142 Mesa, AZ 85209 (480) 984-7321 FWD Bentley, Donald R. 208 North Drive Rochester, NY 14612 (585) 453-9187 Moore, John M. 2000 Hwy 142 Selmer, TN 38375 (731) 645-7635 HQ & HQ Rainey, Jr., William W. 124 Acres Dr. Pickins, SC 29671 (864) 878-7432 7th Finance Vinyard, John W. Rt 1 Box 166 Hillview, IL 62050 (217) 374-2016 Replacement Unit Assignment Unknown Shelton, James A. 680 Krista Lane Roseburg, OR 97470 (541) 677-1870 D Total New Members as of 03/31/2007 = 59 Glenn M. Justice, Announces New Book - “Fightin’ ‘George’ Light Infantry. “Fightin’ George” is Glenn’s true story about As a history buff, I became infatuated with the nearly a year as an infantryman on the Korean War. The so-called “Forgotten War.” frontlines in Korea in 1950/51. Beforehand, I had never Glenn joined the Army from realized Korea was such an Seminole County, GA. Aug. 1949 ugly and devastating war. to make a career. Nor did I fully realize the real heroes of war was the Glenn writes about military life common soldier. They are as an enlisted man and carries those who make planning the reader thru the landing at work, and in so doing close Inchon Korea Sept. 15th 1950, the with the enemy. Many times Chosin Reservor and many other so close they can discern battles. He explains the feelings facial features and eye color. of a combat soldier, the fear, furious combat, loss of friends and Dr. Karen DeMeester, Phd. Writing, includes much frontline humor. Literature & English, Florida State Pre-publication readings by ages University, Tallahassee, FL. 14 thru 80 have all been positive. They all say the book is different than any they have read and is Price - $21.00 explained in great detail. Word can be spread in no better To Order Contact: way about the enlisted men’s fight & living Justpub conditions in Korea than by Glenn’s book. It is 137 Lynn-Justice Rd a continuous building and gripping story. I invite Bainbridge, GA 39817 you to read Fightin’ George Light Infantry, the Fax: 229/243 1112 book. Page 34 The Hourglass Summer 2007 Final Taps We remember those who have left our ranks Organization Co/Bat. Date of Death Organization Co/Bat. Date of Death Name Name 13th Engineer Battalion [C] 32nd Infantry Regiment Carl F. Rohr A 9/1/2006 James Heida A 1/12/2007 Ernest F. Higgins 5/17/2006 17th Infantry Regiment Alexander Lane 03/2003 Dennis W. Camp K 12/15/2006 James E. Senesac G 11/23/2006 Howard J. Chambers L 03/16/2007 Robert Van Layton A 12/2/1950 Joe E. De Fosse 11/15/2006 John G. Herr Hq 10/24/2006 49th Field Artillery Battalion Lawrence L. Patton E June 2006 John A. Manic 4/8/2007 Jose A. Perez, Sr. E 8/27/2006 Stewart N. Rothman F 2/7/2007 57th Field Artillery Battalion Ova Lea Schulenberg 1/7/2007 Jack D. Kaufman Hq 10/3/2006 Harry E. Warmbier H 7/15/2005 Neil F. Young E 8/27/2006 7th Signal Co. William H. Waterworth 7th Signal 2/1/2006 31st Infantry Regiment Gerald E. Lawrence HQ I 12/20/2006 Division Headquarters David M. Sharp HQ 2/6/2007 32nd Infantry Regiment Harold N. Wood Hq 2/11/2006 Michael A. Hanna G 1/13/2007 Total = 23 Stewart Rothman, 1931 - 2007 platoon, F Company, 2nd Battalion of the 17th IR from January On the morning of February 8, 2007, one of our own answered 1951 to July 1951. He was a photographer, extraordinaire. He the call to the final formation. Stewart Rothman of Fairbanks, represented the 7th Infantry Division Association on one of the AK will no longer be in the ranks of our membership. Stewart early re-visit program trips sponsored by the Korean government. was an untiring worker devoted to those who served with the While much of his energy was devoted to the perpetuation of “Buffalo” Regiment. He became the editor of the Buffalo Bugle, the 17th Infantry Regiment, he never forgot his affiliation with the newsletter of the 17th Infantry Regiment Association, in the Bayonet Division. He was a comrade in arms to the end! 1996. He served as the President of the 17th Infantry Regiment May your soul rest in peace, Stewart Rothman! You deserve Association from 2000 to 2006. Stewart served with the 2nd our accolades! Page 35 7th Infantry Division Association 518 Hilinai Street NON PROFIT ORG. Wailuku, HI 96793-9426 U.S. POSTAGE www.7id.us PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 1 Change Service Requested The Hourglass Summer 2007 Dues Status The Hourglass Staff President: ...... F.E. (Gene) Peeples The new dues cycle commences on 7/1/07. Your label will Executive Secretary: .. John H. (Casey) Stengel indicate “Dues Status: Due Now” if you have not already Treasurer: ...... Doug Halbert paid your 2007 - 2009 dues. The current dues rate is $20.00 Quartermaster: ...... Robert C. Hoxsie every other year, but this is subject to change at the 2007 Publisher: ...... Frank S. Wadge reunion. Pay early and avoid the increase! Editor: ...... Charles R. (Charlie) Due Now ...... Your 2007-2009 dues are payable. Richardson Associate Editors: ...... Joe Bryant, Joe B. Swan and 2009 ...... You are current. Thank you. Ken Sleight 2011+ ...... You are paid in advance. Thank you. Special Assistance: ..... Joel Nail Associate ...... You are exempt from dues. Honorary ...... You are exempt from dues. Copy Deadlines: Winter Issue - August 31 Summer Issue - March 31 Your continuing Send your $20.00 dues to: Contributions are invited from any 7th Inf. Div. Assn. member. 7th IDA support of the eMail submission is preferred, and should be sent to: 518 Hilinai Street Association is