EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 75 www .axpo w .or g Number 1/2/3

January/February/March 2018

We exist to help those who cannot help themselves Dedication of POW/MIA Commemorative Chair ~ November 8, 2017 Jan/Feb/March 2018 table of contents officers/directors 4 commander/coo 5 ceo 6 medsearch 7 presumptives 10 legislative 13 andersonville 14 namPOW 16 pow/mia 17 civilian 18 events/news 19 uss pueblo-50 years 24 contributions 28 new members 29 taps/chaplain 30 From the Officers and Directors voluntary funding 34

It has been 20 years since we dedicated “our” museum at Andersonville and we’re going back to celebrate! The National Park Service has grand plans for the 20th anniversary. There’s more information in the Andersonville column in this issue. If you haven’t been to the mu- seum yet, this is the perfect opportunity to see the POW experience is portrayed...if you were there for the grand opening on April 9, Publisher 1998, come on back! The AXPOW Board of Directors will be having their mid-year meeting in conjunction with this event and all mem- PNC Milton M Moore Jr bers are welcome to attend that as well. 2965 Sierra Bermeja Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 (520) 459-7295 Renewal Notice! Annual Members! [email protected] This issue will be the last one you receive if you don’t renew. Take a minute and send your 2013 dues to Editor National Headquarters. Cheryl Cerbone Don’t miss out on all the benefits membership in AXPOW offers! 23 Cove View Drive South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Cover: On January 23, 1968 USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) was attacked in (508) 394-5250 international waters by North Korean forces. Eighty-two surviving [email protected] crewmembers were captured and held prisoner for eleven months. Original oil painting by artist Richard DeRosset for USS PUEBLO Deadline for the Apr-June crewmember Tom Massie. North Korean hull and aircraft have their 2018 issue is Mar 1, 2018. actual numbers of the attacking forces. Please send all materials to the editor at the above Inside front and back covers: Courtesy of National Director Charles address. Anthony Susino (and his soon-to-be bride, Debra). Thank you!

EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published quarterly (four times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007-3444. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007- 3444. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State non- profit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement. Ex-POW Bulletin © 2018 Jan-Mar 2018 American Ex-Prisoners of War 3 axpow officers & directors 2017-2018 National Headquarters PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007-3444 (817) 649-2979 [email protected]

National Commander Senior Vice Commander Charles Susino, Jr. officers Edward “Ted” Cadwallader 136 Jefferson Street 9501 Nut Tree Court Metuchen, NJ 08840 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (732) 549-5775 phone & fax (916) 685-5369 (732) 713-8811 - Cell [email protected]

Chief Executive Officer Chief Operations Officer Chief Financial Officer David Eberly Clydie J Morgan Marsha M Coke 205 Roger Webster 3201 E Pioneer Pkwy #40 3201 E Pioneer Pkwy #40 Williamsburg VA 23185 Arlington TX 76010-5396 Arlington TX 76010-5396 (757) 253-9553 – Home (817) 649-2979 – Office (817) 649-2979 – Office (757) 508-8453 - Cell (817) 300-2840 - Cell (817) 723-3996 – Cell [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

directors

Cheryl Cerbone Ben Garrido Charles A. Susino 23 Cove View Drive 6813 W 60th Street 951 Gates Ave. South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Tulsa OK 74107 Piscataway, NJ 08854 (508)394-5250 - Home (951) 313-9838 (732)463-8355 (508) 360-4090 - Cell [email protected] (732)221-0073-Cell [email protected] [email protected] Milton ‘Skip’ Moore Pam Warner Eslinger 2965 Sierra Bermeja Jan Williams PO Box 117 Sierra Vista AZ 85650 4353 Bending Point Hammon, OK 73650 (520) 459-7295 – Home Guthrie, Ok 73040 (580) 821-1526 (520) 249-7122 – Cell (580) 821-2376 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] is unfortunately true for so many Memorial, the WWII memorial, and of you. The conditions are some- Arlington National Cemetery. Al- times old and reoccurring even though my health did not allow me going back to our imprisonment to make the trip, my son Charles and others are new but all require Anthony attended on our behalf. your undivided attention. It is In addition, on Wednesday Novem- time to be “selfish” to better en- ber 8th, there was a dedication of sure you are getting the medical the Commemorative POW-MIA attention you need. Anything less Chair in the Capitol Visitors’ Cen- may compromise the results. I en- ter. It was well attended by courage you to reach out to the prominent politicians including VA, your brother veterans, and House Speaker Ryan. Please take family to help you through your the time to view the ceremony on time of need and never hesitate line and I encourage you and your to get a second medical opinion family to visit when you are in the National Commander either through the VA or outside. DC area. It is very impressive and The best decisions are those based the Capitol Visitors Center hosts Charles Susino, Jr. on diverse inputs and nothing is approximately 3 million people a more important to you than your year, offering countless opportu- I hope the Holiday Season has health. Further, it is always nities of public awareness. been a healthy and rewarding one worthwhile to give feedback on for all of you. your experiences, both positive Looking forward, I hope many of and negative directly to VA man- you are able to attend the Na- Seeing 2017 come and go so agement. A written letter is most tional Museum of American Ex- quickly gives me reason to reflect. effective. I have had to do this Prisoners of War in Andersonville, th We all focus our time and ener- recently and I was very direct on Georgia in April celebrating its 20 gies differently. For so long, most specifics actions and personnel, year. of us focus on helping and doing both positive and negative. We for others, family, friends, and deserve excellent care. God Bless America other veterans because it is most —-————Remember—————— rewarding. There does come a On a broader note, during the sec- time where we are required to shift ond week in November, Washing- our attention to the one thing in ton was buzzing with activity. On life that is taken for granted until a blistery day in November, Vet- it grabs our attention, our health. erans Day was formally celebrated I have had my share of recent at three of our nation’s Capitol health challenges and I trust that most prominent sites, the Vietnam I now do all the changes of ad- State Chapter #1. It is sad that dresses, update all TAPS, and the chapter is closing, but we are news keep the database up-to-date in grateful that the members want all areas. I update the donations the national organization to con- from listing for Marsha for the reminder tinue and they sent their support notices we send out on our direct to us. hq mail programs. I also answer all phone calls now since the office Our direct mail programs are run- telephone is in my home. I make ning. We appreciate all your do- Clydie Morgan referrals to veterans for help with nations. Chief Operating Officer their claims. I give out informa- tion to Members of Congress and I help keep the AXPOW Facebook The transition is complete. I am refer all legislation to the proper page updated. We are still wait- now working from home. It’s going committees. ing to hear from IRS on the C3 okay. status. We’ll keep you posted. Marsha is also working from home Just recently we received a very Happy new year and our best as treasurer. It’s been a process generous donation from Garden wishes for 2018 to you all. going from calling out from Ex-POW Bulletin workspace to workspace to calling by phone when we have a Jan-Mar 2018 Clydie and Marsha question for each other. 5 As I write this, Barbara and I have recently visited family near Buffalo, from the CEO New York. There, in Cheektowaga, Russell J. Salvatore has created Patriots and Heroes Park. Laid out under the largest American flag flying in the state of New York, are monuments to the Battle of the Bulge, the victims and responders to the World Trade Center on 9-11, the victims of Flight 3407, but also the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a Gold Star Memorial. Standing tall, near a battle tank and barbed wire is a soldier—in his arms a lifeless comrade. The plaque at his feet reads: “The greatest casualty is being forgotten”

David Eberly

205 Roger Webster Williamsburg VA 23185 (757) 253-9553 – Home (757) 508-8453 - Cell [email protected]

Lest we Forget

The New Year is a time to reflect on our blessings and, for Chris- tians, a time to reflect on our joy- ous celebration of the anniversary of Jesus’ human birth. But, as we face 2018, let us also live true to our mission of serving those who cannot serve themselves.

As you read this, I trust you took pause on Veterans’ Day to remem- ber, and to possibly reflect on the service of a family member or a neighbor, or even gave a nod to that person in the checkout line who proudly wears a ball cap re- flecting service so long ago. Take time this new year to bring a smile to someone who may have been forgotten.

Lest we forget or lest we be forgotten…our lives move on.

In conjunction with The National POW Museum, AXPOW is dedi- cated to fostering educational pro- grams such the travelling exhibit to sustain the legacy of the POW experience. And, it is through patriots like Russell Salvatore that Ex-POW Bulletin all those who have served will not Jan-Mar 2018 David be forgotten. 6 pow medsearch nso Marsha Coke, Chairman Ruth Powell, Director e-mail: [email protected] 191 Florence Road PO Box 3444 Waltham, MA 02453 Arlington, TX 76007-3444 781-296-6307 cell (817) 649-2979

women will have at least one UTI Many things can affect bladder ladder Health for in their lifetime. Older women are health. You can’t control B more likely to get UTIs because everything that affects bladder Older Adults the bladder muscles weaken and health, but there are many bladder Everyone uses their bladder many make it hard to fully empty the health behaviors that you can times each day, but they may not bladder. This causes urine to stay control. Here are some things that know what to do to keep their in the bladder. When urine stays may affect your bladder health. bladder healthy. in the bladder too long, it makes an infection more likely. Constipation. Constipation can Located in the lower abdomen, the cause too much stool to build up bladder is a hollow organ, much Types of UTIs include: in the colon, which can put like a balloon, that stores urine. pressure on the bladder and keep It is part of the urinary system, Bladder infection—This is the most it from expanding the way it which also includes the kidneys, common type of UTI, in which should. ureters, and urethra. Urine bacteria enter the bladder and contains wastes and extra fluid cause symptoms such as strong Diabetes. Diabetes can damage left over after the body takes and sudden urges to urinate. nerves around the bladder that what it needs from what we eat help with control. and drink. Kidney infection—Infections in the bladder can spread to the kidneys, Being overweight. People who are As you get older, the bladder which can lead to severe overweight may be at higher risk changes. The elastic bladder problems. When kidney infections for leaking urine. tissue may toughen and become occur frequently or last a long less stretchy. A less stretchy time, they may cause permanent Low physical activity. Physical bladder cannot hold as much urine damage to the kidneys. activity can help prevent bladder as before and might make you go problems, as well as constipation. to the bathroom more often. The Urethra infection —A UTI can also It can also help you keep a healthy bladder wall and pelvic floor develop in the urethra, but this is weight. muscles may weaken, making it less common. harder to empty the bladder fully Smoking. Bladder problems are and causing urine to leak. Lower urinary tract symptoms more common among people who (LUTS)—a group of symptoms smoke. Smoking can also increase Common Bladder such as trouble urinating, loss of the risk for bladder cancer. bladder control, leaking urine, and Problems frequent need to urinate. LUTS are Some medicines. Some medicines Bladder problems are common and caused by problems with the may make it more likely for your can disrupt day-to-day life. When bladder, urethra, or pelvic floor bladder to leak urine. For example, people have bladder problems, muscles. medicines that calm your nerves they may avoid social settings and so you can sleep or relax may dull have a harder time getting tasks Bladder cancer—Bladder cancer the nerves in the bladder, and you done at home or at work. occurs in the lining of the bladder. may not feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Common bladder problems include: What Can Affect Bladder Alcohol. For many people, drinking Urinary tract infections (UTIs)— Health? alcohol can make bladder problems UTIs are the second most common worse. type of infection in the body and Ex-POW Bulletin can happen anywhere in the Jan-Mar 2018 Caffeine. Caffeine can bother the urinary system. More than half of 7 bladder and change how your · Needing to urinate eight or · Flushed, warm, or medsearch, cont’d... more times in one day reddened skin Waking up many times at night to · Mental changes or bladder tells you when you need urinate confusion to urinate. · Nausea and vomiting Diet. Some people with bladder Sudden and urgent need to urinate · Very bad abdominal pain in problems find that some foods and some people drinks, such as sodas, artificial Pain or burning before, during, or sweeteners, spicy foods, citrus after urinating Some people may have bacteria fruits and juices, and tomato- in the bladder or urinary tract, but based foods, make the problem Cloudy or bloody urine not feel any symptoms. If a urine worse. People who have bladder test shows that you have bacteria problems may feel better when Passing only small amounts of urine in your urine, but you do not feel they don’t eat these foods and after strong urges to urinate any symptoms, you may not need drinks. any treatment. Talk to your Trouble starting or having a weak healthcare provider about whether Pelvic Injury. Trauma—such as stream while urinating antibiotics—the medications that prostate surgery, childbirth, or treat UTIs—are needed. sexual assault—can damage the Trouble emptying the bladder muscles and nerves that help When to See a Health Care control the bladder. Signs of Urinary Tract Provider—and What to Some activities can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, Infection Expect including: In some elderly people, mental If you have any of the signs of a changes and confusion may be the bladder problem or urinary tract Having sex. Sexual activity can only signs of a UTI. Older adults infection, talk to your healthcare move bacteria from the bowel or with a UTI are more likely to be provider. Read advice on talking vaginal cavity to the urethral tired, shaky, and weak and have to your doctor about sensitive opening. Urinating after sex lowers muscle aches and abdominal pain. subjects, like bladder problems. the risk of infection. Symptoms of a UTI in the bladder When you see your healthcare Using a catheter to urinate. A may include: provider, he or she may perform catheter is a tube placed in the the following tests to try to figure urethra and bladder to help empty Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling out what might be causing your the bladder. The catheter can urine bladder problem: make a direct path for bacteria to reach the bladder. Pain or burning during urination ·Give you a physical exam to look for any health issues that may Using certain types of birth Strong and frequent need to cause a bladder problem. For control. Diaphragms can bring urinate, even right after emptying women, the physical exam may bacteria with them when they are the bladder include a pelvic exam. For men, placed. Spermicides (a birth the physical exam may include a control that kills sperm) may also A mild fever below 101°F in some prostate exam, which is usually make UTIs more likely. people done with a rectal exam.

If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, Signs of a Bladder Problem ·Take a urine sample to check for symptoms may include: Everyone’s bladder behaves a little a bladder (or urinary tract) · Chills and shaking bit differently. But certain signs infection. · Night sweats may mean a bladder problem. If · Feeling tired or generally ill you have signs of a bladder · Fever above 101°F ·Examine the inside of your bladder problem, talk with your healthcare · Pain in the side, back, or using a cystoscope, a long, thin provider. groin tube that slides up into the bladder through the urethra. This Signs of a bladder problem can is usually done by a urinary include: specialist. · Inability to hold urine or Ex-POW Bulletin leaking urine (called urinary Jan-Mar 2018 incontinence) 8 medsearch, cont’d... 2. Limit alcohol and caffeine. 10. Be in a relaxed position ·Fill the bladder with warm fluid Cutting down on alcohol and while urinating. Relaxing the to check how much fluid your caffeinated foods and drinks—such muscles around the bladder will bladder can hold before leaking. as coffee, tea, chocolate, and most make it easier to empty the blad- ·Check a bladder scan using sodas—may help. der. For women, hovering over the ultrasound to see if you are fully toilet seat may make it hard to emptying your bladder with each 3. Quit smoking. If you smoke, relax, so it is best to sit on the void. take steps to quit . If you don’t toilet seat. smoke, don’t start. Treating Bladder Problems 11. Wipe from front to back 4. Avoid constipation. Eating after using the toilet. Women Treatment for bladder problems plenty of high-fiber foods (like should wipe from front to back to may include behavioral and whole grains, vegetables, and keep bacteria from getting into the lifestyle changes, exercises, fruits), drinking enough water, and urethra. This step is most impor- medicines, surgery, or a being physically active can help tant after a bowel movement. combination of these treatments prevent constipation. and others. For more information 12. Urinate after sex. Both on treatment and management of 5. Keep a healthy weight. women and men should urinate urinary incontinence, visit Urinary Making healthy food choices and shortly after sex to flush away Incontinence in Older Adults. being physically active can help bacteria that may have entered you keep a healthy weight. the urethra during sex. Because most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, 6. Exercise regularly. Physical 13. Wear cotton underwear bacteria-fighting medications activity can help prevent bladder and loose-fitting clothes. Wearing called antibiotics are the usual problems, as well as constipation. loose, cotton clothing will allow air treatment for UTIs. The type of It can also help you keep a healthy to keep the area around the ure- antibiotic and length of treatment weight. thra dry. Tight-fitting jeans and depend on the patient’s history nylon underwear can trap mois- and the type of bacteria causing 7. Do pelvic floor muscle ex- ture and help bacteria grow. the infection. Drinking lots of fluids ercises. Pelvic floor exercises, also and urinating often may also known as Kegel exercises, help hold speed healing. If needed, For More Information on urine in the bladder. Daily exercises painkillers can relieve the pain of can strengthen these muscles, Bladder Health a UTI. A heating pad on the back which can help keep urine from or abdomen may also help. leaking when you sneeze, cough, National Institute of Diabetes and lift, laugh, or have a sudden urge Digestive and Kidney Diseases 13 Tips to Keep Your to urinate. (NIDDK) Bladder Healthy 1-800-860-8747 (toll-free) While you can’t control every- 8. Use the bathroom often and 1-866-569-1162 (TTY/toll-free) thing that affects bladder health, when needed. Try to urinate at [email protected] there are some steps you can least every 3 to 4 hours. Holding www.niddk.nih.gov take to improve bladder health. urine in your bladder for too long Follow these 13 tips to keep your can weaken your bladder muscles National Kidney and Urologic Dis- bladder healthy. and make a bladder infection more eases Information Clearinghouse likely. 1-800-860-8747 (toll-free) 1. Drink enough fluids, espe- 1-866-569-1162 (TTY/toll-free) cially water. Most healthy people 9. Take enough time to fully [email protected] should try to drink six to eight, empty the bladder when urinating. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-infor- 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day. Rushing when you urinate may not mation/kidney-disease Water is the best fluid for bladder allow you to fully empty the blad- www.niddk.nih.gov/health-infor- health. At least half of fluid in- der. If urine stays in the bladder mation/urologic-diseases take should be water. Some people too long, it can make a bladder need to drink less water because infection more likely. of certain conditions, such as kid- ney failure or heart disease. Ask Ex-POW Bulletin your healthcare provider how much fluid is healthy for you. Jan-Mar 2018 9 (both in the brain and extremities) PRESUMPTIVE 6. HELMINTHIASIS and the heart. Brain changes could Infection with any type of worms SERVICE produce dementia or psychosis. that parasitize the human. Most Nervous changes are usually as- CONNECTED infections usually resolve sponta- sociated with numbness and/or DISABILITIES neously either with proper treat- painful feet. Beriberi heart dis- ment or as the natural course of Public Law 97-37 ease is an acute condition, similar the disease. Strongyloides is (Layman’s Terms) to congestive heart failure, except known to persist in a permanent Originally published that the heart pumps more blood state in humans due to its ability by William P. Skelton, III, MD, than in normal congestive heart to re-infect the host. F.A.C.P. failure and it is associated with updated by the Department of the presence of an excessive 7. MALNUTRITION Veterans Affairs amount of lactic acid in the body. Merely means bad nutrition. The You should keep these and/or It is unknown at this time whether nutritional depletion may be either make copies. Whenever you open this can produce a chronic state. your claim, take them with you caloric, vitamin, fatty acid, or min- eral deficiency, or more likely a and make sure the adjudication 4. DYSENTERY, CHRONIC combination. Depending on the officer sees them and have him A disease characterized by fre- type, intensity, and duration, it read them! Tell your story as it quent and watery stools, usually may yield permanent side effects relates to your problem. with blood and mucus, and ac- or no lasting side effects at all. companied by rectal and abdomi- 1. ARTHRITIS, TRAUMATIC nal pain, fever, and dehydration. 8. PELLAGRA Also known as articular trauma. This is an infection in the colon Literally meaning rough skin in Ital- This disorder looks and is treated and can be caused by a multitude ian, also known as black tongue just like degenerative arthritis (ar- of different organisms, the most in dogs. It is caused by a virtual thritis associated with age) ex- common of which is amoeba which lack of vitamin B3 (niacin) in the cept it is caused by severe dam- can produce a mild or severe dys- diet, producing the classical trio age to a single or few joints pro- entery and possibly be associated of diarrhea, dermatitis, and de- ducing early onset arthritis. Since with a chronic irritable colon. Ba- mentia. All are easily treated early it has a definite cause, it is called cillary dysentery is associated on with no side effects. The de- a secondary form of arthritis. This with the bacteria shigella, but will mentia, if left untreated, may pro- is an extremely difficult diagnosis not cause a chronic state. There duce permanent mental deficits. to make, but in general one has are multiple other bacteria that to prove that a specific trauma can cause dysentery which usu- 9. ANY OTHER occurred to a single or very few ally do not produce chronic states. NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY joints, and other changes consis- Viral dysentery can also present The lack of protein and calories in tent with degenerative arthritis like amoebic or bacillary dysentery the diet generally produces no are not present throughout the and will not produce a chronic lasting side effects. However, vi- rest of the body at the same time. state. In short, these changes need to tamin deficiencies other than the aforementioned B1 (beriberi) and be localized. 5. FROSTBITE B3 (pellagra) can have very di- The actual freezing of tissue. This sastrous effects on one’s body. 2. AVITAMINOSIS is graded on a continuum with one Also deficiencies of certain fatty The total lack of vitamins in the representing mild to four repre- acids and essential minerals in the diet. This disorder is a fatal con- senting mummification of the tis- diet can have lasting and long dition unless it is supplemented sue. The extremities furthest from term sequela. with vitamins within a few weeks. the heart are usually affected, There fore, most individuals suf- with primarily the nose, ears, fin- 10. PSYCHOSIS fer from hypovitaminosis, which is gertips, and toes being involved. A generic term for any of the in- a relative deficiency of vitamins This usually produces long-term sanities. Generally, it is thought in the diet. The specific type, in- side effects such as numbness, of as a mental disorder causing tensity and duration of depriva- discoloration, excessive swelling, gross disorganization of a person’s tion determines the long-term ef- and pain in the affected area. fects. mental capacity and his ability to recognize reality and communi- 3. BERIBERI cate with others regarding de- Caused by a severe lack of vita- Ex-POW Bulletin mands of everyday life. min B1 (thiamine) in the diet. This Jan-Mar 2018 produces changes in the nerves 10 Presumptive Service nore or suppress them. Compul- ety disorder that does not meet sions are repetitive and seemingly the criteria for entry into any of Connected Disabilities, purposeful behaviors that are per- the other known anxiety disorders. cont’d... formed in certain similar manners. The behavior is felt by the indi- 16. DEPRESSIVE NEUROSIS/DYS- 11. PANIC DISORDER vidual to produce or prevent some THYMIC DISORDER Characterized by discrete periods future event. Generally, the indi- Characterized by depressive peri- of apprehension or fear with at viduals recognize the senseless- ods in which the patient feels sad least four of the following during ness of the behavior and do not and/or down and has a loss of in- an attack: shortness of breath, derive pleasure from carrying it terest in the usual activities that feelings of heart skipping, chest out, although it often relieves ten- cause pleasure or involvement in pain, dizziness, sweating, fainting, sion. Also, the obsessive or com- usual pastimes. These depressive trembling, fear of dying, or doing pulsive individuals are associated periods are separated by periods something uncontrollable during an with a significant sense of distress of normal mood, lasting a few days attack. These attacks need to in that it interferes with social or to a few weeks, but no more than occur at least three times within role functioning. a few months at a time. During a three week period, not associ- the depressive period, too little ated with physical exertion or life 14. POST TRAUMATIC STRESS sleep or too much sleep, low en- threatening situations. Also there DISORDER ergy or chronic tiredness, loss of needs to be an absence of severe The re-experiencing of a trauma self esteem, decreased effective- physical or other mental illness of a past recognized stress or that ness or productivity at work, so- which could cause these symp- can produce symptoms of dis- cial withdrawal, loss of interest in toms. tress. This re-experiencing needs pleasurable activities, excessive at least one of the following: anger, inability to respond with 12. GENERALIZED (I) Recurrent and intrusive recol- apparent pleasure to praise or re- ANXIETY DISORDER lection of the event; ward, less active or talkative than Characterized by generalized per- (2) Recurrent dreams; usual, pessimistic attitude about sistent anxiety and with symptoms (3) Sudden feelings that the the future, tearful or crying of at least three of the following trauma was occurring because of thoughts about death or suicide. four categories: an association, an environmental There are also no psychotic fea- (1) Motor tension as character- or ideational situation. tures present.. ized by shaking, jumpiness, trem- Also involved is reduced involve- bling and restlessness; ment with the external world be- 17. PERIPHERAL (2) Autonomic hyperactivity. such ginning after the trauma, revealed NEUROPATHY as sweating, cold or clammy by at least one of the following: Literally Greek for the suffering of hands, high or irregular heart rate, (1) Hyperalertness or exaggerated nerves outside of the brain and dry mouth, etc.; startle response; spinal cord. There are several dif- (3) Apprehensive expectations, (2) Sleep disturbance; ferent causes for peripheral neur- anxiety, worry, fear, anticipation (3) Guilt about surviving when opathy, and vitamin deficiency and of misfortune to himself or others; others have not; possibly mineral deficiency are just (4) Tendency to insomnia, hyper- (4) Memory impairment or trouble two. Other causes to be consid- attentiveness, irritable. concentrating; ered are various toxins such as All these symptoms had to have (5) Avoidance of activities that lead, copper, and mercury, a he- lasted at least one month. Also, arouse recollection of the trau- reditary predisposition to neuropa- there needs to be an absence of matic event; thy, deposition of amyloid or pro- all other mental disorders and (6) Intensification of symptoms by tein produced by one’s own body physical disorders which could ex- exposure to events that symbol- mounted in response to an infec- plain the symptoms. ize or resemble the traumatic tion, infections such as by lep- event. rosy, which is the most common 13. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DIS- form of neuropathy in the world, ORDER 15. ATYPICAL ANXIETY and multiple other less common This may be either obsessions or DISORDER causes. compulsions. Obsessions are re- This is a category that is used for current, persistent ideas or im- diagnosis when the affected indi- 18. IRRITABLE BOWEL pulses that are thoughts that in- vidual appears to have an anxi- SYNDROME vade consciousness and are ex- Ex-POW Bulletin Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is perienced as senseless or repug- a common disorder of the intes- nant. Attempts are made to ig- Jan-Mar 2018 tines that leads to crampy pain, 11 gas, bloating, and changes in Presumptive Service through the organ and preventing Complications of atherosclerotic it from working as it should. heart disease are included. Com- Connected Disabilities, plications may include myocardial cont’d... Many people with cirrhosis have infarction (“heart attack”), con- no symptoms in the early stages gestive heart failure (“heart fail- bowel habits. Some people with of the disease. However, as scar ure”), and arrhythmia (“irregular IBS have constipation (difficult or tissue replaces healthy cells, liver heart beat”). infrequent bowel movements); still function starts to fail and a per- others have diarrhea ( frequent son may experience the following Hypertensive vascular disease re- loose stools, often with an urgent symptoms: Exhaustion, fatigue, fers to disease associated with need to move the bowels); and appetite loss, nausea, weakness elevated blood pressure. Compli- some people experience both. and/or weight loss. Cirrhosis may cations caused by hypertensive Sometimes the person with IBS be diagnosed on the basis of vascular disease are included. Dis- has a crampy urge to move the symptoms, laboratory tests, the eases arising from viral or bacte- bowels but cannot do so. Through patient’s medical history, and a rial causes are not included. the years, IBS has been called by physical examination. A liver bi- many names - colitis, mucous coli- opsy will confirm the diagnosis. 23. OSTEOPOROSIS tis, spastic colon, spastic bowel, Osteoporosis is a disease in which and functional bowel disease. Most 21. STROKE & bones become fragile and more of these terms are inaccurate. COMPLICATIONS likely to break. If not prevented A stroke occurs when the blood or if left untreated, osteoporosis 19. PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE supply to part of the brain is sud- can progress painlessly until a A peptic ulcer is a sore or hole in denly interrupted or when a blood bone breaks. These broken bones the lining of the stomach or vessel in the brain bursts, spilling occur typically in the hip, spine, duodenum (the first part of the blood into the spaces surrounding and wrist. small intestine). In addition to the brain cells. Brain cells die when pain caused by the ulcer itself, they no longer receive oxygen and Any bone can be affected, but of peptic ulcers give rise to such nutrients from the blood or there special concern are fractures of complications as hemorrhage from is sudden bleeding into or around the hip and spine. A hip fracture the erosion of a major blood ves- the brain. almost always requires hospital- sel; perforation of the wall of the ization and major surgery. Spinal stomach or intestine, with result- The symptoms of a stroke include or vertebral fractures also have ant peritonitis; or obstruction of sudden numbness or weakness, serious consequences, including the gastrointestinal tract because especially on one side of the body; loss of height, severe back pain, of spasm or swelling in the area sudden confusion or trouble speak- and deformity. of the ulcer. The direct cause of ing or understanding speech; sud- peptic ulcers is the destruction of den trouble seeing in one or both Disability compensation is a the gastric or intestinal mucosal eyes; sudden trouble with walk- monetary benefit paid to Veterans lining by hydrochloric acid, an acid ing, dizziness, or loss of balance who are determined by VA to be normally present in the digestive or coordination; or sudden severe disabled by an injury or illness that juices of the stomach. headache with no known cause. was incurred or aggravated during Includes the three major types of active military service. These 20. CIRRHOSIS stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and disabilities are considered to be The liver, the largest organ in the embolic, as well as complications service connected. To be eligible body, is essential in keeping the from stroke. for compensation, the Veteran body functioning properly. It re- must have been separated or moves or neutralizes poisons from 22. HEART & COMPLICATIONS discharged under conditions other the blood, produces immune Heart disease includes atheroscle- than dishonorable. agents to control infection, and rotic heart disease, and hyperten- removes germs and bacteria from sive vascular disease (including Monthly disability compensation the blood. It makes proteins that hypertensive heart disease, and varies with the degree of disability regulate blood clotting and pro- hypertension). Ischemic heart dis- and the number of eligible duces bile to help absorb fats and ease and coronary artery disease dependents. Veterans with certain fat-soluble vitamins. are included within this provision. severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly In cirrhosis of the liver, scar tis- compensation (SMC). Disability sue replaces normal, healthy tis- Ex-POW Bulletin compensation benefits are not sue, blocking the flow of blood Jan-Mar 2018 subject to federal or state income 12 tax. Filipino Veterans Awarded Con- legislative 2017-2018 Legislative gressional Gold Medal: The ser- Committee vice and sacrifice of Filipino vet- PNC Charles Susino, Jr. erans from World War II were hon- ND Charles Anthony Susino ored recently with the highest [email protected] award Congress can provide: the Congressional Gold Medal. It was awarded to recognize the collec- WWI memorials: On November 9, tive efforts of some 250,000 Fili- 2017, there was a ground break- pino soldiers who served honor- ing ceremony for the WWI memo- ably in an active duty status be- th rial which is to be located at 14 tween July 26, 1941, and Dec. 31, Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Al- 1946, under the command of the though this memorial was devel- U.S. Army Forces in the Far East. PNC Charles Susino Jr oped almost 100 years after the Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Chairman war, the memories of those that Act of 2017: served need to be honored for the 136 Jefferson Street families and all Americans need and Metuchen, NJ 08840 Representatives Steve Pearce to know and remember the sacri- (732) 549-5775 phone & fax (NM) and Walter Jones (NC) in- fices. troduced H.R. 4146, the Disabled Although of the press has prima- Veterans Life Insurance Act of Tulsi Gabbard, from Hawaii has pro- 2017. This legislation, if passed, rily covered the activity to repeal posed a Bill, the “Honoring World National Health Care and Tax re- would update the Service-Dis- War I Memorials Act of 2017” abled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) form, there is a fair amount of which provides money for match- activity of proposed Bills pertain- tables to reflect the 2017 infla- ing funds to rebuild or maintain tion rate, increasing the current ing to veterans and military spend- WWI memorials throughout the ing. cap from $10,000 to $95,000 and country that are decaying and would create a process for ad- need of repair. Given the impor- justing the cap based on inflation Commemorative Coin Act: The tance of recognizing World War I each year. House has a proposed Bill HR 4044, and the previous support of Con- the 75th Anniversary of the End of gress through the creation of the Please remain active in support- WWII Commemorative Coin Act World War I Centennial Commis- along with the Senate’s compan- ing Bills you believe are important sion, rehabilitating these memori- to you by writing Washington. ion Bill S.1718. They would au- als is an important step in honor- thorize the creation and minting ing those who fought and gave of commemorative coins ($5 gold, their lives during the war. Thank you silver dollars, and half dollars) de- picting a representation of the PNC Ed Dement on his Honor Flight WWII Victory medal. Some of the proceeds would be directed to the Ed got a hero’s welcome on his WWII National Museum educa- return from Washington, DC tional program.

Desert Storm War Memorial Site Selection: Site selection contin- ues with the list narrowed down from 18 to 3. The three potential sites include one along the Potomac River, another on E Street between the White House and State Department, and the third at the corner of Constitution Av- enue and 23rd Street, NW. The latter seems most appropriate with it close proximity to the other war Ex-POW Bulletin memorials. Jan-Mar 2018 13 telling the American prisoner of including Harold S. Hirschi – a andersonville war story. WWII POW who was recently in- terred at Andersonville National Cemetery in June. Army Air Forces Pvt. Harold S. Hirschi, 29, of Okla- homa City, was assigned to Head- quarters Squadron, 19th Bombard- ment Group, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Is- lands. Intense fighting continued until May 6, 1942, when American forces on Corregidor Island sur- rendered. Hirschi was admitted to the Cabanatuan Camp station hos- Andersonville NHS pital for illness, where he died on 496 Cemetery Road Nov. 19, 1942. According to prison Andersonville, GA 31711 records, Hirschi was buried along (229) 924-0343 with 13 fellow prisoners in a local camp cemetery in Cabanatuan. Supt. Charles Sellars Seventy-two years later in 2014, [email protected] Hirschi’s remains were positively identified through DNA testing and transferred to the U.S. for proper A new year brings exciting things burial with full military honors. to Andersonville National Historic Credit: NPS/ C. Barr Site! In November, we held our annual Other notable veterans discussed Night Museum event which has during the program included: The end of 2017 was filled with grown in popularity over the years. Jeremiah Dupree, a Revolutionary both highs and lows for our park. Around 200 people were in atten- War Veteran; James Wiley, Civil In September, the southeastern dance to view the National Pris- War veteran and Medal of Honor United States was hit hard by oner of War Museum and historic Recipient; Burton Cole, Spanish- Hurricane Irma. Fortunately, the prison site at night. Lantern-lined American War Veteran; Mary park grounds and museum re- walkways led visitors to the re- Theresa Hill, WWII Veteran and ceived minimal damage. We lost constructed prison corner. Out on member of the Women’s Air Corps; power for three days, had several the historic prison site, living his- Jimmy Williams, Vietnam War Vet- large downed trees blocking park tory volunteers portrayed Union eran who was killed in action; and prisoners and Confederate guards Luther Story, Korean War Veteran during Camp Sumter’s winter and Medal of Honor recipient. months. Huddled around a crack- ling fire, living historians portray- ing prisoners answered visitors’ Guest speaker April Baldwin came curious questions and reenacted from Selma to Montgomery Na- how prisoners would have passed tional Historic Trail and delivered time during the cold winter a program in the museum’s the- months. All while guards loomed ater on the lesser-known contri- over them in the “pigeon roost” butions of African Americans to the roads, and had a tree fall and in- towers around the reconstructed historic site. “Stories of African flict damage on the historic cem- stockade corner. etery wall. Due to power loss and “There is nothing so American scattered debris, plus storm re- Two ranger-led programs were lated travel issues for scheduled as our national parks.... The delivered during the event as well. fundamental idea behind the speakers, our annual National “Honoring our Fallen Veterans” fo- POW/MIA Day event had to be cused on veterans buried in parks...is that the country canceled. However, we are proud Andersonville National Cemetery, belongs to the people, that it is of our hard-working staff who in process of making for the spent countless hours clearing debris in order to reopen the park Ex-POW Bulletin enrichment of the lives of all of and museum as quickly as pos- Jan-Mar 2018 us.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt sible so that we could continue 14 (1936) andersonville, For the upcoming 20th Anniversary of the National Prisoner of War cont’d.. Museum in 2018, a temporary ex- American people here at hibit will be on display commemo- Andersonville came at different rating the museum’s grand open- points in the site’s timeline,” ing in April 1998. stated Baldwin during her program, “…this place held special signifi- cance for the blacks in this com- munity about emancipation and freedom.” In May, the “Victory from Within” traveling exhibit will move from its We then ended the year with a current location at the National fresh start. All of the monuments Naval Aviation Museum in and iron gates were cleaned and Pensacola, Florida, to the Rice the gates received a brand new County Historical Society at the coat of paint. We also introduced Coronado Quivira Museum in Lyons, a new “Cemetery Walking Tour”. Kansas. The traveling exhibit has The tour is a card visitors can pick had a very successful year at the up at the museum front desk and National Naval Aviation Museum is a companion to our existing where they receive over 850,000 “Prison Site Walking Tour” card. visitors annually. These cards allow visitors to stretch their legs, as well as gain We will also have a couple of valuable information about the site projects focused on preserving and if they choose not to check out a increasing the accessibility of some driving tour. The “Cemetery Walk- of the many items donated to our ing Tour” was created by one of museum collections. One will in- our summer student interns. volve digitizing several hundred of the photos preserved in our mu- As we move into the New Year, seum collection, including a col- The exhibit will feature collection we have several new projects on lection of images from former WWII items that were donated by sev- the horizon. We will install a new POW Angelo Spinelli. The other will eral POWs who were in atten- Grave Finder Kiosk in Andersonville convert about a hundred POW oral dance at the grand opening and National Cemetery to help visitors histories, including a collection will be on display throughout the easily locate a gravesite. from historian Lewis Carlson, that year. We invite you to come to are currently in an audio cassette one of our many events that will or VHS video format to a digital take place during 2018. format.

We’re welcoming several new vol- The park will commemorate the unteers with the coming year as 20th anniversary of the National well. From January to May our Prisoner of War Museum with volunteer RV pads will be full! Vol- special programs and activities unteers are essential to our visi- on Sunday, April 8, 2018. We tor services. They allow us to con- invite the American Ex-Prison- duct more programs, branch out ers of War and its members to during special events, and bring join the Friends of Andersonville in new ideas. It is always a plea- and the National Park Service sure when we are surrounded by in recognizing this milestone volunteers who are just as pas- and the continued importance sionate about the story we tell as of preserving and interpreting we are. the stories of all American POWs. We invite all former Ex-POW Bulletin POWs to be our honored guests Jan-Mar 2018 at this event and hope you will 15 attend. would be going home no later something to test the U.S. namPOW than 29 March. We were now government. When the 141s officially SHORT, and could start appeared on Monday, the crisis was news a real countdown to release (i.e. over. We would later learn that NVN 57 days and a wake-up). had refused to release four men captured in Laos but held in Hanoi, When 10 February rolled around, claiming they were Laotian we were all on edge. We had prisoners. With the threat of speculated we might be first, renewed BUFF strikes, they since we were in the best shape; relented. but the prisoners code insisted that it would be first in, first out. The 17 March release occurred on I had argued in vain with the schedule, and we grew increasingly camp authorities that two of our restless, anxious, hopeful, and guys needed bone and tendon defiant. On the 28th, two events repair and should go home with occurred. One, we were issued the the first group. That morning, we clothes, dark blue slacks and light Robert Certain knew they were going nowhere. blue shirt, belt, socks, shoes and a [email protected] During the afternoon lockdown, vinyl tote bag. The second event we heard in the distance the was the freedom flight for half the distinctive whining of C-141 camp. The last release of American engines. Immediately, we were prisoners occurred on 29 March 45 Years of Freedom at the windows watching it make 1973 exactly 60 days after the Paris its approach to the airport – a Peace Accords had been signed. We Forty-five years ago, on January beautiful gray and white were placed on buses and taken to 29, 1973 the Parish Peace Accords transport with a big red cross Gia Lam Airport. A host of spectators were signed, bringing an end to painted on its tail. At the last were gathered, so we were kept the Vietnam War and freedom for minute it made a missed behind the hangars until things were prisoners of war held on both sides approach, turning right toward ready and the C-141 was on the of the conflict. The PPA was signed the Zoo. As he approached, he ground and prepared to pick us up. by the Democratic Republic of waved his wings in salute to us We were driven to the front of the Vietnam (North Vietnam), the and reentered the landing terminal, climbed out of the bus and Provisional Revolutionary pattern. We were shouting and formed two lines in order of our Government of the Republic of jumping for joy. The guards tried shoot-down dates. When our names South Vietnam (PRG, aka Viet to quiet us down, but it was no were called we marched across the Cong), the Republic of Vietnam use. Operation Homecoming was tarmac to a USAF Colonel, saluted, (South Vietnam), and the United now underway. reported in, and boarded our Hanoi States of America. Taxi to freedom. The second release date was On 1 February, the POWs in Hanoi scheduled for Saturday, 24 were told to bathe and to shave. February; but no C-141s arrived. All facial hair had to be removed; What had gone wrong? Our fears and we were to put on clean of a new stalemate grew clothes. In the afternoon all the exceptionally large as we POWs in the Zoo were brought into speculated and our hope for an a large theater or auditorium. on-time release fell into the When we were all assembled, the cellar. An announcement over the camp commander made the official camp radio claimed that the U.S. announcement that the Paris had violated the terms of the Peace Accords had been signed treaty by failing to sweep the on 29 January. All prisoners were mines out of Haiphong harbor. to be released on both sides within That meant to us that the NVN 60 days of the agreement. government had probably done

We were elated! Linebacker II had been successful, and the lack of Ex-POW Bulletin bombing for the last month had Jan-Mar 2018 not signaled a failure after all. We 16 were aware of in their small com- During the afternoon reception, pow/mia munity. LTC Tony Monetti, USAF (Ret) of Warrensburg, presented brothers John Harms left a young wife and Donald and Rick Harms shadow- was sent overseas in 1944 with boxes with the full set of military the Army’s 94th Infantry Division awards and decorations earned by their father. Harms earned the Mary Schantag, Chairman to fight in France. Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart P.O.W. Network Medal, POW Medal, Good Conduct Out of ammunition, and surrounded [email protected] Medal, 2 Campaign Medals, World by the enemy, Harms unit, the War II Victory Medal, both the The Untold Story 301st Infantry Regiment of the Combat 94th, surrendered to the Germans and Expert About a year and a half ago, a occupying the area on October 2, Infantry friend asked me to help a class- 1944. Harms himself and a num- Badge, and mate of his, Donald Harms, to get ber of men in the forty-five man the Honor- some records on his dad who had unit, were wounded. able Ser- been a POW. It was quite a com- vice lapel plicated process, and my hopes The story continued to unfold with pin. were not high that anything would news reel and actual photographs be found due to the 1973 fire that showing the battle, surrender, The family’s burial flag was re- burned millions of Army WWII mili- capture and negotiations for a turned to oldest son, Don and a tary records at the repository in prisoner exchange that took place flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in St. Louis. between an American Red Cross John Harms’ honor was presented worker, Andrew Hodges on behalf to the Benton County Museum. I usually get these calls from fam- of the Americans and the Germans. ily when dad CLAIMED to have 45 days later, the first POW ex- been a POW, and there is noth- change of WWII took place thanks Legion members and auxiliary mem- ing, anyplace to confirm the story. to Hodges. It included several Jew- bers of Post 305 posted colors, For almost 27 years I have worked ish service members that escaped and aided in the service. The La- at recording the true stories of detection by burying their dog dies Auxiliary served refreshments. our Vietnam POWs and exposing tags when they were captured. The “White Table Service” was those that steal the honor of our PFC Harms was seen in a photo performed to remember the indi- veterans with false claims. at the exchange, carrying the lit- viduals still missing as the recog- ter of a wounded comrade on the nition went on. Many captured So when my friend called back boat that brought them from their during WWII remain unaccounted early this summer, and said “I have island prison to the shore of for to this day. More than 73,000 a copy of the records,” I jumped Lorient France on Nov 15. are still noted by the Department at the chance to read the file. of Defense as POW/MIAs. 12,000 After a 4 hour, page by page re- who were liberated from prison After his success with the 79 men view of 92 pages, being awed and camps - disappeared - and never of US and British forces , Hodges amazed and shocked and frus- came home. went on to arrange other POW trated all at once, I went to do exchanges during the war for the more research. That day, we told a true story. A U.S. and the Red Cross. None ap- story about one man, in a unit of pear to have been given the same What I found was the amazing 45, out of the 2 million 300 hun- attention from the military or the story of a unit from the 94th Inf. dred thousand that served. We press, as the 94th’s members re- Div., that eventually was recorded related a homecoming - and a turn was noted in newspapers in history by story, and film and miracle. A farmers journey from across the county. photos. A story that took place small town Lincoln, MO, to the during WWII - 73 years ago! battlefields of France, the agony Harms underwent multiple surger- of wounds, the desolation of cap- So, on October 21, the JayCee ies and rehab before he was able tivity and the joy of coming home Hall in Cole Camp was filled with to return home to Lincoln, MO that we will not let be forgotten. family and friends of the late PFC months later to raise a family. He The most overheard comment John A. Harms. They gathered to never spoke of his experiences. seemed to be “I never knew “ hear “the untold story” of their neighbor, relative, or the local Now they do. We fulfilled the kitchen cabinet maker. The family POW’s Networks’ mission - to edu- friend and classmate, Vietnam Ex-POW Bulletin cate. Veteran Elmer Wischmeier, and I, Jan-Mar 2018 teamed up to tell the story so few Pic: L to R, Rick Harms, Don Harms, 17 LTC Tony Monetti Major Howard J. Hutter (MD) and that you have some idea of where civilians Major Dwight D. Eisenhower. you are in this unique story set- ting, lets attend a reception of In those days of the 30’s the Phil- note. ippines was thriving and Manila An Amazing Prediction was named the Pearl of the Ori- It was a rather large garden party By Sascha Jansen ent. Big business reigned. Polo, reception which Manilianos at- [email protected] Jai a Lai, Golf, and Baseball were tended including members of the in the front-line of sports, while Military. As happenstance has it, lavish parties were de rigeur. On MacArthur’s staff was in atten- Dwight David Eisenhower, nick- hot tropic nights, activities started dance but without the General. As named Ike, graduated from West late. Cocktails on the verandas Madame Habibe strolled among the Point in 1915 and was commis- of the Army Navy Club and late guests she came across Major sioned a Second Lieutenant in the suppers at clubs and restaurants Eisenhower, and with a small hesi- Army. He was assigned to the were teasers for what was to tation, stopped in front of him. 65th Engineers and was due to come. Dancing way into the early Others noted this odd couple deep be shipped to France after the U.S. mornings at the Manila Hotel saw in conversation for a lengthy time declared war on the Axis Powers beautiful women in gowns befit- and wondered about the story in 1917, but instead was assigned ting the tropics, escorted by dap- passing between them. They con- to the new Tank Corps as Brevet per gents in white sharkskin suits tinued to be intrigued when the Lieutenant Colonel to train tank or uniformed military officers. Major threw back his head and laughed heartily. crews, and never made it to the Invitations to day time events at WW I battlefield. The Army grew Malacañang Palace were coveted. Madame Habibe, it seems, had a from 100,000 men in 1915 to over Swimming, Tennis, Bridge and Mah strong pull to the Major when she 4 million during the war, but when Jong at the various clubs ran full stopped to chat. Mamie it ended it shrank back to almost force, and the wives of planters Eisenhower enjoyed telling her its prewar size and Ike reverted and businessmen took to club and friends of their intimate chat. to the rank of Captain. With the restaurant lunches with normalcy Habibe had predicted the upcom- reduced size of the Army, young and ease. officers had little opportunity for ing war in Europe and that Ike promotion. By 1935 he had risen During some of the lunches the would be a leader with much power one rank, to major, when he women enjoyed inviting Madam during this time. She also fore- shipped to the Philippines, then as Habibe to join them. Madam saw a long absence from his Chief military aide to General Rebecca Habibe’s presence was Mamie. But the catcher, which MacArthur, he was promoted to indeed much in demand, having a tickled the Major into laughing out permanent Lieutenant Colonel in most reputable history as a spiri- loud, was the prediction that he 1936. When the U.S. started pre- tual psychic. would become the 34th President of the United States. Good paring for war again in 1941, long This unique, sweet lady, modest naturedly, the Major then prom- awaited promotions started com- and intriguing, was right on tar- ised Mrs. Habibe, tongue in cheek, ing rapidly, first with promotion to get in her psychic predictions. So that as soon as he becomes Presi- Colonel, then 5 more promotions much so, that even my mother, dent he would look for her and send in less than 4 years, and by 1944 who was a staunch Catholic, went a note reminding her of their meet- he had attained the rank of Gen- to her regularly for readings: a big ing. eral of the Army, the highest rank no-no in the Catholic Church. achievable with the coveted 5- Madame Habibe told my mother My mother and father told that stars. But who could have pre- she was pregnant when the baby story for years as they were dicted these events, and Ike’s was only 1-week old, and he th present at this garden party of later election as 34 President of would be a 10-pound boy but the note and had hosted the the United States? But someone pregnancy would be difficult due Eisenhowers on occasions at the did, and Sascha Jansen’s family to kidney stones, thus she would plantation. Well, I need not tell was there to witness this seminal have to make some difficult deci- you that the above came to pass event. Here is her story. sions regarding her health. These for Dwight David Eisenhower. And events became realities as with During the Commonwealth years as a final ending to this tale, let’s other dire predictions of war. Now in the Philippines, in 1935 to be jump on to 1958. exact, General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines on the Ex-POW Bulletin We went to visit our good friend President Hoover. Along with him Jan-Mar 2018 Maria Martinez for lunch at her came his staff, Major James B. Ord, 18 home in San Francisco. As we civilians, cont’d... vered and forced to surrender. News For the next 11 months, Rigby said he was held under brutal prisoner came into the house she an- Briefs conditions by his North Korean nounced she had a surprise for us. captors. Yes, it was Madam Habibe who came to live with Maria for a few Utah POWs recognized “There was a lot of animosity to- months. We were thrilled to see ward us,” he said, noting the her again and sat down for a won- for their courage, country’s remaining bitterness to- derful visit. Of course, our con- sacrifice ward Americans, even after the versation immediately turned to Ryan Morgan open hostility of the Korean War Eisenhower and her prediction for [email protected] ended with the 1953 Korean Ar- the presidency. Beaming, she pro- Deseret News mistice Agreement. duced a framed, hand written note from President Eisenhower thank- Rigby and the rest of the crew ing her for having so much faith in were eventually released on Dec. an unknown Major way back when. 23, 1968. The ship was never re- turned. Madam Habibe then proceeded to predict a wonderful filled life for Rigby said it became a politically me with lots of traveling across awkward diplomatic situation for oceans, “many, many interesting the U.S. to recognize them as people” in my life and much ad- prisoners of war from the Korean venture to propel me onward. I War. remembered her often as I con- ducted tours to the Far East with But he said it took him even longer “many many interesting people” I to learn to personally forgive his bring along with me. captors.

The first President I was allowed “I hold no animosity toward the and eligible to vote for was Ike. Korean people, any of them,” Rigby said. “But it took me a long, long Ex-POWS honored at a luncheon at time to get to that point.” the Capitol in Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017.

SALT LAKE CITY — While many may events see their 21st birthday as a sym- bol of new social freedom, 70-year- old Dale E. Rigby remembers his 21st birthday for the time he was To have your event listed, spent in North Korean captivity. please email the editor at [email protected] Rigby, a Centerville native, was a at least 90 days in advance. baker aboard the USS Pueblo in Thank you. 1968. On Jan. 23, he and 82 other Navy crewmen were surrounded by North Korean military vessels. Dale Rigby shakes hands with Cory Chased by a pair of fighter jets, Pearson, director of veterans ser- March 3, 2018. USS Houston CA- three subchasers and two patrol vices at the Utah Department of 30 Survivors Association & Next boats, and with only a single work- Veterans and Military Affairs Generations will host a ‘Day of Re- ing machine gun and no help on the way, the crew of the USS membrance’ at USS Houston CA- He said through personal faith he Pueblo was outgunned, outmaneu- 30 monument, Sam Houston Park has learned to include the Korean at the Heritage Society, 1100 people in his prayers in hopes that Bagby Street, Houston, TX at Ex-POW Bulletin the continued tension between 2:30PM. usshouston.org; Jan-Mar 2018 North Korea and the U.S. will one [email protected]. 19 day be resolved. news, cont’d... American Ex-POWs National Commander Visits Long Beach Township’s New Veterans Park

As a prisoner of war for 14 months near the end of World War II, Charles Susino Jr. could never be sure he would live to see the following day. But through strength of will and a daring escape during an 86-day forced march, he and several of his fellow G.I.s survived to tell their tale.

Susino, who will turn 94 in recalled. “I thought they’d passed, September, travels recurrently to Harrington and now includes nine and so I got up, and a German said, Surf City from his primary home in great-grandchildren, all of whom ‘Raus mit dir!’(‘Out with you!’). Metuchen, and this summer, he were present at Veterans Park for and his family discovered a new a family photo op. “I was one guy with a .45, sur- space on Long Beach Island that rounded.” they were eager to visit: the As Susino explained, he joined the military in 1943, when he was 19. recently constructed Veterans Susino had also been injured by “I was sworn in at Grand Central Park in the Beach Haven Terrace shrapnel in both legs, but received Station” on the day Lillian section of Long Beach Township. no medical treatment following his graduated from high school, as As numerous members of Susino’s capture. “The Germans held us she recalled. extended family gathered at the prisoners in deplorable conditions park last week, he arrived in a car for 14 months,” his bio explains. “I ended up in Florida, in the Air marked with his title as the “We never knew what or when we Force,” said Susino, and then National Commander of the were going to eat and drink again, attended training in various American Ex-Prisoners of War, a or even if.” not-for-profit, congressionally- places. “People were learning how chartered veterans service to engage in war all over the country.” The prisoners were moved among organization advocating for former several camps during their captiv- POWs and their families. As Susino’s biography on the ity, until the forced march during AXPOW website, axpow.org, which Susino escaped. “We were “It represents all conflicts of war, hunted by German soldiers with prior and future,” son Charles A. states, “I served as a staff sergeant in the Army Air Force, dogs, but we managed to elude Susino said of the organization, them,” he noted in the bio. “We which was established in 1942. assigned to a B-24 Bomber, as a gunner flying in the European survived on whatever we could find Surrounded by relatives in the to eat. We eventually ran across a park’s spacious gazebo, the elder theatre. On March 5, 1944, over France on our 13th mission, our U.S. Army truck, which drove us Susino recalled his youth in to safety and to the 48th Field Yorkville, N.Y., where he fell in love bomber was shot down,” its crew parachuting out into enemy Hospital in Hanover (Germany). We with Lillian, his wife of 70 years. arrived on May 8, 1945.” “I met this lovely doll when she territory. was 13,” he said, gesturing to his partner, seated beside him. “She “I was lying in the grass, alone, He added, “Facing the enemy lived on the next block.” hiding from the Germans,” Susino twice, once on the battlefield and then again in their prison camps – Ex-POW Bulletin Their family grew to include son and then at their mercy – is a life Charles and daughter Diane Jan-Mar 2018 experience that never leaves your 20 mind. news, cont’d... PNC Morris Barker As a civilian, Susino has for de- takes his story to the cades been active with veterans schools organizations, taking on various in Texas leadership roles, principally as a member of the American Ex-Pris- oners of War. In addition to serv- ing as AXPOW’S national com- mander, he has served as senior and junior vice commander, New Jersey state commander and na- tional director of legislative affairs, and has sat on the organization’s board of directors.

In addition, Susino, as an accred- ited national service officer, has counseled other veterans on their benefits eligibility.

He also provides testimony to Con- New York metropolitan area) to gress on behalf of American ex- 2018 receive a vaccination at no cost. Vaccinations will be available POWs, including this past March, VA Disability Rates when he gave a statement be- through March 31, 2018. fore the congressional Committees The 2018 VA Disability rates saw on Veterans’ Affairs. Veterans wishing to receive the a 2.0% increase effective Decem- no cost vaccination simply need ber 1, 2017 and is the largest in- to present a Veterans Identifica- Susino has received the French crease since 2012. The 2017 VA tion Card and a photo ID, at any Medal of Honor, Cavalier Level; a Disability rates saw a small in- participating Walgreens to receive Purple Heart; an Airman Medal crease of 0.3 percent. This is af- the vaccination. The Group ID is: Cluster; and a POW Medal. The ter seeing no increase in 2016. VAFLU medals were not quick to arrive, Eligible veterans with disabilities as son Charles pointed out. In No- can receive up to $3,527.22 per In addition, after the Walgreens vember 1990, 45 years after the month as a tax free monetary ben- pharmacist administers the vac- war, Susino got a box in the mail efit. cine Walgreens will transmit that containing medals the U.S. mili- information securely to VA where tary hadn’t given him. And about it becomes part of the patient’s 10 years ago, he was invited by Flu Shots electronic medical record. France to the French Embassy in Flu Season is here! Veterans pro- New York City to be awarded its tect yourselves and get a NO VA is committed to keeping Vet- highest civilian honor. COST flu shot! eran patients healthy, and during this flu season, vaccination is the Certainly, though, the medals are The cold and flu season is upon best way to prevent the spread less significant than the family us and the Department of Veter- of flu. No matter where you live, Susino created with Lillian after ans Affairs has once again teamed visit your local VA clinic or he returned home, safe, to the up with Walgreens Pharmacies Walgreens to get a no cost flu United States. nationwide to allow all veterans shot. who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system to be able And as Susino noted, “Whenever Hotline I’m in a memorial park, I always walk into any of the over 8000 VA Walgreens nationally (and the think of those who are not here. Duane Reade pharmacies in the The real heroes are the ones that The U.S. Department of Veterans couldn’t make it back.” Affairs (VA) announced that the Ex-POW Bulletin White House VA Hotline is now fully staffed with live agents — Juliet Kaszas-Hoch Jan-Mar 2018 working to serve Veterans 24- [email protected] 21 on hotline trends and are assisted Based on that input we will come news, cont’d... by newly implemented tracking forward with proposals for fiscal software to help VA capture and year 2019 on how to improve the hours a day, 365 days a year. The improve its response, referral and targeting of our homeless program hotline, which became 24-hour resolution processes to best funding.” operational in mid-October, is now support Veterans. The hotline can staffed by a team consisting of be accessed at 855-948-2311 and 90 percent Veterans or employees is VA’s first non-clinical, non- New Treatment for who have a Veteran family emergency around-the-clock call PTSD member, and is in response to center. It provides Veterans a Veterans’ requests to talk to supplemental option to report VA to Provide Hyperbaric Oxygen agents who could relate to their issues if they are not being experiences. Therapy to Some Veterans with addressed through VA’s normal Chronic PTSD customer service channels. The “The White House VA Hotline hotline’s agents are located at a In November 2017, VA announced provides our nation’s Veterans with VA facility in Shepherdstown, West it will offer Hyperbaric Oxygen a direct, dedicated contact line Virginia. Agents have access to a Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment that allows them to interact with multitude of resources and contact option for a small number of Vet- highly trained, live agents to information to help Veterans. The erans with persistent post-trau- answer their needs and concerns,” hotline also generates real-time matic stress disorder (PTSD) said VA Secretary David J. Shulkin. reports to VA experts who can symptoms resistant to standard “Since the initial launch of the help address the specific issues options. hotline in June, we listened to our of Veterans as well as make better- Veterans, who indicated that they informed decisions on where Providers from the Eastern Okla- prefer speaking with other program improvements are homa VA Health Care System and Veterans and Veteran family needed. the VA Northern California Health members, and we adjusted our Care System will partner with hiring based on that feedback,” HBOT providers at the Tulsa added Shulkin. “We’re proud that Homeless Funding Wound Care and Hyperbaric Cen- the hotline is now staffed 24/7 by ter at Oklahoma State Medical a team of mostly Veterans or On December 6, 2017, VA Secre- Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Veteran family members who have tary Shulkin made the following David Grant Medical Center on direct knowledge of their particular statement in response to media Travis Air Force Base, California, concerns and can use their reports: respectively, to provide this care. experience to address them in the “There is nothing more important best way possible with the “There will be absolutely no to us than caring for our nation’s resources of the VA. This change in the funding to support Veterans, and that care must in- represents a true win-win for our homeless programs. Veterans and their loved ones.” clude finding different approaches that work best for them,” said VA We will not be shifting any home- Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “We Since 24/7 coverage began in less program money to the Choice have to explore every avenue, October, the hotline has served program. more than 10,000 callers. particularly for our most medically vulnerable Veterans, and be open The President has increased VA to new ideas and strategies for Hotline agents answer inquiries, homeless program funding by $66 their optimal health and well-be- provide directory assistance, million in his fiscal year 2018 bud- ing.” document concerns about VA get. care, benefits and services, and HBOT is a procedure that in- expedite the referral and Over the next six months, I will resolution of those concerns. creases oxygen in the body, un- solicit input from our local VA lead- der pressure, to encourage heal- Agents undergo regular updates ers and external stakeholders on and training on VA services based ing. Currently, HBOT is commonly how best to target our funding to used to treat carbon monoxide the geographical areas that need poisoning, divers’ sickness, en- it most. hanced healing of some wound problems, skin grafts, heat burns, Ex-POW Bulletin crush injuries and other acute Jan-Mar 2018 health-care issues that involve too 22 news, cont’d... little blood flow to a part of the body.

This use of HBOT for treatment of PTSD is considered an “off-label” use and will occur under the su- pervision of a trained physician. Separately, VA and the Depart- ment of Defense are planning a multisite research study to exam- ine more fully the use of HBOT for patients diagnosed with PTSD.

As health-care leaders interested in innovative approaches to care, Veterans ID Card the VA Center for Compassionate Innovation (CCI) is facilitating use Honorably discharged veterans of all eras can now apply for a new of HBOT for a subset of Veterans veterans ID card, according to officials with the Department of Veterans who have noticed no decrease of Affairs. To receive the card veterans must log in to Vets.gov using symptoms after receiving at least either the ID.me verification system or a DS log-in. Users will then be two evidenced-based treatments. able to apply for the hard-copy card by verifying their personal details CCI uses innovative approaches through the website and by submitting a copy of a valid government to treat conditions where tradi- issued-ID as well as a shoulders-up photo to the site. Once the tional methods have been unsuc- application is complete, users can expect to receive their new ID card cessful. VA will monitor the HBOT within 60 days, officials said in a release. Officials said users will also clinical demonstration project and be able to receive a digital copy of the card by mid-December. the HBOT research study to help inform the potential for HBOT us- The ID cards are meant to offer a way for veterans to prove their age to treat a larger number of service without carrying a copy of their DD-214 form, which contains Veterans with PTSD. sensitive personal information, such as veterans’ Social Security numbers. The new IDs will not, however, qualify as official government- issued identification for air travel or other uses. Veterans Choice The ID card program is voluntary. The VA was ordered to provide the The Veterans Choice Program is a cards in a law passed by Congress in 2015. Some veterans, such as benefit that allows eligible Veter- those who receive health benefits from the VA and military retirees, ans to receive health care in their already have IDs that can provide proof of service. communities rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility. You are told by your local VA medi- You face an unusual or excessive cal facility that you will need to burden in traveling to the closest If you are already enrolled in VA wait more than 30 days for an VA medical facility based on geo- health care, the Choice Program appointment from the date clini- graphic challenges, environmental allows you to receive health care cally determined by your physi- factors, or a medical condition. within your community. Using this cian, or, if not such date is pro- Staff at your local VA medical fa- program does NOT impact your vided, our preferred date. cility will work with you to deter- existing VA health care, or any Your residence is more than 40 mine if you are eligible for any of other VA benefit. miles driving distance from the these reasons. closest VA medical facility. Am I eligible? You need to travel by plane or boat You must have been enrolled in to the VA medical facility closest What do I do if I think I am eli- VA health care on or before Au- to your home. gible? gust 1, 2014, or be eligible to en- Call the Choice Program Call Cen- ter at 866-606-8198 to verify your roll as a recently discharged com- Ex-POW Bulletin bat Veteran. You must also meet eligibility and set up an appoint- at least one of the following cri- Jan-Mar 2018 ment. teria: 23 day said that the vessel, a little the USS Pueblo, 906 history tons, a naval auxiliary used for the collection of lesson intelligence, was sur- rounded by four armed North Korean patrol 50 years of captivity boats shortly before mid- night about 25 miles off the North Korean coast. On January 23, 1968 USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) was attacked in inter- Two North Korean MiGs national waters by North Korean flew overhead, it was forces. Eighty-two surviving stated. An armed force of crewmembers were captured and North Koreans boarded held prisoner for eleven months. the Pueblo, which had a crew of gaged in intelligence activities in 83, and four American sailors were the Eastern Mediterranean during on the cover: Original oil painting wounded, one of them critically. the six-day summer war between by artist Richard DeRosset for USS The ship was taken into the North Israel and her Arab neighbours, PUEBLO crewmember Tom Massie. Korean port of Wonsan. when she was attacked by Israeli North Korean hull and aircraft have aircraft and torpedo boats. The their actual numbers of the at- The United States Government im- Pueblo, which had been in the Sea tacking forces. mediately asked the Soviet Union of Japan for the past two weeks, “to convey to the North Koreans carried oceanographic equipment our urgent request for the imme- as well as a great deal of elec- US demands release diate release of the vessel and tronic and communications gear. crew.” The State Department also of seized ship said that the matter would be So far the Administration here has taken up directly with the North refrained from any detailed com- By Richard Scott Koreans at a meeting of the Armi- ment on the incident, although Mr The Guardian stice Commission at Panmunjon Dean Rusk described it as “a mat- January, 1968 called for tonight. ter of the utmost gravity.” The The seizure of an American naval White House spokesman said it vessel on the high seas by North Limit in dispute was “a very serious situation.” Koreans last night is regarded here Not since the American Civil War There is some speculation that the as a serious international incident has an American naval vessel been seizure of the vessel was part of with potentially dangerous conse- seized and boarded on the high a North Korean campaign of ha- quences. Informed sources said seas. The North Koreans claim a rassment which has already re- tonight that the US nuclear pow- 12-mile territorial waters limit. The sulted in a dramatic increase in ered aircraft carrier Enterprise was US recognises only a three-mile incidents along the demilitarised on its way to the area from Ja- limit. In any event, it says, the zone and an attempt at the week- pan. A Pentagon statement to- Pueblo was roughly 25 miles off- end by a party of North Koreans shore and so, by any account, in to assassinate the South Korean international waters. A North Ko- President in the capital of Seoul. rean broadcast today claimed, however, that the Pueblo, which Congress is likely to demand strong was admittedly occupied in the action by the Government unless gathering of intelligence, was con- the Pueblo is rapidly released. The ducting hostile activities inside chairman of the Senate Armed Korean waters. Services Committee, Senator Ri- chard Russell, has already The Pueblo is a smaller version of characterised the incident as “al- the USS Liberty, which was en- most an act of war” and has urged the President to take “a very strong position” in demanding the Ex-POW Bulletin ship’s release. Senator Mansfield Jan-Mar 2018 described it as “a clear violation 24 of international law.” Gregg said. “I think (Korean lead- tact with the United States and A matter of timing ers) are aware it is a card for them it wasn’t a very positive one,’ “ to play but that this is not the Gregg said. time for them to play it.” For his part, “It’s certainly some- Gregg said he toured the Pueblo thing I could keep alive. (And) for 45 minutes, escorted by a fe- when the time seems right, I male museum guard. “I was taken will certainly make a major all over the ship. I saw shrapnel pitch.” holes, radio equipment. They also had a film of the capture of the In the interim, he has spoken ship and picture of the crew and to several Pueblo community so forth.” leaders about the project, he said. The ship is docked on a 200-yard- Photo/Donald Gregg wide stretch of the main river in The ship remains mechanically North Korea’s capital of The USS Pueblo remains docked sound and still goes on periodic Pyongyang, he said. On the day and on display at a large river in test runs but for most of the time he visited, nobody else was on North Korea’s capital city of the vessel remains docked as part board except for uniformed sail- Pyongyang. The writing on the of a riverside military display, Gregg ors. The Korean tour guide char- side, ‘GER-2,’ displays part of the said. The same site features a acterized the ship as a “war tro- ship’s signature number: AGER-2, mural depicting other battles, in- phy.” standing for Auxiliary General En- cluding the attack on the USS vironmental Research vessel. Sherman, sunk by Korea in 1866. Gregg could emerge as a highly The point of the whole display: influential contact in the Pueblo Two encounters at sea with the community’s ongoing bid to get the Former ambassador believes return United States, two victories, Gregg city’s namesake vessel returned of captured USS Pueblo from North said. by North Korea for display in the Korea a possibility

By DENNIS DARROW THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN~2004

Today the USS Pueblo remains a seldom-visited military trophy docked on a river in North Korea’s capital city, according to an ex- pert who recently toured and pho- tographed the ship.

Donald Gregg, a former U.S. am- bassador to South Korea and cur- rent chair of The Korea Society based in New York City, said he also saw no anti-America propa- ganda which reportedly once was displayed on the ship. Gregg vis- ited the Pueblo earlier this month on his third trip to North Korea. city; and his offers to help in any Meanwhile, Gregg said he thinks Koreans maintain that in 1866 the way he can could prove invalu- he and others can help convince crew of the USS Sherman robbed able. North Korea to return the ship, but graves and molested women. the timing isn’t good right now “They say, ‘This was our first con- For four years, from 1989 to 1993, given the strained relations be- he served as the U.S. ambassa- tween the United States and dor to South Korea, the culmina- North Korea over the issue of Ex-POW Bulletin tion of a 30-year career spent as nuclear weapons research and Jan-Mar 2018 a top CIA specialist on Asia. Upon development. He’s willing to try, 25 his retirement from the CIA, he timing, cont’d... The USS Pueblo and its crew were 50 years and captured by North Korea in 1968 and it is the only U.S. navy vessel became national security adviser counting still in active commission that is to then Vice President George Bush officially listed as ‘captive’. for six years, traveling to 65 coun- · The USS Pueblo was a tries. U.S Navy spy ship taken by the Now it is more than just a captive North Koreans in January 1968, vessel - it is also being used by Given his extensive experience and leading to a crisis which saw Kim’s own regime as a ‘museum’ of contacts, he was asked to chair calls for Kim Il-Sung to be anti-American propaganda on The Korea Society, a nonprofit threatened with nuclear attack Potong River in the nation’s show- organization charged with improv- case capital, Pyongyang. ing relations and understandings · Vessel was spying on So- between the U.S. and Korean viet submarine activities and The U.S.-North Korea impasse, people. The agency organizes stu- North Korean signals when it which has simmered since the end dent exchanges, public forums, was taken in what Navy was of the Korean War in 1953, has trips and other programs. adamant was international wa- grown more tense this month over ters fears that the North’s nuclear Through his work he remains on weapons program is nearing the close terms with North Korea lead- · The Pueblo Crisis was ability to target the U.S. mainland. ers, among them the North Korea one of the tensest moments ambassador to the United Nations, between the reclusive Commu- Pyongyang tested two interconti- who is based in New York, Gregg nist regime in North Korea and nental ballistic missiles last month said. His August trip to North Ko- the U.S. until recent weeks, and on Tuesday Kim announced he rea was the third of his visits. but was overshadowed in 1968 was standing back from his threat by the Vietnam War of an imminent attack on Guam - Gregg said he holds his own fas- · Crew were beaten and but the official state news agency cination with the future of the tortured and its captain ‘con- said: ‘He said that if the Yankees Pueblo. Years ago he approached fessed’ to spying after North persist in their extremely danger- North Korean leaders about return- Koreans said they would ex- ous reckless actions on the Ko- ing the ship, maybe the first time ecute his men in front of him - rean peninsula and in its vicinity, anyone from the United States put but they still showed defiance testing the self-restraint of the the idea directly to the country, to their captors DPRK, the latter will make an im- he said. “This had never occurred portant decision as it already de- to them before and they took it · Now the vessel is used clared.’ quite seriously.” by the North Koreans as a ‘mu- seum’ of anti-American senti- But in 1968, it came as close to However, the country backed ment in their capital, boiling point as any time since the away in 2002 as tensions mounted Pyongyang armistice which ended the war, in between the United States and a stand-off which was known as North Korea over the country’s By Louise Boyle For Dailymail.com the ‘Pueblo Crisis’, but which has nuclear weapons research and received little attention thanks to development, Gregg said. Still, Kim Jong-Un is holding an accident of timing. Korea left open the possibility of ‘captive’ a U.S. Navy resuming talks if relations between vessel - almost 50 years the two countries improve. Now since it was seized by his in his talks, Gregg said he makes grandfather’s Communist frequent mention of the city of regime, precipitating a Pueblo’s growing interest in host- crisis with echoes of the ing the ship’s return. current stand-off be- tween Donald Trump and “I think if it were known in North North Korea. Korea that the people of Pueblo really have plans if the Pueblo were given back, that would make an impression,” Gregg said. Ex-POW Bulletin The ship was seized in 1968 just a ©1996-2004The Pueblo Chieftain Jan-Mar 2018 week before one of the largest Online 26 were up to counting, cont’d... in interna- tional wa- military actions of the Vietnam ters War, the Tet Offensive. nearby.

The Korean Peninsula had been The Com- divided by the Soviet Union and munists the U.S. into independent North claimed and South at the end of WWII. the Americans had sailed into their The chairman of the House Armed territorial waters - and attacked Services Committee, Democrat The North Korean Army, supported with submarine chasers, torpedo Mendel Rivers, suggested that by the Soviets, invaded South boats and two MiG-21 fighter jets. President Johnson threaten North Korea in June 1950. The U.S. One sub-chaser opened fire on the Korea with nuclear attack if they stepped in to defend South Korea U.S. ship, killing Fireman Duane did not return the boat. Others in a ‘police action’ and the con- Hodges. cautioned against aggravating the flict escalated as China and the situation, fearing the Pueblo crew Soviet Union became involved. The U.S. Navy was adamant that would be killed by the reclusive The ultimate death toll is esti- the Pueblo, a Banner-class ship regime. mated at 2.5 million, the vast ma- which had been attached to Navy jority civilian. intelligence for spying purposes, Johnson decided to damp down was in international waters, but, the crisis, and it was largely over- An armistice was signed in 1953 under threat and virtually unarmed shadowed by the Tet Offensive in to suspend combat and exchange compared to the forces she faced, Vietnam, which unfolded at the prisoners of war but it was not a the Pueblo surrendered, giving its same time as negotiations over permanent peace treaty. crew time to attempt to destroy the Pueblo’s crew. some of the large volumes of sen- Nor did the agreement curb North sitive information on board. Korea’s aggression under the lead- ership of Kim Il-Sung, the grand- Its captain, Lloyd Bucher, was or- father of the current dictator, Kim dered to shore by the North Ko- Jong-Un. He turned to random reans and the boat was seized in acts of terrorism instead of all- the port city of Wonsan, where out war. the crew were tied up, blindfolded and beaten. These acts included the hijacking of a South Korean airliner while In Washington D.C., President on approach to a Seoul airport by Lyndon Johnson’s White House and agents from the North in Febru- prominent members of Congress ary 1958. The passengers and were at odds on what to do next. crew were released a month later.

On January 22, 1968, North Korean agents at- North Korea released propaganda tempted to assassinate photographs and films of their South Korean President American prisoners but the men Park Chung-hee. undermined their captors by flick- ing ‘the middle finger’ - and then That set off a chain of the servicemen were transported events - and the follow- to prisoner-of-war camps where ing day, the USS Pueblo, they were starved and tortured. which was not aware of the assassination at- The crew was released 23 tempt, was intercepted December, 1968. The USS Pueblo by North Korea. remains in North Korea. It is the only ship of the U.S. Navy still on It was gathering signals intelli- Ex-POW Bulletin the commissioned roster currently gence on North Korea, but also Jan-Mar 2018 being held captive. looking for what Soviet submarines 27 contributions GENERAL FUND VOLUNTARY FUNDING Garden State #1, New Jersey Francis Plumly, Barnesville OH In memory of Clara Poore, by Irving Lautman, Monroe Twp, NJ Camille Page Joe Abbondondelo, Melville NY In memory of Isadore Willinger, Lillie Falch, Cross Plains IN by Shirley Bramhall Mid-Iowa Chapter In memory of Lt Melvin Everding, Ralph Kling, Ramona CA by Theodore Blauser Sr Richard Beach, VanWert OH In memory of PNC Maurice Sharp, Robert R Smith, Tomahawk WI by Bonnie Sharp William A Deane, Arroyo Grande In memory of PNC Maurice Sharp, CA by the Ronald Irvin Family William Byrns, Flaming Island FL In memory of my father and In memory of Josephine Boldt, by mother, Truett & Mary Ford, by George W Boldt Please send donations to: Gretchen Smith National Headquarters, PO Box In memory of Ron Lissner, by Thank you! 3444, Arlington, TX 76007-3444 Linda Adquazzino for the generous donation In memory of Walter P Thomas, from Garden State Chapter #1 Checks must be made payable to by Paula & Don Clark AXPOW or American Ex-Prisoners In memory of Walter P Thomas, Commander Bob Levine of War. by Vernoica Lotze

The Meaningful Gift

A number of years ago, one of our members made the decision to establish a bequest to the American Ex- Prisoners of War. He felt strongly that he truly cared about the future of AXPOW and wanted to leave a legacy to us. He and his wife are now gone, but their generous gift enabled them to demonstrate in a very meaningful way their commitment to the organization. Most recently, Garden State Chapter #1 in New Jersey made a most generous donation in honor of the chapter members and commander Bob Levine. A one-time scholarship to Andersonville and support for the Bulletin became the beneficiaries of that generosity.

You, too can take action today to help ensure that the American Ex-Prisoners of War is there for returning POWs, their families and their dependents through your will or living trust. This gift can be funded with cash or securities, mutual funds or other investments that are not serving your current needs. This special gift will benefit future generations as well as we transition to a legacy organization.

It’s very simple to make a bequest to the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Simply share this sentence with your attorney or financial planner and they can add the following to your will or living trust:

“I give, devise and bequeath to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007- 3444, the sum of $______or ______(named investment) or ______percent of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”

Your generous support of our programs over the years has made a tremendous difference to ex-POWs and their families. I hope you will seriously consider whether a final gift to AXPOW will be the right option for you and your family.

Please take a few minutes of your time to help. And feel free to contact CFO Marsha Coke at 817-649- 2979/[email protected] or CEO David Eberly at (757) 508-8453 /[email protected]

Thank you! Ex-POW Bulletin Jan-Mar 2018 28 new members request for membership application National Headquarters American Ex-Prisoners PO Box 3444 of War Arlington, TX 76007-3444 (817) 649-2979 Name:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______WELCOME! Membership is open to US Military and Civilians captured because of their US citizenship Cynthia Hall and their families. William Hall Sanford NC 27330 Do NOT send dues with this request for an application Daughter of Donald Sjaardema, ETO Mail to: American Ex-Prisoners of War PO Box 3444 Arlington, TX 76007-3444 (817) 649-2979 e-mail:[email protected]

Certificate of Captivity Suitable for framing, this certificate of captivity, printed on 8½” x 11” quality paper, proudly displays your history as a prisoner of war. Each certificate background is personalized to the theater of operation. To receive this certificate from AXPOW, please order from National Headquarters. If you are ordering at Convention, you can place your order in the Merchandise Room. We will need your name, service number, branch of service, unit when captured, POW number (if known), camp names and locations. You can call 817-649-2979 or email: [email protected]. Ex-POW Bulletin You may include a picture Jan-Mar 2018 with your order. 29 taps

Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 BAIRD, Ralph E., of Woodward who served as a B24 pilot. He many of our members to receive County, OK died June 11, 2016. was shot down over Germany and their VA benefits. Betty retired He was 94. During WWII, he served held as a POW by the Germans after 30 years of service, her last in the AAC, flying out of England. for 8 months. Jamie is survived being an integral part of our local His plane was shot down and he by her mother Ann Old Still, her VA Hospital in Fresno. Betty will was held 3 years in German POW father J. Larry Todd, stepmother, be remembered as a lady with camps. He was a member of the brother and step-brothers, and a strong work ethics and a real love Panhandle Chapter, AXPOW. Ralph large extended family. She was a for God and country. Surviving leaves 2 daughters, 1 son, 8 very active member of the Florida are 2 daughters and spouses, 4 grandchildren,7 great-grandchil- Gulf Coast Chapter, American Ex- grandchildren, 12 great-grandchil- dren,2 great-great-grandchildren Prisoners of War and will be dren, and 2 great-great-grand- and their families, and a large ex- missed. children and a host of friends. tended family. CRANMAN, Herman Lewis, of Sa- DYER, Carl S., 93, of Oglesby and BERNINGHAUS, Delbert Herman, of vannah, GA passed away Apr. 2, formerly of Tonica, IL died Nov. 9, Emmetsburg, IA passed away Nov. 2017. He was 93. Serving with the 2017. He served with the U.S. 3, 2014 at the age of 91. He was 15th AF, he was shot down of Hun- Army. He was a POW in Japan for captured while serving with the gary and held captive until libera- 3½ years. He was a member of USA during the Battle of the Bulge tion. Surviving are his wife of 72 AXPOW and ADBC Memorial Soci- and held until liberation. Survivors years, Helen, 1 daughter, 2 sons, ety. Carl is survived by 1 son, 9 include 3 daughters, 1 son, 16 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grand- grandchildren, 10 great-grandchil- grandchildren, 43 great-grandchil- children and their families. He was dren, one great-great-grandson dren and their families and many a wonderful husband, father, and their families. other relatives and friends. grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. FERGON, Edgar P., of Bermuda BOLDT, Josephine, of Pierre, SD Dunes, CA passed away Aug. 11, (formerly of Isabel) died Sept. 24, DONOHOE, Jack M., 94, of Spo- 2017 at the age of 95. During 2017. She was 89. Josephine was kane, WA died Aug. 6, 2017. He WWII, he served in the AAC; he a life member of AXPOW; she en- was captured soon after Pearl was shot down, captured and held joyed reading, traveling, and sew- Harbor while serving with the 21st in Stalag Luft III. Edgar leaves his ing. She leaves her husband of 69+ Pursuit Squadron. He survived the wife of 71 years, Joann, 6 chil- years, George, 1 son, 3 grand- Bataan Death March, Camp dren and many grandchildren and daughters, 1 great-grandson, 1 O’Donnel, Cabanatuan, Lumban, great-grandchildren. sister and numerous nieces and Davao Penal Colony and the nephews. Lasang airfield. He escaped when GROTZ, Walter O. 92, Delano, MN the Shinyo Maru was sunk and he died May 14, 2017. He was cap- COULTER, Delbert Byrd, of Okla- was eventually evacuated by the tured while serving in the 8th AF, homa City, OK, 95, passed away submarine USS Narwhal. He leaves 445th BG, 703rd BS and was held in Oct. 26, 2017. He served with the one grandson and one son-in-law, Stalag Luft IV. Walter was a mem- 448th BG during WWII; his plane both of Alaska. ber of the Agua Fria Chapter of was shot down, he was captured Sun City Arizona. He is survived and held 14 months until libera- DUNLAVY, Betty, life member of by his wife of 68 years, Mary, 4 tion. He was a life member of Fresno Chapter #1 AXPOW, passed children, 6 grandchildren and 5 AXPOW. Delbert’s surviving rela- away August 26, 2017 at the age great grandchildren. tives include Myra, his beloved of 93. Betty and her late hus- wife of 65 years, 1 son, 1 daugh- band, Harry, were very involved JOHNSON, Joseph Quitman Jr., Sun ter and their families, nieces, in the chapter as Commander and City West, AZ passed away June nephews and a host of friends. Adjutant for many years enabling 24, 2017. He was 91. Joe was a member of the Agua Fria Chapter, COX, Jamie Todd, 52, died Sep- Ex-POW Bulletin Sun City, AZ and the author of tember 13, 2017, in Largo, FL. She Jan-Mar 2018 the book “Baby of Bataan”. He was assigned to the 31st Infantry Regi- was the NOK of Homer E. Still Jr., 30 taps, cont’d... 2 sons, 2 daughters, 14 grand- loyal member of the Florida Gulf children, 10 great-grandchildren, Coast Chapter, AXPOW. ment and sent to Manila, Philip- 1 sister and their families. pines where he was taken POW. RUDLOFF, George L. Sr., of NELSON, Russell K., of Elgin, IL Wilmington, DE passed away July KREBS, John Alden, 97, of Austin, passed away Sept. 30, 2017 at 10, 2017. He was captured after TX (formerly of Waco) died Sept. the age of 89. He was captured his plane was shot down over 6, 2017. He was preceded in death in Korea while serving in the Army. Schweinfurt, Germany in 1944 th th by his wife of 68 yrs, Irma and Russell was a life member of while serving with the 8 AF, 95 th one daughter. Survivors include 2 AXPOW. He leaves two sons, three BG, 334 BS. Rudy is survived by daughters, 6 grandchildren and 14 grandchildren and one sister-in- his wife of 72 years, Ruth, 5 chil- great grandchildren. John joined law. dren, 12 grandchildren and 8 the US Army during WWII. He was great-grandchildren. sent to the Philippines where he PLUME, Henry Horace died August was captured by the Japanese on 28, 2017 at the age of 97. “Hank”, SEDORY, Philip A., 95, of Peoria, Corregidor and was a POW in Man- as he was known to his friends, Arizona passed away September churia for 3 years. He was active was captured while serving in the 24, 2017. He served in the US th AXPOW on a local, state and na- 8th AF, with the 390th BG, flying Army, 34 Inf. Div. and was taken tional level. out of England. He was shot down, POW in Italy and held until libera- captured and held in Luft 1, Barth. tion. He is survived by a daugh- KUCHINOS, Walter, 95, of Hank considered his life to have ter and four grandchildren. Philip Wescosville, PA passed away Sep- been richly blessed by his wife and was a member of the Agua Fria tember 9, 2017. He was the hus- life-mate, Kay, his children and Chapter, Sun City, AZ. band of Tessie (Mazur) Kuchinos, their spouses, his grandchildren, with whom he shared 70 years of his parents and siblings, and his SEELEY, Vergie L., of Red Bank, marriage. Walter served the US many, many, friends. TN died Sept. 1, 2017. She was Army Air Corps during WW Il and 92 and the wife of Ex-POW Jesse was a prisoner of War in Poland RAMIREZ, Francisco “Frankie” An- (AAC, then Air Force). As a mili- and Germany. He was a member geles, 96, a long-time resident of tary wife, she and Jesse lived all of the Lehigh Valley Chapter, Killeen TX died November 8, 2017. over the world, but she always AXPOW. Surviving are 1 son, 2 A native of Corregidor, Philippine considered Red Bank home. Sur- daughters, 3 grandchildren, 2 Islands, he was a member of the vivors include her husband of 74 great-grandchildren and their 91st CA, Philippine Scouts. years, two sons and their fami- families. He was the last of eight He was captured on Corregidor and lies. Vergie will be greatly missed. brothers. held until liberation. Frankie was a life member of AXPOW and the SHEEHAN, George F., of Bay Shore, LAUX, Joseph J. Sr., of Sun City Tex Chapter #1, , the Philippine LI, passed away Sept. 17,2017. West, AZ passed away August 8, Scout Heritage Society and the During World War II, he served as 2017. He served as Machine Gun American Defenders of Bataan and a Bombadier-Navigator in the th Squad Leader, European Theater Corregidor. He is preceded in death Army Air Corps, 356 BG. He flew Operations, Co. L, 423rd Inf., 106th by his first wife, Hisako “Sally”, over 35 combat missions before Div., Platoon 2A. After his cap- and 1 son. He is survived by his being shot down over Germany, ture, he was taken to Stalag 2A. wife, Christa, 2 daughters, 1 son, taken prisoner and held in Stalag Joseph was a member of the Agua 1 step-son, 5 grandsons and their Luft I, Barth until liberation. Fria Chapter, AXPOW. He leaves families. George taught his family to follow 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 14 his motto of “faith, family, coun- great-grandchildren. REICHLE, William J. died August 13, try”. He was the beloved husband 2017. During WWII, he joined the of the late Margo Sheehan; de- MOENING, Charles B. “Flash”, of US Army Air Corps, serving as a voted father two daughters and Elida, OH died Sept. 19, 2017. He B24 bombardier/navigator. He was one son (son George predeceased was 95. He was working as a ci- shot down over Austria in 1944 him); cherished grandfather of vilian contractor for the Morrison and served 15 months as a Ger- eleven, great-grandfather of eight - Knudsen Corporation on Wake man POW. He is survived by 1 and a loving extended family. Island and was captured on De- daughter and 2 sons. He was a cember 23, 1941. He was released STAPLETON, Fannie ‘Frances”, San on August 15, 1945 after 44 Ex-POW Bulletin Antonio, TX, widow of deceased th months of captivity. He is survived Jan-Mar 2018 Ex-POW Edward B. (WWII, 28 BS, by his wife of 69 years, Patricia, Clark AB, PI) passed away Octo- 31 ber 11, 2017, at the age of 93. She and Edward were life mem- TWARDZIK, Raymond J, 93, of He served as Florida State Com- bers of AXPOW Chapter #1 in San Bradenton FL passed away August mander. Ray and Janet were long- Antonio. Frances had a full life and 12, 2017. Ray served with the time members of the Florida Gulf was loved by all who knew her. 106th Div Sig. Co. He was cap- Coast Chapter. Janet is survived She is survived by a daughter and tured during the Battle of the Bulge by two daughters and a son. son, and numerous grandchildren, and held in Stalag IVB, IIIB and great-grandchildren and great- IIIA until liberated. He was a past WILSON, Patricia C., of Juneau, great-grandchildren. Commander of the Manasota AK (daughter of Ex-POW Jack Chapter and member of AXPOW. Donohoe) passed away May 20, STULTZ, Arlene P, 96, of Hialeah, Preceded in death by one daugh- 2017. She was 68. Patricia leaves FL died Sept. 13, 2017. She was ter, he leaves his beloved wife of her husband, James and one son. a life member of AXPOW and an more than 67 years, Isabel, three active member of the Gold Coast daughters and 2 grandchildren ZABKER, Edward F., of Fort Myers, Chapter. Arlene was part of the and their families. He will be FL died Oct. 31, 2017 at the age group in 1994 to visit Luft IV in missed. of 93. Ed served in WWII with the Poland for the 50th anniversary 106th Inf. Div. in the Battle of the remembrance. She leaves her hus- VanDUZER, Janet, widow of Ex- Bulge. He was captured and held band of 72 years, Ex-POW Jerry, POW Ray, died November 18, 2017, until liberation. Survivors include 2 daughters and 1 son and their in Largo Florida. Ray served in his wife, Margaret, 1 son, 1 families. the 28th Div., 112th Reg., 3rd Medi- daughter, 2 sisters, 2 grandchil- cal Battalion. He was captured dren and 2 great-grandchildren. and held in Camps XIIA, IIIB, XIA.

walls were actually paper mache. Before we learn about God we chaplain Paper, water and glue. The pris- must be motivated. We must have oners could have pushed their a desire to learn. A “Want to” to way through the walls at any time learn. With out the motivation we but none tried due to their igno- often will read a chapter or two rance. and never pick up the book again. By not knowing what God wants Ignorance is defined as a lack of we are lead into sin which could knowledge or wisdom combined be defined as a crime against God. with a lack of motivation. An example of that is Numbers Hosea 4:6 “My people are de- 22:34 where Balaam tells “the an- stroyed for lack of knowledge: gel of the Lord, I have sinned; for because thou hast rejected I knew not…” Balaam did not know. knowledge, I will also reject Benny thee…” I close with this prayer: “Lord, Rayborn grant to each of my readers the Many people say they believe in desire and motivation to learn more God but few actually read the about you so that they will not Scriptures to learn about God. sin and that they learn the way There is a story told of a prison in Unfortunately this means that to you. In our Savior’s Name, the “Far North” of Canada. One many people never learn what God Amen. notable thing about this prison is expects from His creation, that’s that no one escaped from the you and me. It appears they make Benny prison. The incoming prisoners a decision to reject God. They Benny were showed the three foot thick never learn the way to God and walls and most if not all thought follow instead their whims and the it was impossible to dig through teachings of other people. that much concrete. No one tried. Eventually the prison closed and the government sold the property. The new owner dismantled the Ex-POW Bulletin prison buildings and discovered that the massive three foot thick Jan-Mar 2018 32 American Ex-Prisoners of War Contribution should be sent to: Arlington, TX 76007-3444 PO Box 3444

ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO AXPOW OR AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR

The 106th Infantry Division Association Organized at Camp Lucky Strike 1945 active since 1946

If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, were attached to the 106th, a relative of a 106th veteran, you are eligible for membership in the Association.

The CUB Magazine is published three times per year. Published since 1946. Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947.

Jacquelyn Martin, Membership Chairman 121 McGregor Ave. Mount Arlington, N.J. 07856 973-663-2410 E-mail: [email protected]

Ex-POW Bulletin Jan-Mar 2018 33 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR VOLUNTARY FUNDING PROGRAM

The AXPOW Voluntary Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, whereby the entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability and willingness to contribute.

All contributions are to be sent directly to National Headquarters to be used for the operation of the organization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each issue.

I am enclosing my contribution to support the operation of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.

$20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other

Please circle one category:

Individual Chapter State Department (If chapter or department, please give name)

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone #

Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary Funding Mail contributions to: National Headquarters American Ex-Prisoners of War PO Box 3444 Arlington, TX 76007-3444

Ex-POW Bulletin Jan-Mar 2018 34 Veterans Day 2017 Challenge Coins! Bronze Grave Medallions

$13.00 includes S/H/I $100.00 includes S/H/I All orders for products sold by AXPOW National Organization, including dues/subscriptions should be mailed to: American Ex-Prisoners of War National Headquarters PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007-3444; [email protected] change of address form Include your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies, please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided. Please print: Name______Address______City/State/Zip______Phone ( )______Email ______Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections.

Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007-3444 Or fax: (817) 649-0109 Or e-mail: [email protected]