DECEMBER 2000
POOPSHEET
Yo Stable Able,
I’ve received and read the book, “UNEXPECTED JOURNEY”, written by Randy and
Roxanne Mills. The book is about the mobilization of a Marine Reserve
Infantry company, C Company, 16th Infantry Battalion. Our PFC Robert
“Bud”
Fitch, Mortars, KIA 23Apr51, was the inspiration for Randy and Roxanne to
write this book. The book is very enlightening about events leading up to
Korea and what happened to the Marines of that company. General Ray Davis
says this book tells a story every citizen should know: a lack of readiness
of our armed forces can lead to tragic consequences and etc. I was
interviewed by the Mills several times and I see Sydney Greenwood was among
others also interviewed. I had a deep sense of sadness several days after I
completed reading the book. I realize “Bud’s” story is only one of the one
hundred twenty eight that appear on our “ROLL of HONOR”.
Ron O’Con sends that he was in Vegas for the reunion on 19Oct00 but had to
go back home due to a painful back. Can empathize with you on that Ron. Hope
all is pain-free now. Get in shape for the 2001 reunions.
George Norris sent me some photos from the reunion. Hilda, Ding-Dong,
Lovelady, Hatch, Dearing, Fryer, Norris, Ott, “Moose” and Virginia Conde,
Shifty and the California Quails (Why quails at the Flamingo?) The ladies
are beautiful and the Marines look great. Sure appreciate your kindness
George.and Gwen.
”Luke” Laird is a Hi-speed Lo-drag type Marine now. He finally got
computerized. Email came from him on 10Nov00 and that is the best birthday
present I received as he said his cancer is now in remission. Of course he
can’t be sure how long but I sure hope it’s over for this life time. We’ll
still pray “Luke”!
Larry Pawelka is having a bout with cancer also. He was in the 3rd
week of a
new type radiation treatment several weeks ago. He was very upbeat about the
results so far. Fine business Larry! You will be in our prayers too.
Been in comm with Ted Steele. He was in OCS with Lt Sherrod Skinner, Jr,
MOH, and Lt Skinner’s twin brother. Ted wasn’t with Able during the “Hook”
and was surprised that Sherrod was with Able when he earned the MOH. I know
Sherrod was an artillery FO from F/2/11. No one from the company has said he
was FOing for Able at his death. I’m basing that on the fact that the data
sheet I found on him in the Korean War Project shows him being with A/1/7 at
the time of his death.
Ted joined Able after the “Hook” and left in March 1953 to fly as a TAO with
VMO-6. He flew over 100 missions before the war’s end always keeping a
weather eye on Able company.
Captain Bitner sent me some “Stuff”. Newspaper article’s, the words to “HILL
104” (Sung to the tune of “ON TOP OF OLD SMOKEY”. Now when he hears that
song he remembers Eddie Archiga singing “Hill 104”.) and some CCF/NKP
surrender leaflets. These seem like real good deals so I’ll stuff some in my
pocket for the next war. Thanks Skipper, the “Stuff” will be in one of the
albums I’ll have at Myrtle Beach in 2001.
I learned that Captain Bitner and his wife are Volunteer Red Cross workers
and that keeps them busy. They came to our assistance after one of our
hurricanes last year. Thanks Skipper!! He’s in contact with “Doc” Park and I
believe Lt Woodard. He’ll info them on our “Little Band of Brothers”.
Received another pleasant surprise via Email recently. A former C/3rd
Recon
platoon leader sent me a couple of photos of two stern young Marine majors.
One was his son, Major Mark Mackey and the other was Major Doug Bell. They
are serving in the 1st MarDiv at CJHP. Major Bell is son of Hilda
and
Ding-Dong. The photo has meaning to me as I served with both of the major’s
Dad’s. One photo was taken by the large 1st MarDiv patch in front of
Division Headquarters. That 1st MarDiv patch has always been
impressive to
me. I’m sure proud of that patch.
Terry Kruciak, living in Uvalde, TX, a Vietnam Marine veteran, visited the
”ROLL of HONOR” on my website and viewed the name of PFC Eddie Kruciak.
He
said Eddie was his uncle and the family has known little about him. Now he’
ll surely be remembered.
Terry’s son, SSgt Rusty Kruciak, USMC, also visited the “RoH”. He said a
reason he’s proud to be a Marine is because Marines don’t forget their
”Brothers”. Their visiting the “RoH” and their appreciation in seeing the
name of their kinsman assured me it was a worthwhile project.
I was very pleased to send LeRoy Ewald and Ronald Bolduc copies of the “RoH”
. Arnie Kvernplassen, way up in Alaska, made inquiry about it via Email and
I furnished him my home page address so he could see it over the Internet.
Received my 6Nov00 issue of the “Marine Times”, scanned it, saw several
photos on page 30 that was identified as “9th Marines
celebrating the 1951
Marine Corps Birthday in Korea”. (Yup, Ninth Marines.) Didn’t look at it
again until several days later. Looked closer and saw both photos were of
Able company, 7th Marines. I have a photo I saved out of a “Stars
and
Stripes” in 1951. In that photo Lt Ullrich, Lt Nielsen and Cpl Wilcots
are
easily identified. Compared that with the two out of “Marine Times” and it
definitely is A/1/7. Maybe some of you remember coming to the company CP on
the reverse slope of 812 to pose for the pictures. Cpl Wilcots was cutting
the cake with a bayonet. I’m sure I detect the Skipper, Captain Hampton, in
one of the “Marine Times” photos but he hasn’t confirmed it with me yet.
LtCol Tom Hodges, USMC (Ret), MG’s PltLdr, Nov51-Apr52, sent me an Email
from Shifty’s CP recently. He was visiting in that area from Charleston, SC.
He and Shifty got together for chow. I must have been Tom’s platoon sergeant
for a short period in Dec51. Recall that when we came off 812 for reserve at
Inje for reserve, Master Sergeant Wehinger relieved me as company gunny and
I became the MG Gunny for a short period. I left Able when you went back on
line in Jan52. In Apr52 Tom went to the Kimpo Provisional Regiment as
Liaison, 1st MarDiv.He retired from the Marine Corps in Mar72. Maybe
Shifty
will give us more details. Great to hear when Stable Able Marines get
together.
Our USAF son, Frank, attended a luncheon in Seoul on 17Nov00 given by the UN
Korean War Allies Association. Our military whose fathers and/or
grandfathers fought in Korea were invited. Letters of Appreciation were
given to all attendees. Chi Kap-chong, chairman of the UNKWAA, extended his
sincerest regards and best wishes to the military serving there. He
emphasized that the ceremony allows the Koreans to express their thanks and
gratitude through the children of the men who fought in the Korean War. “The
heroism and gallantry of the men and women of the United Nations is
imprinted in the minds of the Korean people as an image of courage and valor
that will always be remembered and respected.”.
Frank was impressed and I was too. Thot maybe you’d like to know the
Koreans appreciate our service. Ironic that 49 years after my tour that my
son is there.
Heard from Kenny Stelzel. He has aches and pains but still hanging in there.
He wanted the Email addresses of the A/1/7 Marines that are computerized. He
has a new computer and the addresses were lost. Thot when I retired I wouldn
’t have to be concerned about the needs of the troops but it seems it never
ceases. Really pleased to lend a hand when I can.
Colonel Smith, “Able Six”, called on Thanksgiving Day. He sounded great and
reports Janet is doing fine. They are leaning towards attending the 2001
reunion.
SgtMaj Wehinger dropped in on us on 29Nov00. He was armed with photos from
the Vegas reunion. He was very pleased with the reunion. He remembered many
of you and was happy to have been remembered also. Always enjoy his visits.
He has better and more sea stories then I have.
I’m eagerly looking forward to the year 2001. I don’t plan to attend the 1/7
(1950-53) reunion at Branson, MO in May01. Wish things were such that I
could. Happy the battalion is having the get together. I’m damn proud to
have served in 1/7. Don’t know of a prouder battalion. Do plan on the A/1/7
reunion at Myrtle Beach.
Stable Able, take care of yourselves and get in shape to attend the reunions
in 2001. I’m sure going to do my best to stay healthy!
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!
Semper Fi!
Jim
Email: jrskin@gibralter.net