Special KWVA "W in Your Dream Vacation Fund-Raiser" Information ...

10
BUSINESS
Most of the
requests I
have received
recently have been
for information
that I can not provide
because I just
Frank Cohee
do not have access to that type of information
or the information is just not
available. For example, if a person’s
records were destroyed in the infamous
1973 fire (this included records for veterans
who were discharged between
1912 and 1960), I can not be of much
help.
I just learned that a microfiche exists
for some of those files at Fort Detrick,
MD. Also, portions of some files that
were burned are still readable. I have
also been informed that most of the
records that were destroyed were Air
Force.
Here are examples of different
requests that I have received recently:
• I am trying to find out info on my
deceased brother Gerald Dee Kenmar,
SS# 000-00-0000. I am trying to write a
family history book. My brother always
bragged that he was in the Korean War.
But I swear I can not remember him ever
being overseas. I do remember he joined
the Air Force at a young age. But he was
only stationed in Seattle Washington. I
want my book factual, and he was so
demented at his death, I am afraid it was
all in his mind. I am in the process of
obtaining his service records, but if you
could check this it would be deeply appreciated.
Thank You: Gloria Kenmar Grant
• I am trying to locate my father, who
served in Korean War. He went by name of
Ed or Edward Stokes, out of Virginia. I was
raised by my grandmother, and never met
my side of the family that was his. My
uncle died a hero in this war, Clyde
Branham, Kentucky. And I hope you can
help me with this matter.
You can reach me at kentuckyg@hotmail.com.
My name is Katherine Branham Webb.
Thank you for all you done to keep us free.
• Hello, my name is Daniel Mejía. I
Ask the Secretary
work as independent filmmaker in Rome
and in this moment I’m writing a screenplay
about the Korean War, where I know
Italy participated with a hospital. So, what
I’d like to do now is to contact some of the
Italian veterans or maybe to know if
there’s an association of veterans here in
Italy to talk and to know the real people’s
experiences to continue writing this project.
That’s it, I hope you can help me.
• My name is Tiffini Parker and I am
trying to locate any information/photographs
on my grandfather, Andrew
Parker. He died when my father was only 4
so I have very little information on him:
Andrew Parker, served in the Korean War,
was in the Army (maybe Marines), Died in
1960-in the Veterans Hospital in Allen
Park.
• My father, PFC Joseph W. Ford,
served in Korea and received a Purple
Heart and the Silver Star. He passed away
in 1999 and I am trying to get information
about his time in active duty and exactly
how he won the Silver Star. I tried to get
some info from the US Army but they tell
me his records were destroyed in a fire
and thanked me for the information I sent
to them (his discharge papers and an ID
card). Is there any way I can get more
information on this? I am at work right
now so I do not have copies of his paperwork
but I could give you whatever information
I have. I would love to have more
information on my father’s time in Korea
and just how he won the Silver Star so I
can pass this information on to my grandchildren.
He never spoke much of his time
there….
Occasionally, I will try and get more
detailed information, especially in the following
case. At least in this case the person
was thankful that I responded to his
request.
• I’m a Vietnam Vet, but I’m trying to
get information on my father (never met),
who died in the Korean War. He was killed
(3) days into service and I’m trying to get
information on how to find a listing or
information on Korean War vets killed in
service action, from the city of St. Louis,
Mo. I’d guess I got my work cut out for me
but I’d like to know more about my father
and, how he died ... for my own satisfaction
and, that of my children. If you can be
of any help please let me know and thank
you very much for your patience and consideration.
Until next time. Keep the Faith.
Peace.
My Response: Michael: Thank you
for resending your email. I knew that
you had sent one b/c in addition to being
a Korean War vet, I am also a Vietnam
vet and I remembered that. I was with
the Americal Division at Chu Lai, 1967-
68. Unfortunately, I could not do much
research b/c you did not send me your
father’s name. I did find two Ivys, but
none from MO.
Is there a possibility that he lived
somewhere else when he entered the
service? Here are the two that I have
identified: .
- Ivy Emmit M, Sfc Army Hawaii, 12-
Aug-50, Killed In Action
- Ivy Woodson L, Cpl Army Ohio
Cuyahoga, 4-Sep-50, Killed In Action
Please send me your father’s full
name and the address where he was
when he entered the service.
Mr. Cohee:
Hello Frank; I did receive your last e-
mail and I wish I could provide the necessary
information you have requested, but I
cannot. I thought I had explained that I was
orphaned at birth and, this is an attempt to
find as much information as possible
about my birth father and his plight/service,
and untimely death. What information
I have was granted me by the adoptive
agency (Catholic Charities) in St. Louis.
Mo., were I was born and raised.
I assumed my father entered the military
from St. Louis, was stationed and
sent to Korea accordingly. They gave me
vague information but his entry into the
military, and his death in the Korean War,
was part of that information. They did not
however, give me his name or how he
died. I’m not even sure my father’s last
name is Ivy. I’m turning over stones/rocks,
as I go. I believe his first name is Richard,
but that is as much as I can supply you at
this time. I’m in contact with the agency in
question, and hope to be able to obtain
more worthy information.
May – June 2009
The Graybeards