Clarence served in the Air Force from 1946 to 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He served five years in communications at Hickam AFB, Honolulu and ended his military career at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma after spending two years there.
The basketball team he was on won a trip to Japan which was a special honor for him and his team mates.
After retiring from the Air Force, Clarence went to college on the GI Bill. He earned a business degree from Oklahoma University.
Anne said during WWII my home town (Ennis, Texas) lost seven young men in the war, and I have always been one who appreciates and prays for our military forces. Thank you for keeping us reminded of the sacrifices that so many made and are still making for our country.
Submitted by his wife Anne McCreless
Showing posts with label Korean War. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korean War. Show all posts
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Veo Gray, 4th Infantry Div.
After graduating High School in 1946, as a non-believer at the age of 17, I attended my father's pick of higher education at the University of Arkansas to study business. I was totally turned off by my college experience after one semester and couldn't find purpose to my life. So, I decided to return home and work at my dad's scrap iron yard. Over a year later, and still without meaning in my life, I at least figured out that I needed independence coupled with something tough, new and exciting. So, I quit work one day without telling anyone and I joined the 4th Infantry Division.
After I completed basic training at Ft. Ord, California as a raw recruit, I became the company drummer, a Platoon Sergeant, a Water Safety Instructor, a Mail Clerk, and then the Prisoner Chase Officer. After serving my enlisted time of 2 years, I was honorably discharged "at the convenience of the government" and while I did indeed fulfill my desire for things tough, new and exciting ... I had a growing eagerness for some female companionship.
So, I headed back home to Arkansas and I invited my friend Sheila, from Canada, to be a houseguest of my family. BIG MISTAKE! She came and stayed, and stayed and stayed. So when she announced that she not only intended to further extend her stay, but that she also had marriage in mind - I bolted.
I left home (and Sheila) and met with several buddies who were in the Air National Guard and about to leave for training at Kelly Field in San Antonio. As cowardly as it was to run away (I really had no other plans), I told Sheila: "my country needs me and I HAVE TO GO!" I thought this was the perfect answer and surely she would go back home by then ... just invest 2 weeks in the Air National Guard and then resign, since it was a volunteer organization and one could get out about as easily as one could get in. SECOND BIG MISTAKE!
I joined my buddies, was issued a uniform and then was sent off to camp. Wouldn't you know it, before the two required weeks were completed, our outfit, the 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing, was activated by the Pentagon to be sent to the Korean War - and there was no way of getting out of any of it then!
My orders were to report to Langley Field, Virginia in October 1950 for overseas training. My army rank was restored and upon testing at Langley, I was given the highest enlisted man rating of Master Sergeant of the Air Installations Squadron. This time around, I performed duties of 1st Sergeant, and Drill Instructor. I began to feel that military life might become a permanent field of endeavor.
We flew to Japan and received orientation and a one-month combat training at Itazuke Air Force Base. They asked for volunteers to go first and get it over with ... that seemed very macho and adventuresome, so I volunteered. We landed in a rice paddy in our C-47 at K-8 near Kunsan, Korea. We were to be replacements for guys who had been there the previous 6 months. The war was going on 100 or so miles north of us, but we had shots fired in our direction now and again.
After 6 months, we were transferred to K-2, the base near Taegu, Korea where we lived in metal Quonset huts. Rarely was God ever mentioned in our hut other than in cursing. I regret that I was not a born-again witness to testify to the grace and love of God. On Christmas Eve, we started singing carols and drinking beer. It didn't seem to occur to anyone that what we were doing was an irreverent way to honor Jesus. When we turned out the lights at midnight, I felt so convicted and homesick that I cried silently until I went to sleep.
Some guys drank almost everything alcoholic they could get their hands on. The more alcohol they consumed, the more they talked about home, family, wives or girl friends. John Bradshaw, also from Little Rock, became my best friend and my Christian role model. He was a married man who never drank, smoked, gambled or cursed. Instead, he would go off someplace quiet and read his Bible every night. That made quite an impression on me. I saw in John a man who lived the kind of life that embodied all the finest traits that I would like to develop. He was a Godly example that I have remembered all my life.
After serving my time in the Air Force, I was honorably discharged "at the convenience of the government," and while I did flee the clutches of Sheila, reentered the US at age 23 with unacceptable language and boorish manners, but with an idea from John of how a Christian should act.
In a few weeks, my mom encouraged me to attend a tent revival sponsored by First Baptist Church where she attended regularly. I told her that I didn't need God or anybody else. I was lost, hurt, angry, self-centered and I thought self-sufficient. It would take a miracle to change my base, miserable and sinful life. I sure wasn't looking for a miracle, but it came anyway, Praise God.
I arrived at the revival a little late and stood outside the tent. When the very meaningful message was over, the preacher asked that those who were not Christian to lift a hand. For the first time, I realized that included me. I was reluctant to do so, but being outside in the dark, who would ever know that I admitted that? Would you believe that my mother's Sunday School teacher was out there and she had been watching me the entire time? She witnessed to me that night.
I think it was "Ladies Night" the next time I went to church with my mother. According to the guest minister, God had impressed him to change his "nice ladies message to preach to some unsaved person." I was impressed with him, the man singing and playing the trumpet and with the message of salvation to anyone who believed in Jesus Christ. It seemed meant just for me. I responded by publicly going forward during the invitation to trust Him with my whole heart. I sure had not planned to do it, but after thinking about it for weeks, there was no doubt that all my mistakes, hurts, shame, failures and guilt were somehow gone forever.
How could God do that for me? And I could hardly believe that it was free for the asking. However, salvation is not cheap. It cost God His only Son. I only had to ask His forgiveness and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe." The congregation rejoiced with my public decision. A mid-nineteenth century hymn states it so well: 'That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul. My sin, not in part, but the whole is nailed to the Cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul." I began a 1800 about-face that night.
I got a job at the Melody Shop, which was the best hangout in town where I got to sell records and record players, while listening to music all day. Also at this time our church Minister of Music, John Walker, asked me to sing in the adult choir. That was a laugh! I had never tried to sing anywhere ... in school or church. He pointed out that there was a shortage of men and he would help me learn. I remember him saying, "Would you just come, fill a seat and try?"
I did. He had me sit next to his best bass singer and I tried to "go up" and "go down" when he did. I was sort of getting the hang of it after a few weeks of rehearsals. Would you believe, it wasn't long before I was elected vice-president of the choir. It was the only thing I had ever been elected to in my life and I finally belonged somewhere.
A little later, I was asked to be a part of a male quartet. Then in a few more weeks, John wanted me to lead the music in church on Sunday while he was on vacation. I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn't possibly do that! But with God's help I did and I loved it. There were about 1,200 people in the congregation and about 50 in the choir. I was so nervous I thought I would die on the spot. Despite my knees literally knocking together, once it was over the experience was enjoyable.
About this time, the associate pastor asked, “Veo, what do you think is God’s will for your life”? I had no idea what he was talking about, “God’s what”?, I replied. “God has a plan for your life and you must pray about that and ask Him to show you what it is.” Wow, I was going to work at the Melody Shop every day, going to choir on Wednesdays, church twice on Sunday and singing with the youth group at jail services - what more could God want from me?
I began praying and asking God to show me His will for my life. Soon thoughts of going back to college were coming regularly. The overwhelming and continuing impression was that I should go to college and study church music. Baylor University in Waco, Texas was the place for me. My veteran's benefits helped with expenses while I began the difficult task of understanding and studying English Composition, Poetry, U.S. History, European History, Old Testament, New Testament. I had no idea that a music major had to study all the above plus Music Theory, Applied Voice, Applied Piano, Music Appreciation, Conducting, Music History, Composition and Hymnology, to name a few. I was also assigned practice hall time almost every day and went many nights.
The second quarter brought an invitation to become a member of the Baylor Religious Hour Choir, where life-long friendships were formed. Then came a call from the music committee from my home church in Little Rock with an invitation to serve as music and youth director for the summer. I could hardly believe it. Almost every waking hour and every ounce of my energy went into that job. I was in charge of the adult choir, youth choir, ensembles, youth programs, retreats, revival music and after-church fellowships. With very little experience on my part, a loving and appreciative choir and congregation made it work far better than I could imagine. The Lord and His people at my home church were so good to me.
I was worn out when I arrived back a Baylor but ready to go on and get my Bachelor of Music Degree, then on to my Master of Church Music Degree and for all that God had in store for me in becoming a full and lifetime servant of His ministry. How truly blessed I am that God provided the wonderful influences of thousands of friends and teachers along the way, but especially the two Johns in my life ... Praise God!
Follow Up:
Through these many years, I have become more and more aware and thankful for the influence and witness of the two Johns in my life. About 12 years after leaving the military, I searched to reunite with John B. I found him in Little Rock and took him to play a round of golf. I was able to share with him what a fine Christian influence he had been in my life and thanked him for living a life pleasing to God and for all of us military boys to see. I'm so glad God impressed upon me to do this as he died about a year later. I still keep up with John Wand we correspond often ... still sharing our love for church music together.
After I completed basic training at Ft. Ord, California as a raw recruit, I became the company drummer, a Platoon Sergeant, a Water Safety Instructor, a Mail Clerk, and then the Prisoner Chase Officer. After serving my enlisted time of 2 years, I was honorably discharged "at the convenience of the government" and while I did indeed fulfill my desire for things tough, new and exciting ... I had a growing eagerness for some female companionship.
So, I headed back home to Arkansas and I invited my friend Sheila, from Canada, to be a houseguest of my family. BIG MISTAKE! She came and stayed, and stayed and stayed. So when she announced that she not only intended to further extend her stay, but that she also had marriage in mind - I bolted.
I left home (and Sheila) and met with several buddies who were in the Air National Guard and about to leave for training at Kelly Field in San Antonio. As cowardly as it was to run away (I really had no other plans), I told Sheila: "my country needs me and I HAVE TO GO!" I thought this was the perfect answer and surely she would go back home by then ... just invest 2 weeks in the Air National Guard and then resign, since it was a volunteer organization and one could get out about as easily as one could get in. SECOND BIG MISTAKE!
I joined my buddies, was issued a uniform and then was sent off to camp. Wouldn't you know it, before the two required weeks were completed, our outfit, the 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing, was activated by the Pentagon to be sent to the Korean War - and there was no way of getting out of any of it then!
My orders were to report to Langley Field, Virginia in October 1950 for overseas training. My army rank was restored and upon testing at Langley, I was given the highest enlisted man rating of Master Sergeant of the Air Installations Squadron. This time around, I performed duties of 1st Sergeant, and Drill Instructor. I began to feel that military life might become a permanent field of endeavor.
We flew to Japan and received orientation and a one-month combat training at Itazuke Air Force Base. They asked for volunteers to go first and get it over with ... that seemed very macho and adventuresome, so I volunteered. We landed in a rice paddy in our C-47 at K-8 near Kunsan, Korea. We were to be replacements for guys who had been there the previous 6 months. The war was going on 100 or so miles north of us, but we had shots fired in our direction now and again.
After 6 months, we were transferred to K-2, the base near Taegu, Korea where we lived in metal Quonset huts. Rarely was God ever mentioned in our hut other than in cursing. I regret that I was not a born-again witness to testify to the grace and love of God. On Christmas Eve, we started singing carols and drinking beer. It didn't seem to occur to anyone that what we were doing was an irreverent way to honor Jesus. When we turned out the lights at midnight, I felt so convicted and homesick that I cried silently until I went to sleep.
Some guys drank almost everything alcoholic they could get their hands on. The more alcohol they consumed, the more they talked about home, family, wives or girl friends. John Bradshaw, also from Little Rock, became my best friend and my Christian role model. He was a married man who never drank, smoked, gambled or cursed. Instead, he would go off someplace quiet and read his Bible every night. That made quite an impression on me. I saw in John a man who lived the kind of life that embodied all the finest traits that I would like to develop. He was a Godly example that I have remembered all my life.
After serving my time in the Air Force, I was honorably discharged "at the convenience of the government," and while I did flee the clutches of Sheila, reentered the US at age 23 with unacceptable language and boorish manners, but with an idea from John of how a Christian should act.
In a few weeks, my mom encouraged me to attend a tent revival sponsored by First Baptist Church where she attended regularly. I told her that I didn't need God or anybody else. I was lost, hurt, angry, self-centered and I thought self-sufficient. It would take a miracle to change my base, miserable and sinful life. I sure wasn't looking for a miracle, but it came anyway, Praise God.
I arrived at the revival a little late and stood outside the tent. When the very meaningful message was over, the preacher asked that those who were not Christian to lift a hand. For the first time, I realized that included me. I was reluctant to do so, but being outside in the dark, who would ever know that I admitted that? Would you believe that my mother's Sunday School teacher was out there and she had been watching me the entire time? She witnessed to me that night.
I think it was "Ladies Night" the next time I went to church with my mother. According to the guest minister, God had impressed him to change his "nice ladies message to preach to some unsaved person." I was impressed with him, the man singing and playing the trumpet and with the message of salvation to anyone who believed in Jesus Christ. It seemed meant just for me. I responded by publicly going forward during the invitation to trust Him with my whole heart. I sure had not planned to do it, but after thinking about it for weeks, there was no doubt that all my mistakes, hurts, shame, failures and guilt were somehow gone forever.
How could God do that for me? And I could hardly believe that it was free for the asking. However, salvation is not cheap. It cost God His only Son. I only had to ask His forgiveness and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe." The congregation rejoiced with my public decision. A mid-nineteenth century hymn states it so well: 'That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul. My sin, not in part, but the whole is nailed to the Cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul." I began a 1800 about-face that night.
I got a job at the Melody Shop, which was the best hangout in town where I got to sell records and record players, while listening to music all day. Also at this time our church Minister of Music, John Walker, asked me to sing in the adult choir. That was a laugh! I had never tried to sing anywhere ... in school or church. He pointed out that there was a shortage of men and he would help me learn. I remember him saying, "Would you just come, fill a seat and try?"
I did. He had me sit next to his best bass singer and I tried to "go up" and "go down" when he did. I was sort of getting the hang of it after a few weeks of rehearsals. Would you believe, it wasn't long before I was elected vice-president of the choir. It was the only thing I had ever been elected to in my life and I finally belonged somewhere.
A little later, I was asked to be a part of a male quartet. Then in a few more weeks, John wanted me to lead the music in church on Sunday while he was on vacation. I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn't possibly do that! But with God's help I did and I loved it. There were about 1,200 people in the congregation and about 50 in the choir. I was so nervous I thought I would die on the spot. Despite my knees literally knocking together, once it was over the experience was enjoyable.
About this time, the associate pastor asked, “Veo, what do you think is God’s will for your life”? I had no idea what he was talking about, “God’s what”?, I replied. “God has a plan for your life and you must pray about that and ask Him to show you what it is.” Wow, I was going to work at the Melody Shop every day, going to choir on Wednesdays, church twice on Sunday and singing with the youth group at jail services - what more could God want from me?
I began praying and asking God to show me His will for my life. Soon thoughts of going back to college were coming regularly. The overwhelming and continuing impression was that I should go to college and study church music. Baylor University in Waco, Texas was the place for me. My veteran's benefits helped with expenses while I began the difficult task of understanding and studying English Composition, Poetry, U.S. History, European History, Old Testament, New Testament. I had no idea that a music major had to study all the above plus Music Theory, Applied Voice, Applied Piano, Music Appreciation, Conducting, Music History, Composition and Hymnology, to name a few. I was also assigned practice hall time almost every day and went many nights.
The second quarter brought an invitation to become a member of the Baylor Religious Hour Choir, where life-long friendships were formed. Then came a call from the music committee from my home church in Little Rock with an invitation to serve as music and youth director for the summer. I could hardly believe it. Almost every waking hour and every ounce of my energy went into that job. I was in charge of the adult choir, youth choir, ensembles, youth programs, retreats, revival music and after-church fellowships. With very little experience on my part, a loving and appreciative choir and congregation made it work far better than I could imagine. The Lord and His people at my home church were so good to me.
I was worn out when I arrived back a Baylor but ready to go on and get my Bachelor of Music Degree, then on to my Master of Church Music Degree and for all that God had in store for me in becoming a full and lifetime servant of His ministry. How truly blessed I am that God provided the wonderful influences of thousands of friends and teachers along the way, but especially the two Johns in my life ... Praise God!
Follow Up:
Through these many years, I have become more and more aware and thankful for the influence and witness of the two Johns in my life. About 12 years after leaving the military, I searched to reunite with John B. I found him in Little Rock and took him to play a round of golf. I was able to share with him what a fine Christian influence he had been in my life and thanked him for living a life pleasing to God and for all of us military boys to see. I'm so glad God impressed upon me to do this as he died about a year later. I still keep up with John Wand we correspond often ... still sharing our love for church music together.
Merle R. Flagg, U.S. Air Force
In the fall of 1949 when the Korean War broke out I was 1 quarter away from graduation from the School of Music of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. I was at that time a Tank Commander in a mechanized cavalry unit of the Illinois National Guard.
During the 1949 Christmas vacation I flew to Boling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. and auditioned for Warrant Officer Robert Landers, director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants.
He said the Sergeants were at full strength but the Bandmaster of the 691st Air Force Band at Selfridge Field in Detroit, Michigan had been in that morning looking for a male vocalist. He told me if I would go back to Chicago and enlist in the USAF I would be sent to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and then to Selfridge Field. I enlisted in Chicago and on Jan 5, 1950 left Chicago for Lackland on a troop train when it was 10 degrees below zero in a blizzard.
Somewhere around Temple, Texas our troop train pulled off on a siding to let a commercial passenger train by; they let us get off and walk up and down the RR right of way. It was bright sunny and about 60 degrees. I said, "I've died and gone to heaven" and I resolved never to go back to cold weather.
When we got to Lackland, there was a tremendous influx of inductees; all of the parade grounds were covered with tents and the mess halls were feeding 24 hrs per day; we stood in front of a barracks for 6 hours; after a norther blew in they brought us blankets for the cold.
Lo and behold, I was sent to Selfridge just as Warrant Officer Landers had said I would. I was a male vocalist with the 691st Air Force Band and was the choral conductor. I also played clarinet in the marching band and baritone sax in one of the dance bands.
In the spring of 1951 I applied for USAF Officers' Candidate School.
In May of 1951, the 691st and chorus were chosen to provide the music for the National Armed Forces Day Program.
I had almost forgotten about OCS when one day in September the First Sergeant called me in and asked if I still wanted to go to OCS. When I said yes, he told me I had to be back at Lackland in San Antonio in 3 days. I cleared the base in one-half day and drove straight through to San Antonio. While in OCS I was the OCS Choir director. We had both male and female Officer Candidates.
The Air Force flew a small group of us to Dallas where we performed over WFAA TV. We also did a concert at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. Near the end of March, 1952 I received a 5-year commission as a USAF 2d Lieutenant. I was sent to New Rochelle, NY for a six-week specialist's school to become an Information and Education Officer whose duty it was to publicize Air Base information and to arrange for off¬ duty education for airmen.
I was sent to San Marcos Air Force Base, San Marcos, Texas. Lottie Lee was working in the next office. I served as I&E Officer for about 4 months when USAF decided to fill that job with a Master Sergeant.
I then became an Assistant Officer's Open Mess Officer. By Base regulation, I was required to inventory the liquor on the bar each New Year's day. I am told that if there was only a small amount left in a bottle, the previous inventory takers simply drank it rather than count it. I swear I counted it.
I was later assigned as Supply Officer for the helicopter ground school. I also taught Search and Rescue Procedure and Weight and Balance Procedure in the helicopter ground school.
In August, 1953, USAF suddenly said that if an officer did not want to sign up for an indefinite appointment, that officer would be released immediately. I left USAF in August, 1953, went back to Northwestern and finished my music degree in the Spring of 1954 and entered the University of Texas Law School in September, 1954.
During the 1949 Christmas vacation I flew to Boling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. and auditioned for Warrant Officer Robert Landers, director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants.
He said the Sergeants were at full strength but the Bandmaster of the 691st Air Force Band at Selfridge Field in Detroit, Michigan had been in that morning looking for a male vocalist. He told me if I would go back to Chicago and enlist in the USAF I would be sent to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and then to Selfridge Field. I enlisted in Chicago and on Jan 5, 1950 left Chicago for Lackland on a troop train when it was 10 degrees below zero in a blizzard.
Somewhere around Temple, Texas our troop train pulled off on a siding to let a commercial passenger train by; they let us get off and walk up and down the RR right of way. It was bright sunny and about 60 degrees. I said, "I've died and gone to heaven" and I resolved never to go back to cold weather.
When we got to Lackland, there was a tremendous influx of inductees; all of the parade grounds were covered with tents and the mess halls were feeding 24 hrs per day; we stood in front of a barracks for 6 hours; after a norther blew in they brought us blankets for the cold.
Lo and behold, I was sent to Selfridge just as Warrant Officer Landers had said I would. I was a male vocalist with the 691st Air Force Band and was the choral conductor. I also played clarinet in the marching band and baritone sax in one of the dance bands.
In the spring of 1951 I applied for USAF Officers' Candidate School.
In May of 1951, the 691st and chorus were chosen to provide the music for the National Armed Forces Day Program.
I had almost forgotten about OCS when one day in September the First Sergeant called me in and asked if I still wanted to go to OCS. When I said yes, he told me I had to be back at Lackland in San Antonio in 3 days. I cleared the base in one-half day and drove straight through to San Antonio. While in OCS I was the OCS Choir director. We had both male and female Officer Candidates.
The Air Force flew a small group of us to Dallas where we performed over WFAA TV. We also did a concert at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. Near the end of March, 1952 I received a 5-year commission as a USAF 2d Lieutenant. I was sent to New Rochelle, NY for a six-week specialist's school to become an Information and Education Officer whose duty it was to publicize Air Base information and to arrange for off¬ duty education for airmen.
I was sent to San Marcos Air Force Base, San Marcos, Texas. Lottie Lee was working in the next office. I served as I&E Officer for about 4 months when USAF decided to fill that job with a Master Sergeant.
I then became an Assistant Officer's Open Mess Officer. By Base regulation, I was required to inventory the liquor on the bar each New Year's day. I am told that if there was only a small amount left in a bottle, the previous inventory takers simply drank it rather than count it. I swear I counted it.
I was later assigned as Supply Officer for the helicopter ground school. I also taught Search and Rescue Procedure and Weight and Balance Procedure in the helicopter ground school.
In August, 1953, USAF suddenly said that if an officer did not want to sign up for an indefinite appointment, that officer would be released immediately. I left USAF in August, 1953, went back to Northwestern and finished my music degree in the Spring of 1954 and entered the University of Texas Law School in September, 1954.
Jewell A. Davis, Jr., U.S. Air Force
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS
Because of the conflict in Korea many young men dropped out of college to enlist in one of the services. My roommate, another student and boyhood friend, and I dropped out of Stetson University to join the United States Air Force.
Following an abbreviated basic training and a battery of tests; I was assigned to radio school. Upon graduation as a Ground Radio Repairman I was assigned to Okinawa for two years. Three months of that time was spent at advanced radio school located at a former Japanese Kamikaze training facility outside Tokyo, Japan. The last year of service was spent in the states with a squadron responsible for installation of aircraft control tower communication, radar and navigation systems. This challenging technical experience inspired me to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering (BEE). This led to a thirty year career the Aerospace and Defense industry.
As important as it was to obtain career guidance at a critical time in my young life, my time in service was most rewarding spiritually. While in Okinawa I was privileged to read the Bible and pray with my barracks mates, teach a Sunday morning Bible class at the base chapel and to take part in a mission church which the servicemen built for the local islanders.
In Japan I participated with the service personnel in a true "Gospel Hour" service at the base chapel each Sunday night. Besides being blessed with preaching from dedicated Chaplains, missionaries from around the area came to preach. One was Dub Jackson, our Southern Baptist missionary for many years in Japan. Another was Bob Boardman of the Navigators who instilled in me the importance of directed Bible study and memory work.
The services were attended by Japanese who worked on the base and others from off base. A great mark on my spiritual understanding of 'wars and rumors of wars' was the testimony of a sixteen year old Japanese girl who said ... "I am so glad that my country lost the war (World War II) because I was able to learn of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior".
Another reality of doors being opened in Japan after WWII had already occurred. In 1942, Jacob DeShazer, a captured member of the Doolittle Raiders (who bombed Tokyo) came to know the Lord while reading the Bible given to him by a guard in a Japanese prison. Later he returned to Japan as a missionary, wrote and distributed a tract of his experience which was read by Mitsuo Fuchida who came to know the Lord in 1950. It was Captain Fuchida who flew the lead aircraft in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
Stories like these have happened all over the globe, and are still being written today wherever the conflicts of war open doors and make possible the telling of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jewell A. Davis, Jr., Korean War Veteran
Airman First Class, United States Air Force
January 8, 1951 – January 7, 1955
Because of the conflict in Korea many young men dropped out of college to enlist in one of the services. My roommate, another student and boyhood friend, and I dropped out of Stetson University to join the United States Air Force.
Following an abbreviated basic training and a battery of tests; I was assigned to radio school. Upon graduation as a Ground Radio Repairman I was assigned to Okinawa for two years. Three months of that time was spent at advanced radio school located at a former Japanese Kamikaze training facility outside Tokyo, Japan. The last year of service was spent in the states with a squadron responsible for installation of aircraft control tower communication, radar and navigation systems. This challenging technical experience inspired me to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering (BEE). This led to a thirty year career the Aerospace and Defense industry.
As important as it was to obtain career guidance at a critical time in my young life, my time in service was most rewarding spiritually. While in Okinawa I was privileged to read the Bible and pray with my barracks mates, teach a Sunday morning Bible class at the base chapel and to take part in a mission church which the servicemen built for the local islanders.
In Japan I participated with the service personnel in a true "Gospel Hour" service at the base chapel each Sunday night. Besides being blessed with preaching from dedicated Chaplains, missionaries from around the area came to preach. One was Dub Jackson, our Southern Baptist missionary for many years in Japan. Another was Bob Boardman of the Navigators who instilled in me the importance of directed Bible study and memory work.
The services were attended by Japanese who worked on the base and others from off base. A great mark on my spiritual understanding of 'wars and rumors of wars' was the testimony of a sixteen year old Japanese girl who said ... "I am so glad that my country lost the war (World War II) because I was able to learn of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior".
Another reality of doors being opened in Japan after WWII had already occurred. In 1942, Jacob DeShazer, a captured member of the Doolittle Raiders (who bombed Tokyo) came to know the Lord while reading the Bible given to him by a guard in a Japanese prison. Later he returned to Japan as a missionary, wrote and distributed a tract of his experience which was read by Mitsuo Fuchida who came to know the Lord in 1950. It was Captain Fuchida who flew the lead aircraft in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
Stories like these have happened all over the globe, and are still being written today wherever the conflicts of war open doors and make possible the telling of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jewell A. Davis, Jr., Korean War Veteran
Airman First Class, United States Air Force
January 8, 1951 – January 7, 1955
William E. (Bill) Nix, U.S. Army
Commemoration of Armed Forces Day 1953 - Open house at Sheppard AFB, Texas
Former Sheppard Basic Returns After 50 B-26 Missions in Korea
Korean veteran Al2C William E. Nix, who took his basic training at Sheppard AFB back in 1951, has returned to Sheppard to learn aircraft maintenance.
Bill spent six months in Korea. He was there from the middle of June to early December 1952 as a gunner on the famed Douglas B-26. He made fifty missions in the B-26, most of them as night reconnaissance "search and destroy" sorties.
For his duty in Korea he was awarded the Air Medal with two oak-leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a unit Presidential Citation, the Korean Presidential Citation, and the Korean War Service Medal.
Before going overseas he received Advanced Technical Training at Lowery AFB, CO, and Combat Crew Training at Langley AFB, VA. Upon his return from Korea, Bill was assigned as B-29 a crew member in the Strategic Air Command at Barksdale AFB, LA.
Bill returned to Sheppard and entered the Aircraft and Engine Specialist program. At graduation Bill was promoted to A/1 C and invited to receive training and become an instructor at Sheppard.
In early 1955 he was reassigned to an Air Refueling Squadron at Mac Dill AFB, FL, where he joined a unit as it went on assignment to Morocco. Upon his return, Bill received an honorable Discharge and returned home to Texas and to civilian life in order to attend college and begin his career.
Former Sheppard Basic Returns After 50 B-26 Missions in Korea
Korean veteran Al2C William E. Nix, who took his basic training at Sheppard AFB back in 1951, has returned to Sheppard to learn aircraft maintenance.
Bill spent six months in Korea. He was there from the middle of June to early December 1952 as a gunner on the famed Douglas B-26. He made fifty missions in the B-26, most of them as night reconnaissance "search and destroy" sorties.
For his duty in Korea he was awarded the Air Medal with two oak-leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a unit Presidential Citation, the Korean Presidential Citation, and the Korean War Service Medal.
Before going overseas he received Advanced Technical Training at Lowery AFB, CO, and Combat Crew Training at Langley AFB, VA. Upon his return from Korea, Bill was assigned as B-29 a crew member in the Strategic Air Command at Barksdale AFB, LA.
Bill returned to Sheppard and entered the Aircraft and Engine Specialist program. At graduation Bill was promoted to A/1 C and invited to receive training and become an instructor at Sheppard.
In early 1955 he was reassigned to an Air Refueling Squadron at Mac Dill AFB, FL, where he joined a unit as it went on assignment to Morocco. Upon his return, Bill received an honorable Discharge and returned home to Texas and to civilian life in order to attend college and begin his career.
Dick Clements, U.S. Army
Contact information: Dick Clements
6741 Velasco, Dallas, TX 75214
214-827-1718 972-380-3368 (Voice Mail)
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Army
Time of service: May, 1953 – May, 1955
War: Korean
I had recently lost my parents in an automobile accident and while in college, I was drafted. I had a difficult time understanding all of the turmoil taking place in my life at this time. However, I never felt anything but patriotism in serving my country even though I was being faced with possibly going into conflict with our enemy. I was blessed by the Lord in untold ways by His protection over me. I was trained at Camp Roberts, CA for sixteen weeks in the infantry and was then transferred to Fort Lewis, WA where I was assigned to the 546th Field Artillery Battalion. Our company commander was from Texas and during our interview time, he assigned me to work with the Warrant Officer and Supply Sergeant in the Service Battery where I completed my final months and became the Battalion Supply Sergeant.
The greatest blessing awaiting me shortly after my discharge and entering the Real Estate Profession, I met my precious wife, Chloie. She encouraged me to become active in the Lord's work, and we have faithfully served Him together for forty¬-eight years.
6741 Velasco, Dallas, TX 75214
214-827-1718 972-380-3368 (Voice Mail)
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Army
Time of service: May, 1953 – May, 1955
War: Korean
I had recently lost my parents in an automobile accident and while in college, I was drafted. I had a difficult time understanding all of the turmoil taking place in my life at this time. However, I never felt anything but patriotism in serving my country even though I was being faced with possibly going into conflict with our enemy. I was blessed by the Lord in untold ways by His protection over me. I was trained at Camp Roberts, CA for sixteen weeks in the infantry and was then transferred to Fort Lewis, WA where I was assigned to the 546th Field Artillery Battalion. Our company commander was from Texas and during our interview time, he assigned me to work with the Warrant Officer and Supply Sergeant in the Service Battery where I completed my final months and became the Battalion Supply Sergeant.
The greatest blessing awaiting me shortly after my discharge and entering the Real Estate Profession, I met my precious wife, Chloie. She encouraged me to become active in the Lord's work, and we have faithfully served Him together for forty¬-eight years.
Jack L. Davis, U.S. Naval Reserve
Radioman 3rd Class
USS Leo AKA-60
I was a member of the United States Naval Reserve during college and activated to report to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois for boot training on January 9, 1952.
After completion of boot camp I reported to the USS Leo AKA-60 in Alameda, California dry dock yards. The Leo was a Cargo Attack Ship being readied to carry ammunition and supplies to troops in Korea. I was a Radioman on the Leo which carried out several assignments in Alaska, Japan and the South Pacific.
The most memorable was the first H-Bomb test called "Operation Ivy" which was top secret at the time. The Leo carried tanks of liquid nitrogen for the bomb as well as technicians and equipment for testing devices at different points in the sea. The USS Leo arrived at Eniwetok Island on October 20, 1952 with many other U.S. ships. The bomb was detonated on November 1, 1952. The fireball of the explosion was estimated to be 12 megatons and the mushroom cloud with tons of lethal fallout rose 130,000 feet into the stratosphere. What a sight to behold.
USS Leo AKA-60
I was a member of the United States Naval Reserve during college and activated to report to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois for boot training on January 9, 1952.
After completion of boot camp I reported to the USS Leo AKA-60 in Alameda, California dry dock yards. The Leo was a Cargo Attack Ship being readied to carry ammunition and supplies to troops in Korea. I was a Radioman on the Leo which carried out several assignments in Alaska, Japan and the South Pacific.
The most memorable was the first H-Bomb test called "Operation Ivy" which was top secret at the time. The Leo carried tanks of liquid nitrogen for the bomb as well as technicians and equipment for testing devices at different points in the sea. The USS Leo arrived at Eniwetok Island on October 20, 1952 with many other U.S. ships. The bomb was detonated on November 1, 1952. The fireball of the explosion was estimated to be 12 megatons and the mushroom cloud with tons of lethal fallout rose 130,000 feet into the stratosphere. What a sight to behold.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Paul A. Lockhart, Jr., U.S. Navy
Served in the Marine Corps beginning in 1944 (at age 18), in Navy officer training. He was involved through 1947, at the bases in Quantico, VA and Lejune, N.C. His last rank was first lieutenant.
In 1951 he was called back in during the Korean War to Quantico, VA and then Quonset Point, R.I. (N.A.S.), assigned to navy-marine security force, through the summer of 1952.
The only thing I remember my father saying about this was that most of the men he was with during the Korean War were sent over to Korea and most of them were killed. He told me he was probably physically in the best shape he'd ever been in, having spent some previous summers very involved in mountain climbing in Colorado. He did not know why he was not sent to Korea, except that the Lord had other plans for him.
Submitted by Sarah Lockhart Wilpitz
In 1951 he was called back in during the Korean War to Quantico, VA and then Quonset Point, R.I. (N.A.S.), assigned to navy-marine security force, through the summer of 1952.
The only thing I remember my father saying about this was that most of the men he was with during the Korean War were sent over to Korea and most of them were killed. He told me he was probably physically in the best shape he'd ever been in, having spent some previous summers very involved in mountain climbing in Colorado. He did not know why he was not sent to Korea, except that the Lord had other plans for him.
Submitted by Sarah Lockhart Wilpitz
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wes Johnson, U.S. Air Force
After completing basic training at Lackland AFB and medical training in Montgomery Alabama, I was transferred to Japan and Korea for 13 months. While there as a medical technician, I flew wounded and sick military personal from Korea to Japan, within Korea and within Japan. During this time I experienced several interesting situations: 1) Transported a very seriously wounded soldier back to Korea so he could be placed on a kidney machine (only one in the Far East). 2) Moved a polio patient from Korea to Japan in a portable iron lung. 3) Brought UN POW's from Korea to Japan. 4) Escorted a group of Filipino soldier from Japan to Philippians. 5) Evacuated wounded North Koreans and Chinese soldiers after they tried to break out of our POW camp. 6) Evacuated wounded from island off coast of Korea where we had to land and take off on a beach while the tide was out. 7) Handled many other situations too difficult to mention.
After returning to the states, I was assigned to Boling AFB in Washington DC. I never wanted to be stationed in Washington but with the military I had no choice. The only good thing that came out of that city was when I met and married my wife Anne 50 years ago.
My last assignment was at the Pentagon where we treated Air Force General Officers and the Secretary of the Air Force. That was both very interesting and nerve-racking experience. As a general statement generals were easy to treat as long as they were confident that we knew what we were doing. Sometimes we had to "bluff' a little and hope everything came out OK.. I guess it did since I made Staff Sergeant and received an honorable discharge on December 31, 1955.
After returning to the states, I was assigned to Boling AFB in Washington DC. I never wanted to be stationed in Washington but with the military I had no choice. The only good thing that came out of that city was when I met and married my wife Anne 50 years ago.
My last assignment was at the Pentagon where we treated Air Force General Officers and the Secretary of the Air Force. That was both very interesting and nerve-racking experience. As a general statement generals were easy to treat as long as they were confident that we knew what we were doing. Sometimes we had to "bluff' a little and hope everything came out OK.. I guess it did since I made Staff Sergeant and received an honorable discharge on December 31, 1955.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Jimmy Wayne Courson, U.S. Marine Corp.
Jimmy Wayne Courson U.S. Marine Corp.-Korean War
Serial number 1174804 1st Marine Division
In early 1951 I was outside of the First Baptist Church in Dallas working for the Dallas Power and Light Company ... digging a ditch ... that's when I decided to join the Marines.
I went to boot camp in San Diego, California and then to Camp Pendleton for combat training. After four months training we boarded ships for Korea. We landed in Seoul, boarded trucks and were convoyed about 50 miles up to a staging area. We were then assigned to different outfits. I was assigned to a small group, comprised of five men. We were put into a forward observer outfit. We were then assigned to the KMCs (Korean Marine Corp.). We lived with them and went on patrols and called in naval gun fire air strikes and artillery when we had targets. When we got to the Korean outfit we found them to be very green troops, but willing to fight. A few days after joining them we were sent out on patrol about three miles in front of the front lines to take a small hill that the Chinese had dug in on. The hill was in a large valley that had been farming country. There was a small village below the hill, but I never saw but one old man in it. About 400 yards from the village was a railroad track with a bombed out steam engine lying on its side. When we got within a half mile of the hill, we started getting mortar rounds on us. Several of the KMCs were killed and wounded. None of our unit was harmed. We called in an air strike on the hill and within a couple of hours the Chinese ran from the hill. The KMCs had a lot of killed and wounded, but none of our five got a scratch.
After we had occupied the hill we started digging in and reinforcing because we knew we would be counterattacked that night. The guy I was partnering with and I stayed in one bunker and two others in another, and the Lieutenant was in one by himself. Just before daylight we were attacked and overrun. We got back into the bunkers and called in artillery on our position. When it was over with, we came out to check and see if anyone was wounded or killed. The KMCs had several wounded and killed. Our bunch was okay. It was quiet the next couple of hours and we were trying to get some sleep. I had just dozed off when we started getting mortar rounds on top of us. We jumped up and started out of the trenches when a mortar round landed on our bunker and caved the roof in. My buddy was close to the entrance and got out, but I was trapped. One leg was sticking back and the other was sticking forward under my chest. I had a log across my back. When everything quieted down the Lt. got a bunch of KMCs and they dug me out. This took about 30 minutes and it was the longest time I had ever spent in my life. When I got out and walked around a few minutes, I knew that I was not hurt other than a scrape on my back. I think this was the closest I ever came to dying. Later, we were sent to the mountains further north. The weather was getting colder and we hadn't been issued our winter clothes or sleeping bags. When they finally came we went down the mountain to a river and bathed. We used our helmets to heat water. We were getting mighty rank and smelly. We were constantly on patrol and calling in air strikes and artillery. We called in naval gunfire and when the 16" shells came over they sounded like a train passing overhead. It snowed hard that winter and up on the mountains it was 4 to 5 feet deep.
This was the coldest winter I have ever been through. After one year 1 was rotated home and spent the rest of my tour of duty in California. I was in two major battles, on many patrols and in several fire fights, but was never wounded or hurt in any way.
Jimmy Wayne Courson
7111 Odell Ave.
Rockwall, TX 75087
972-771-7531
Serial number 1174804 1st Marine Division
In early 1951 I was outside of the First Baptist Church in Dallas working for the Dallas Power and Light Company ... digging a ditch ... that's when I decided to join the Marines.
I went to boot camp in San Diego, California and then to Camp Pendleton for combat training. After four months training we boarded ships for Korea. We landed in Seoul, boarded trucks and were convoyed about 50 miles up to a staging area. We were then assigned to different outfits. I was assigned to a small group, comprised of five men. We were put into a forward observer outfit. We were then assigned to the KMCs (Korean Marine Corp.). We lived with them and went on patrols and called in naval gun fire air strikes and artillery when we had targets. When we got to the Korean outfit we found them to be very green troops, but willing to fight. A few days after joining them we were sent out on patrol about three miles in front of the front lines to take a small hill that the Chinese had dug in on. The hill was in a large valley that had been farming country. There was a small village below the hill, but I never saw but one old man in it. About 400 yards from the village was a railroad track with a bombed out steam engine lying on its side. When we got within a half mile of the hill, we started getting mortar rounds on us. Several of the KMCs were killed and wounded. None of our unit was harmed. We called in an air strike on the hill and within a couple of hours the Chinese ran from the hill. The KMCs had a lot of killed and wounded, but none of our five got a scratch.
After we had occupied the hill we started digging in and reinforcing because we knew we would be counterattacked that night. The guy I was partnering with and I stayed in one bunker and two others in another, and the Lieutenant was in one by himself. Just before daylight we were attacked and overrun. We got back into the bunkers and called in artillery on our position. When it was over with, we came out to check and see if anyone was wounded or killed. The KMCs had several wounded and killed. Our bunch was okay. It was quiet the next couple of hours and we were trying to get some sleep. I had just dozed off when we started getting mortar rounds on top of us. We jumped up and started out of the trenches when a mortar round landed on our bunker and caved the roof in. My buddy was close to the entrance and got out, but I was trapped. One leg was sticking back and the other was sticking forward under my chest. I had a log across my back. When everything quieted down the Lt. got a bunch of KMCs and they dug me out. This took about 30 minutes and it was the longest time I had ever spent in my life. When I got out and walked around a few minutes, I knew that I was not hurt other than a scrape on my back. I think this was the closest I ever came to dying. Later, we were sent to the mountains further north. The weather was getting colder and we hadn't been issued our winter clothes or sleeping bags. When they finally came we went down the mountain to a river and bathed. We used our helmets to heat water. We were getting mighty rank and smelly. We were constantly on patrol and calling in air strikes and artillery. We called in naval gunfire and when the 16" shells came over they sounded like a train passing overhead. It snowed hard that winter and up on the mountains it was 4 to 5 feet deep.
This was the coldest winter I have ever been through. After one year 1 was rotated home and spent the rest of my tour of duty in California. I was in two major battles, on many patrols and in several fire fights, but was never wounded or hurt in any way.
Jimmy Wayne Courson
7111 Odell Ave.
Rockwall, TX 75087
972-771-7531
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Robt. E. McDonald, U.S. Army
My Military History by Robert E. McDonald
In August 1954 my friends and neighbors decided that the U. S. Army needed me more than Phillips Petroleum at Amarillo did.
I arrived promptly at Fort Bliss, Texas to begin eight weeks of basic training. The most memorable event at that location was crawling over the sharpest rocks in Texas for fifty yards while 50 caliber machine gun bullets flew three feet above my head.
After Fort Bliss, I was sent to my second eight weeks of basic training at Camp Gordon, Georgia. I was enrolled in the Southeastern Signal School taking the Signal Message Clerk course. Upon graduation early in 1955, I was sent to Camp Kilmer, NJ to await embarkation from Brooklyn Navy Yard on a troop ship. The Atlantic Ocean kept me seasick for ten days until we arrived at Bremerhaven, Germany. Ultimately I was assigned to the Headquarters Battery of the 4th Infantry Division Artillery in Frankfurt, Germany. Our unit controlled five gun battalions at various cities near Frankfurt. While working in the message center, it was mandatory that I have a "Secret" clearance. After the Communications Officer found out that I was a typist, he transferred me from the message center to the duty of being his clerk-typist. At this point I was required to take a turn at guard duty, which at first required outside walking in a temperature of 17 degrees below zero. My most significant duty for that period consisted of typing communications from tape recordings by the communications sections in the field for fire direction control, spending six weeks in the field at a site 17 miles from the Czech border.
In September 1955, after returning from the above field maneuvers, my Battery had a notice from 7th Army Headquarters that it must furnish a clerk-typist cleared for "Secret" to serve temporary duty (TDY) at the 7th Army Headquarters Transportation Division Stuttgart, Germany. The Communication Officer did not want to let me transfer, but no one else fit the bill. The job in Stuttgart consisted of typing all the handwritten Operations Orders prepared by three officers for a project called “Exercise Road Bound III.” The exercise would be a “live” practice of all the required operations to evacuate all of the required operations to evacuate all of the military dependents and civilian personnel out of Germany if the Soviets were to attack. When the exercise began, the other clerk-typist and myself were required to go along and observe from the exercise Command Post. This duty was one of the most important and rewarding of my Army career. The Officers that we typed for at the 7th Army sent a request to my home base to raise my rank, which they did posthaste.
After returning to Frankfurt about Christmas time in 1955, the duty was routine office work along with the required monthly alerts, which sent the whole unit into the woods nearby.
All the time of my service, my Wife, Joan, whom I married while at the beginning of my senior year at Hardin Simmons in September of 1953, did not get to accompany me. Some soldiers in my outfit in Germany brought their wives over and lived in the German economy, but that took more money than our small resources would allow. Joan stayed with her Parents in Abilene, Texas and saved her allotments so we could have a good start at homemaking in Austin, Texas where I pursued a graduate accounting degree from the University of Texas.
I spent a good deal of my leisure time in Germany writing letters to my bride back home. Ninety-five percent of the GI's in my unit (married and single) spent most of their time pursuing frauleins at the local bars and clubs in Frankfurt. I vowed to the Lord that I would be faithful to Joan throughout all of this difficult separation. I figured that if I broke this vow, then the Russians would attack the U.S. Army in Germany before I left for home or that my troop ship would sink on the way home. I was ridiculed by some of my fellow soldiers and all of the Sergeants of my section. At each morning formation when we lined up for dispatch to various jobs, my section Sergeant would say "Fall out _____ _____ , using an obscene name to label me as person who practiced abstinence. I went to my office and the others marched off to their workstations. In today's Army, I could have easily had him court martialed. I returned to Joan safely and he became the most disliked (by all the men) Sergeant in the whole unit.
I spent most of the other time at the GI movies and touring Germany, Italy, France, England, and Holland.
Riding on the ship to the States, I had to pull KP, which did not mix very well with seasickness, but it was worth it to finally see Joan when she met me at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. She was the most beautiful sight that I had seen since I left her in December 1954.
In August 1954 my friends and neighbors decided that the U. S. Army needed me more than Phillips Petroleum at Amarillo did.
I arrived promptly at Fort Bliss, Texas to begin eight weeks of basic training. The most memorable event at that location was crawling over the sharpest rocks in Texas for fifty yards while 50 caliber machine gun bullets flew three feet above my head.
After Fort Bliss, I was sent to my second eight weeks of basic training at Camp Gordon, Georgia. I was enrolled in the Southeastern Signal School taking the Signal Message Clerk course. Upon graduation early in 1955, I was sent to Camp Kilmer, NJ to await embarkation from Brooklyn Navy Yard on a troop ship. The Atlantic Ocean kept me seasick for ten days until we arrived at Bremerhaven, Germany. Ultimately I was assigned to the Headquarters Battery of the 4th Infantry Division Artillery in Frankfurt, Germany. Our unit controlled five gun battalions at various cities near Frankfurt. While working in the message center, it was mandatory that I have a "Secret" clearance. After the Communications Officer found out that I was a typist, he transferred me from the message center to the duty of being his clerk-typist. At this point I was required to take a turn at guard duty, which at first required outside walking in a temperature of 17 degrees below zero. My most significant duty for that period consisted of typing communications from tape recordings by the communications sections in the field for fire direction control, spending six weeks in the field at a site 17 miles from the Czech border.
In September 1955, after returning from the above field maneuvers, my Battery had a notice from 7th Army Headquarters that it must furnish a clerk-typist cleared for "Secret" to serve temporary duty (TDY) at the 7th Army Headquarters Transportation Division Stuttgart, Germany. The Communication Officer did not want to let me transfer, but no one else fit the bill. The job in Stuttgart consisted of typing all the handwritten Operations Orders prepared by three officers for a project called “Exercise Road Bound III.” The exercise would be a “live” practice of all the required operations to evacuate all of the required operations to evacuate all of the military dependents and civilian personnel out of Germany if the Soviets were to attack. When the exercise began, the other clerk-typist and myself were required to go along and observe from the exercise Command Post. This duty was one of the most important and rewarding of my Army career. The Officers that we typed for at the 7th Army sent a request to my home base to raise my rank, which they did posthaste.
After returning to Frankfurt about Christmas time in 1955, the duty was routine office work along with the required monthly alerts, which sent the whole unit into the woods nearby.
All the time of my service, my Wife, Joan, whom I married while at the beginning of my senior year at Hardin Simmons in September of 1953, did not get to accompany me. Some soldiers in my outfit in Germany brought their wives over and lived in the German economy, but that took more money than our small resources would allow. Joan stayed with her Parents in Abilene, Texas and saved her allotments so we could have a good start at homemaking in Austin, Texas where I pursued a graduate accounting degree from the University of Texas.
I spent a good deal of my leisure time in Germany writing letters to my bride back home. Ninety-five percent of the GI's in my unit (married and single) spent most of their time pursuing frauleins at the local bars and clubs in Frankfurt. I vowed to the Lord that I would be faithful to Joan throughout all of this difficult separation. I figured that if I broke this vow, then the Russians would attack the U.S. Army in Germany before I left for home or that my troop ship would sink on the way home. I was ridiculed by some of my fellow soldiers and all of the Sergeants of my section. At each morning formation when we lined up for dispatch to various jobs, my section Sergeant would say "Fall out _____ _____ , using an obscene name to label me as person who practiced abstinence. I went to my office and the others marched off to their workstations. In today's Army, I could have easily had him court martialed. I returned to Joan safely and he became the most disliked (by all the men) Sergeant in the whole unit.
I spent most of the other time at the GI movies and touring Germany, Italy, France, England, and Holland.
Riding on the ship to the States, I had to pull KP, which did not mix very well with seasickness, but it was worth it to finally see Joan when she met me at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. She was the most beautiful sight that I had seen since I left her in December 1954.
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