Thur Sept 17, 1953
Dear Folks,
I got some mail from you today that you sent to me with my old address. (Sasebo) I got 5 letters from you. I was sure glad to get them. They start from Aug 23 till Sept 2. I don't know if there are any between Aug 16 and then or not. If there is I will gt them soon. I also got some pictures back that I took at Camp Stoneman. They weren't to good but I thought you might enjoy them. I have some more to send in when I get paid. I have to make out money orders.
That was something about those bombs at those places. Have they had any more yet? Funny you haven't heard from me when you wrote those letters. I got a letter from Margie dated Sept 2. She had one from me. You should have gotten it the next day. My mail should come in regular now.
Sounds like everything they is the same back home. Do you ever hear from Margie? She said something about her job but I couldn't make out whether she had it or not.
Today I helped build a Quonset hut. We put up the frame for it. I climbed up on top and put metal screws in it. The Old Man took a picture of me up there. (the old man is the captain)
I took my shirt over to the tailor and I will get it in a little while.
I am glad everything is going OK at home.
I remember Chuck Lenty. I never did care for him to much. I knew Bubs was here. He is a 2Lt. He isn't a pilot though.
We don't have anyone around here to wash our clothes except ROCKS and they act like they are doing you a favor by doing it for 2 or 3 dollars. I wash my own clothes, what little I have. We should get some more before long.
Well not much more right now. I'll drop you a line later. I think I have to go on the range tomorrow.
Lots of love, Ted
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
September 17, 1953
Thursday Sept 17, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Well I thought I had better write a line. The last letter I wrote was Sunday. I still haven't received any mail yet. Shouldn't be to long till I do.
Monday and Tuesday we went out to the range and pulled targets. It rained most of the day and evening. Not hard though. I went to the show Monday night and sat out in my rain coat. It drizzled all night. No body seemed to mind it. I saw Every Minuted Counts. Tuesday night I didn't do anything. Wed morning I helped dig a place to put a rock wall. They are going to put up a Quonset hut for the kitchen and mess hall. I got off a noon because I was on guard. I guarded an area where they have classes, etc. They have trouble with Korean civilians stealing here. We carry live ammunition.
I saw a big owl last night riding in the jeep from my post. It stood almost 3 feet high. It was sure big.
They got a shipment in for the PX last night. I bought some Old Spice shaving lotion and a flash light. I took a pair of pants down to a Korean tailor and had him sew creases in my pants. If I get a chance I am going to have my shirt tailored. Remember how my kackies fit when I was home. That's how they wear their fatigues over here.
I had this morning off till noon because of guard. I didn't get to do that in the states.
I heard something about new troops that were in Korea only had to stay a year. I hope so. I think this Singmon Ree doesn't want this war to end or the troops to leave because they have it better now than they ever did. They make a fortune in town on what they sell. They are higher than Japan. They try to charge a dollar for shoe polish. We can't get it in the PX and they know it.
The ROCK soldiers when they come into our outfit don't even have boots. All they have is tennis shoes. Then they don't do anything till we give them a pair of boots. None of the guys like them to well. They don't appreciate what we have done for them. They don't work and we are feeding them and keeping them in clothes and they still want more.
In the ROCK camps and most all civilians eat what they call Kem-she. I haven't seen any of it but from what the guys say it must be awful stuff. Rice, fish, greens, onions, garlic and it green like in color and its thick like mush.
It is warm this morning. Its been cool lately. They gave us winter sleeping bags. New ones. They are sure nice. They are arctic sleeping bags. They are filled with water fowl feathers and down. They have zippers on them and the material is quilted. I sleep in my shorts and I almost sweat without the zipper zipped up. So this winter I shouldn't get cold and stay pretty warm.
If you send any packages you should put what ever you send in a strong box. I think you can buy cardboard boxes for that purpose. Some of the guys have been getting packages from home and they are pretty well beat up when they get here. I can't think on anything I want. I would like to have my zipper boots sent. If you send them put a can of shoe polish in there and a t-shirt, some black shoe polish and cordovan. No need to send it air parcel because it would cost to much.
Well how is Snapper getting along in school. Hope OK.
One of the guys just came in and he got some mail so I might get some the next day or two. I will sure be glad to get some. Well not much more to say now. I'll write soon.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Well I thought I had better write a line. The last letter I wrote was Sunday. I still haven't received any mail yet. Shouldn't be to long till I do.
Monday and Tuesday we went out to the range and pulled targets. It rained most of the day and evening. Not hard though. I went to the show Monday night and sat out in my rain coat. It drizzled all night. No body seemed to mind it. I saw Every Minuted Counts. Tuesday night I didn't do anything. Wed morning I helped dig a place to put a rock wall. They are going to put up a Quonset hut for the kitchen and mess hall. I got off a noon because I was on guard. I guarded an area where they have classes, etc. They have trouble with Korean civilians stealing here. We carry live ammunition.
I saw a big owl last night riding in the jeep from my post. It stood almost 3 feet high. It was sure big.
They got a shipment in for the PX last night. I bought some Old Spice shaving lotion and a flash light. I took a pair of pants down to a Korean tailor and had him sew creases in my pants. If I get a chance I am going to have my shirt tailored. Remember how my kackies fit when I was home. That's how they wear their fatigues over here.
I had this morning off till noon because of guard. I didn't get to do that in the states.
I heard something about new troops that were in Korea only had to stay a year. I hope so. I think this Singmon Ree doesn't want this war to end or the troops to leave because they have it better now than they ever did. They make a fortune in town on what they sell. They are higher than Japan. They try to charge a dollar for shoe polish. We can't get it in the PX and they know it.
The ROCK soldiers when they come into our outfit don't even have boots. All they have is tennis shoes. Then they don't do anything till we give them a pair of boots. None of the guys like them to well. They don't appreciate what we have done for them. They don't work and we are feeding them and keeping them in clothes and they still want more.
In the ROCK camps and most all civilians eat what they call Kem-she. I haven't seen any of it but from what the guys say it must be awful stuff. Rice, fish, greens, onions, garlic and it green like in color and its thick like mush.
It is warm this morning. Its been cool lately. They gave us winter sleeping bags. New ones. They are sure nice. They are arctic sleeping bags. They are filled with water fowl feathers and down. They have zippers on them and the material is quilted. I sleep in my shorts and I almost sweat without the zipper zipped up. So this winter I shouldn't get cold and stay pretty warm.
If you send any packages you should put what ever you send in a strong box. I think you can buy cardboard boxes for that purpose. Some of the guys have been getting packages from home and they are pretty well beat up when they get here. I can't think on anything I want. I would like to have my zipper boots sent. If you send them put a can of shoe polish in there and a t-shirt, some black shoe polish and cordovan. No need to send it air parcel because it would cost to much.
Well how is Snapper getting along in school. Hope OK.
One of the guys just came in and he got some mail so I might get some the next day or two. I will sure be glad to get some. Well not much more to say now. I'll write soon.
Love, Ted
Monday, March 28, 2011
September 13, 1953
Sunday Sept 13, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Hope you have been getting my mail OK. How long does it take. Yesterday we had an inspection. It didn't amount to much. Friday night I went back and saw the Dick Cantano Show and yesterday just laid around.
Some of the guys went on a tour yesterday. They let so many go from each platoon. I'll get to go before to long. One of the guys in our squad went yesterday. They sell tailored fatigues in town. I gave him the money to buy me a shirt. They also wear block hats here. They look good. I had him buy me one of those too. I hope he does.
I washed my shirts and socks and a pair of fatigue pants today. I just have one extra T shirt. I thought I had two.
It has been cold the last couple of days. It rained of and on yesterday.
Last night I went to the show and saw John McCall Desperation with George Montgomery. It was a good show. But half way through the picture the sound went out. They had trouble with the projector. One thing about the shows they have here, they are not crowded.
I sure make my money stretch anymore. I was paid 20 at Sasebo and that's all. I have about 15 dollars now. Cigarettes cost a $1 a carton. I haven't plan to spend more hardly so far. The only get beer once in awhile and it is cheap. They haven't had any so far. 2 colored guys in our tent got a hold of some Jap beer some place and I drank a couple of those. It was hot but it still tasted pretty good. I would like to have some whiskey when it gets cold but you can't get it here. We had some Toddy the other night. That's canned chocolate milk. Our platoon Sgt bought that.I should have three months pay coming. July, Aug, and Sept when I get paid. I think it will be around $250. I am going to send most of it home. I wish I was going some place where I could send some presents home for Xmas but I don't know yet.
The way things are now I should be heading for the states in about a year or so from now. If the truce is signed it may be sooner.
I wish the mail would start coming in. I would sure like to hear from home. It's been a long time. I have only received the letters I got in Sasebo when I got off the ship that you wrote Aug 16 and 17. So about a month has gone by that I haven't any news from home. I hope to get some this week or next.
I heard something about a British ship being sunk by the Chinese. Was there anything to that. They have been moving tanks, trucks, and troops toward the front the last couple of nights. They always move at night for some reason. I guess so the Reds don't know what we are moving. I think we are ready here if anything happens. We are ready here. We could move in a few minutes. We practically sleep with our weapons. They don't seem to think it will start up again, but they like to be prepared. They do seem to be short on supplies here. Clothes, boot, weapons, etc. They told us at Sasebo anyone that had a weapon to turn it in and they would send it home for them. The peach treaty says that no weapons will be carried into Korea. But there are plenty of ships in the harbor that has everything we need. It wouldn't take long to get them here.
We see a lot of helicopters flyover all day long taking the US-POWs to the ship. I think we are close to where the exchanges take place. As far as I can figure we are close to Ko She Korea (about 15 miles) and pretty close to Seoul, the capital city.
I guess Snapper has started back to school. Hope he does better than I did. I think he will. They are going to give a high school test for those who want it in a few weeks, so I guess I will take it. We can take a lot of courses by correspondence. If I can I might sign up for some, we will have to have some lights first I guess. They have one on supervision and formanship. Those might be good ones to take. I think we will be set up better after a while. We should have lights etc. We are supposed to get a laundry etc.
It shouldn't be to long before I make Private First Class or Corporal. But since the war stopped they have slowed down on promotions. I am eligible for PFC now if they ever get around giving it to me. May be I can speed things up if I shoot a high score with the M-1 next week.
Well not much more to say. I guess I will close for now. Tell Snapper I am going to send him a patch before long. If any of the ones I sent are dirty just wash them out, write all you can.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Hope you have been getting my mail OK. How long does it take. Yesterday we had an inspection. It didn't amount to much. Friday night I went back and saw the Dick Cantano Show and yesterday just laid around.
Some of the guys went on a tour yesterday. They let so many go from each platoon. I'll get to go before to long. One of the guys in our squad went yesterday. They sell tailored fatigues in town. I gave him the money to buy me a shirt. They also wear block hats here. They look good. I had him buy me one of those too. I hope he does.
I washed my shirts and socks and a pair of fatigue pants today. I just have one extra T shirt. I thought I had two.
It has been cold the last couple of days. It rained of and on yesterday.
Last night I went to the show and saw John McCall Desperation with George Montgomery. It was a good show. But half way through the picture the sound went out. They had trouble with the projector. One thing about the shows they have here, they are not crowded.
I sure make my money stretch anymore. I was paid 20 at Sasebo and that's all. I have about 15 dollars now. Cigarettes cost a $1 a carton. I haven't plan to spend more hardly so far. The only get beer once in awhile and it is cheap. They haven't had any so far. 2 colored guys in our tent got a hold of some Jap beer some place and I drank a couple of those. It was hot but it still tasted pretty good. I would like to have some whiskey when it gets cold but you can't get it here. We had some Toddy the other night. That's canned chocolate milk. Our platoon Sgt bought that.I should have three months pay coming. July, Aug, and Sept when I get paid. I think it will be around $250. I am going to send most of it home. I wish I was going some place where I could send some presents home for Xmas but I don't know yet.
The way things are now I should be heading for the states in about a year or so from now. If the truce is signed it may be sooner.
I wish the mail would start coming in. I would sure like to hear from home. It's been a long time. I have only received the letters I got in Sasebo when I got off the ship that you wrote Aug 16 and 17. So about a month has gone by that I haven't any news from home. I hope to get some this week or next.
I heard something about a British ship being sunk by the Chinese. Was there anything to that. They have been moving tanks, trucks, and troops toward the front the last couple of nights. They always move at night for some reason. I guess so the Reds don't know what we are moving. I think we are ready here if anything happens. We are ready here. We could move in a few minutes. We practically sleep with our weapons. They don't seem to think it will start up again, but they like to be prepared. They do seem to be short on supplies here. Clothes, boot, weapons, etc. They told us at Sasebo anyone that had a weapon to turn it in and they would send it home for them. The peach treaty says that no weapons will be carried into Korea. But there are plenty of ships in the harbor that has everything we need. It wouldn't take long to get them here.
We see a lot of helicopters flyover all day long taking the US-POWs to the ship. I think we are close to where the exchanges take place. As far as I can figure we are close to Ko She Korea (about 15 miles) and pretty close to Seoul, the capital city.
I guess Snapper has started back to school. Hope he does better than I did. I think he will. They are going to give a high school test for those who want it in a few weeks, so I guess I will take it. We can take a lot of courses by correspondence. If I can I might sign up for some, we will have to have some lights first I guess. They have one on supervision and formanship. Those might be good ones to take. I think we will be set up better after a while. We should have lights etc. We are supposed to get a laundry etc.
It shouldn't be to long before I make Private First Class or Corporal. But since the war stopped they have slowed down on promotions. I am eligible for PFC now if they ever get around giving it to me. May be I can speed things up if I shoot a high score with the M-1 next week.
Well not much more to say. I guess I will close for now. Tell Snapper I am going to send him a patch before long. If any of the ones I sent are dirty just wash them out, write all you can.
Love, Ted
Sunday, March 27, 2011
September 11, 1953
Fri Sept 11, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Not much new. Same old stuff. I still haven't gotten any letters. Don't worry about it though. Probably by the time you get this letter I'll have received some. I know you are writing.
This afternoon we had a special service show. Do you remember Dick Continto who was on Horace Height Show for so long. He was drafted into the army and didn't report. Well he is in the army now over seas here. He is with special service here. He put on a show. He can really play the accordion. He was dressed in fatigues. I was surprised when I saw him.
We have a movie every other night. Last night I went to see the Prince Was a Pirate. with John Derek. It was pretty good. Last night everyone bought some Toddy. It's Carmel chocolate malted milk. The company gets it and divides it up.
I think I get to take a shower tonight. I hope so anyway.
I got a sleeping bag now. One of the guys had an extra one so he let me have it. I got some pretty good friends now. One is Besky an airborne guy who came in the same time I did and another guy Ryales, a Spanish kid. He gave me the sleeping bag.
They are having another Dick Continto Show tonight so I think I will go after I the shower. I sure can use one.
I wish I could have taken some pictures of the show. I am going to start taking my camera. I have a lot of pictures taken but I haven't got any back yet.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Not much new. Same old stuff. I still haven't gotten any letters. Don't worry about it though. Probably by the time you get this letter I'll have received some. I know you are writing.
This afternoon we had a special service show. Do you remember Dick Continto who was on Horace Height Show for so long. He was drafted into the army and didn't report. Well he is in the army now over seas here. He is with special service here. He put on a show. He can really play the accordion. He was dressed in fatigues. I was surprised when I saw him.
We have a movie every other night. Last night I went to see the Prince Was a Pirate. with John Derek. It was pretty good. Last night everyone bought some Toddy. It's Carmel chocolate malted milk. The company gets it and divides it up.
I think I get to take a shower tonight. I hope so anyway.
I got a sleeping bag now. One of the guys had an extra one so he let me have it. I got some pretty good friends now. One is Besky an airborne guy who came in the same time I did and another guy Ryales, a Spanish kid. He gave me the sleeping bag.
They are having another Dick Continto Show tonight so I think I will go after I the shower. I sure can use one.
I wish I could have taken some pictures of the show. I am going to start taking my camera. I have a lot of pictures taken but I haven't got any back yet.
Love, Ted
Saturday, March 26, 2011
September 10, 1953
Thursday Sept 10, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
How is everything at home. I haven't done much of anything. Yesterday I laid around in the tent and wrote some letters. Yesterday afternoon we got to see a USO show. It was Jess Williams Western Variety Show. It was pretty good. They had the same show last night. Where they have the shows is just in back of us over the hill. I went last night and saw the same show. They had about 4 girls in it. They played and sang.
This morning we went out and had PT for about an hour and then had classes on the M-1. We have PT an hour a day. That is more than we had in basic. We only had PT 2 or 3 times a week.
I sure get plenty of sleep. I went to bed last night at 8:00. There isn't much to do after it gets dark.
Next week we go out on the rifle range and fire. Soon as things get straightened out I'll turn in my M-1 for a carbine or a 45 pistol. If you are in the Mortar Section that's all you carry. Right now I am low man on the squad but they move around a lot so I might be gunner or assistant gunner before long.
They don't seem to talk much about the war. About 85% of the guys were here when the fighting was going on. They haven't had hardly any causalities. They held part of the line by themselves since the war started. So they are a pretty good team. I think their record here is better than anywhere.
We have Korean ROCK soldiers here. Each squad has one or two, so there isn't to many that can't talk anything but Korean and the GI's talk to them and they don't seem to understand a lot, but know all the cuss words. Even then they don't know what the words mean. When someone tells them to do something or talks to them, whether it is an officer or not they just say cuss word. Everyone gets a kick out of them and they tease them a lot.
It wont get cold until next month or late November. That's when it starts snowing. They are going to start winterizing the tents before long.
We just finished lunch. We had fish, potatoes, beans, salad, bread and peanut butter, apple sauce, pie and coffee. That's not to bad.
I guess I wont have a chance to buy any Xmas presents to send home unless we leave here or they bring something in to buy. The PX just has things you need.
About the only problem here is trying to keep clean. We can take a shower about twice a week. We can turn our pair of underwear in once a week for clean ones if they have any. I am glad I have my extra pair. I am going to try and wash my own clothes because all the ones I have now fit me and if I turn them in I might get any size.
Well I have to fall out in a minute so I guess I will close for now. I'll write more later on today.
(later)
We had a parade this afternoon, band and all. They awarded some metals to some people. That's about all we did today. I just finished dinner and tonight I think I will go take a shower.
I traded my M-1 for an automatic carbine. I also got a pistol belt instead of a cartridge belt. I traded my bayonet for a knife or a small bayonet for use on a carbine. I don't have to much weight right now to carry around.
At the present time there is not to much of anything I need. Do you remember those garters you sent me at Camp Roberts? They were elastic and adjustable and you can hook them together. I could use a pair of those. You can just send them in an envelope with a letter.
I hope you get my mail OK. I haven't had any yet. It sure made me mad that they would not give me any at Sasebo. I haven't had any sense I got off the ship at Port Sasebo.
What do you hear from Margie and Jim and everyone. I am going to write Lowell one of these days. Do you ever hear from him?
One thing they are short of here is shoe polish. You can't hardly get it but one in a while. It doesn't do to much good to polish your boots because it is so dusty.
Did I tell you the dates that I got here. It was September 7 on a Monday when I arrived at Inchon. That would be labor day I think and I got to the 5 RCT on 8th the next day. I haven't got a patch yet. It is red and is shaped like a bird house with a white border. It has five sides to it.
Well I don't know to much yet. Read the papers you might see something about the 5th RCT, 2nd Battalion, Company G. If you ever do let me know.
I will try to write often because I know you wonder what I am doing. Don't worry about me because it is easy going here. Did Snapper ever get the jacket I sent? Let me know.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
How is everything at home. I haven't done much of anything. Yesterday I laid around in the tent and wrote some letters. Yesterday afternoon we got to see a USO show. It was Jess Williams Western Variety Show. It was pretty good. They had the same show last night. Where they have the shows is just in back of us over the hill. I went last night and saw the same show. They had about 4 girls in it. They played and sang.
This morning we went out and had PT for about an hour and then had classes on the M-1. We have PT an hour a day. That is more than we had in basic. We only had PT 2 or 3 times a week.
I sure get plenty of sleep. I went to bed last night at 8:00. There isn't much to do after it gets dark.
Next week we go out on the rifle range and fire. Soon as things get straightened out I'll turn in my M-1 for a carbine or a 45 pistol. If you are in the Mortar Section that's all you carry. Right now I am low man on the squad but they move around a lot so I might be gunner or assistant gunner before long.
They don't seem to talk much about the war. About 85% of the guys were here when the fighting was going on. They haven't had hardly any causalities. They held part of the line by themselves since the war started. So they are a pretty good team. I think their record here is better than anywhere.
We have Korean ROCK soldiers here. Each squad has one or two, so there isn't to many that can't talk anything but Korean and the GI's talk to them and they don't seem to understand a lot, but know all the cuss words. Even then they don't know what the words mean. When someone tells them to do something or talks to them, whether it is an officer or not they just say cuss word. Everyone gets a kick out of them and they tease them a lot.
It wont get cold until next month or late November. That's when it starts snowing. They are going to start winterizing the tents before long.
We just finished lunch. We had fish, potatoes, beans, salad, bread and peanut butter, apple sauce, pie and coffee. That's not to bad.
I guess I wont have a chance to buy any Xmas presents to send home unless we leave here or they bring something in to buy. The PX just has things you need.
About the only problem here is trying to keep clean. We can take a shower about twice a week. We can turn our pair of underwear in once a week for clean ones if they have any. I am glad I have my extra pair. I am going to try and wash my own clothes because all the ones I have now fit me and if I turn them in I might get any size.
Well I have to fall out in a minute so I guess I will close for now. I'll write more later on today.
(later)
We had a parade this afternoon, band and all. They awarded some metals to some people. That's about all we did today. I just finished dinner and tonight I think I will go take a shower.
I traded my M-1 for an automatic carbine. I also got a pistol belt instead of a cartridge belt. I traded my bayonet for a knife or a small bayonet for use on a carbine. I don't have to much weight right now to carry around.
At the present time there is not to much of anything I need. Do you remember those garters you sent me at Camp Roberts? They were elastic and adjustable and you can hook them together. I could use a pair of those. You can just send them in an envelope with a letter.
I hope you get my mail OK. I haven't had any yet. It sure made me mad that they would not give me any at Sasebo. I haven't had any sense I got off the ship at Port Sasebo.
What do you hear from Margie and Jim and everyone. I am going to write Lowell one of these days. Do you ever hear from him?
One thing they are short of here is shoe polish. You can't hardly get it but one in a while. It doesn't do to much good to polish your boots because it is so dusty.
Did I tell you the dates that I got here. It was September 7 on a Monday when I arrived at Inchon. That would be labor day I think and I got to the 5 RCT on 8th the next day. I haven't got a patch yet. It is red and is shaped like a bird house with a white border. It has five sides to it.
Well I don't know to much yet. Read the papers you might see something about the 5th RCT, 2nd Battalion, Company G. If you ever do let me know.
I will try to write often because I know you wonder what I am doing. Don't worry about me because it is easy going here. Did Snapper ever get the jacket I sent? Let me know.
Love, Ted
Friday, March 25, 2011
September 9, 1953, Korea
Note to reader: This is a continuation of the letter posted last time.
Wed 9 Sept 53 - Well I finally got here. This is the first chance I have had to write. Monday we unloaded off the Marine Lynx to landing craft and then to the port of Inchon. We got a trucks there. It was about 6 pm before we left there and then we had c rations in the truck. We drove from Inchon through Seoul and then to the 3 Division Replacement. I don't know what that is.
Our convoy got lost so they dropped us off at the third at 3am Tues morn. Some ride. I saw quite a bit of Korea though, not much to it. It is very poor looking. Little kids beg in the street when we drive by. I through some penny's to them.
It is hot here in the day and get plenty cold at night. We left the 3 Div about 10 in the morning and came to the 5th RCT replacement center and then got sent to the company. The 5th RCT is not connected with any Division. They are a unit of their own and smaller than a Div. The 5th is one of the oldest regiments or outfits in Korea and is the best. I was sent to G Company. From there I was assigned to 4th platoon, 1st squad. I am on the 60mm mortar.
It is pretty nice here. After the war the 5th pulled back and sat up here. We are in a valley. Each company has there own area. We stay in squad tents. Two squads to a tent. My tent sits on the side of a hill overlooking the other tents. They took our fatigues shirts here and all my shorts and socks and T Shirts. When the Sgt wasn't looking I put 2 pairs of shorts and T shirts in my duffel bag with 2 pairs of socks. They don't give you anything other than what is on your back and one pair of fatigues pants and a pair of socks. I got an M1 and a helmet. We sleep on cots. I haven't got a sleeping bad yet, so I made one out of some blankets they gave me at Sasebo. I slept worm.
I didn't get to see any of the boys after I got off the boat. Don't know where they are now. It was sure lonesome at first but its not so bad now. There are some nice guys in this company. Most of them are combat vets.
Our camp is about 6 miles north of the 38 parallel and about 20 miles from the front. I think we will stay here. If the war is over this outfit will go to Hawaii, that is their home base. Hope it is so.
Since the war stopped they have started a 26 week training course. This is the 3rd week now. Not like basic though. Wont be as long of hours. Our food is good here. This isn't near as bad as I had planned. We have a show 2 times a week, PX, and today they are going to have a USO Show. I can see what the army is really like now. I like it better than the states. I haven't gotten any mail yet. Wont start coming until about 2 weeks. When you write, write me at this new address.
Every once in a while I get to go for R&R for a day here in Korea or a weekend for 3 days. They take 4 men everyday out of the company and send them to a town 20 miles from here. They have ice cream, beer etc. There isn't any beer here right now. They get some every once in a while.
I wont get paid until the end of the moth, but I don't need anything. I have 20 dollars, that should last a month or two.
Well I can't tell you everything all at once so I will just wait until I write again and tell you what goes on. Find out from Cecil Talket where his boy is. Send me his address if he is close. I will look him up. Give him mine.
Love, Ted
PVT Teddy S McAnally US55337884
Co G 5th RCT
APO 52 Care PMSF
5th RCT
Wed 9 Sept 53 - Well I finally got here. This is the first chance I have had to write. Monday we unloaded off the Marine Lynx to landing craft and then to the port of Inchon. We got a trucks there. It was about 6 pm before we left there and then we had c rations in the truck. We drove from Inchon through Seoul and then to the 3 Division Replacement. I don't know what that is.
Our convoy got lost so they dropped us off at the third at 3am Tues morn. Some ride. I saw quite a bit of Korea though, not much to it. It is very poor looking. Little kids beg in the street when we drive by. I through some penny's to them.
It is hot here in the day and get plenty cold at night. We left the 3 Div about 10 in the morning and came to the 5th RCT replacement center and then got sent to the company. The 5th RCT is not connected with any Division. They are a unit of their own and smaller than a Div. The 5th is one of the oldest regiments or outfits in Korea and is the best. I was sent to G Company. From there I was assigned to 4th platoon, 1st squad. I am on the 60mm mortar.
It is pretty nice here. After the war the 5th pulled back and sat up here. We are in a valley. Each company has there own area. We stay in squad tents. Two squads to a tent. My tent sits on the side of a hill overlooking the other tents. They took our fatigues shirts here and all my shorts and socks and T Shirts. When the Sgt wasn't looking I put 2 pairs of shorts and T shirts in my duffel bag with 2 pairs of socks. They don't give you anything other than what is on your back and one pair of fatigues pants and a pair of socks. I got an M1 and a helmet. We sleep on cots. I haven't got a sleeping bad yet, so I made one out of some blankets they gave me at Sasebo. I slept worm.
I didn't get to see any of the boys after I got off the boat. Don't know where they are now. It was sure lonesome at first but its not so bad now. There are some nice guys in this company. Most of them are combat vets.
Our camp is about 6 miles north of the 38 parallel and about 20 miles from the front. I think we will stay here. If the war is over this outfit will go to Hawaii, that is their home base. Hope it is so.
Since the war stopped they have started a 26 week training course. This is the 3rd week now. Not like basic though. Wont be as long of hours. Our food is good here. This isn't near as bad as I had planned. We have a show 2 times a week, PX, and today they are going to have a USO Show. I can see what the army is really like now. I like it better than the states. I haven't gotten any mail yet. Wont start coming until about 2 weeks. When you write, write me at this new address.
Every once in a while I get to go for R&R for a day here in Korea or a weekend for 3 days. They take 4 men everyday out of the company and send them to a town 20 miles from here. They have ice cream, beer etc. There isn't any beer here right now. They get some every once in a while.
I wont get paid until the end of the moth, but I don't need anything. I have 20 dollars, that should last a month or two.
Well I can't tell you everything all at once so I will just wait until I write again and tell you what goes on. Find out from Cecil Talket where his boy is. Send me his address if he is close. I will look him up. Give him mine.
Love, Ted
PVT Teddy S McAnally US55337884
Co G 5th RCT
APO 52 Care PMSF
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Continued from Sept 5th
.
Sunday Sept 6, 1953. Didn't do much today. Played blackjack with some of the boys this morning and then pulled guard for about 4 hours. Today we could see the west coast of Korea. We are going up between China and Korea now. Inchon is close to the 38 parallel. From now on I get my mail free. Look for my free mark from now on.
I have heard some talk that if the truce works out all troops would be taken from Korea and the day we land in Korea we will get out in 18 months. The way it is now everyone after the 1st of Sept stays 16 months more. It doesn't sound right to me, not real clear. Do I have to stay longer or get out earlier? Army! Have you heard about it in the papers? Let me know. I hope something works out so I can get out early.
They have a show tonight for our compartment, Ivanhoe. Think I will go see it. I lost 5 bucks playing cards. That's enough. I didn't really mind though because I am still way ahead. I have seen some rough poker games. Some guys win and lose 200 and 500 dollars in the game. Glad I am not that interested. Most of those guys are vets with 10 to 15 years in the army. Most of them are Sgts. Well not to much more for now. I'll write tomorrow. By the way that round patch with the airplane on a parachute is the emblem the paratroopers wear on the left side of the caps by the front.
...continued
Sunday Sept 6, 1953. Didn't do much today. Played blackjack with some of the boys this morning and then pulled guard for about 4 hours. Today we could see the west coast of Korea. We are going up between China and Korea now. Inchon is close to the 38 parallel. From now on I get my mail free. Look for my free mark from now on.
I have heard some talk that if the truce works out all troops would be taken from Korea and the day we land in Korea we will get out in 18 months. The way it is now everyone after the 1st of Sept stays 16 months more. It doesn't sound right to me, not real clear. Do I have to stay longer or get out earlier? Army! Have you heard about it in the papers? Let me know. I hope something works out so I can get out early.
They have a show tonight for our compartment, Ivanhoe. Think I will go see it. I lost 5 bucks playing cards. That's enough. I didn't really mind though because I am still way ahead. I have seen some rough poker games. Some guys win and lose 200 and 500 dollars in the game. Glad I am not that interested. Most of those guys are vets with 10 to 15 years in the army. Most of them are Sgts. Well not to much more for now. I'll write tomorrow. By the way that round patch with the airplane on a parachute is the emblem the paratroopers wear on the left side of the caps by the front.
...continued
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