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Reference: “Outpost Harry,” p. 68, March-April
2009, and forthcoming book & movie
A very good article about a very bloody fight. Here is news
about a forthcoming book and a movie regarding the Outpost
Harry defense. All Korean War veterans may be interested in
both of these for the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, June
2010.
The University of Alabama Press is preparing to release a
book titled A Morning in June: Defending Outpost Harry later
this fall (2009) or early next spring (2010). This book covers in
detail the trench fighting on Harry and is written by the commanding
officer of one of the companies involved.
There is a two-hour movie being filmed by a professional
Hollywood movie company. This documentary movie will cover
a broader period of time for the Outpost Harry fight than “A
Morning in June.”
Included in the movie are interviews with American, Greek,
Korean, and Chinese soldiers who participated in the fight, along
with nurses, generals, and others. Currently named “Hold at All
Costs,” it is scheduled for release in the spring of 2010.
Both of these releases are expected to help generate additional
national interest in the beginning of the Korean War and recognize
the bravery and sacrifices made by those of us who participated
in stopping the enemy.
James W. Evans
5503 Patriots Colony Drive,
Williamsburg, VA 23188
X Corps Patch
Several months ago I noticed the X Corps shoulder patch for
the Korea War era was printed upside down in “The Graybeards.“
Unfortunately, I did not save the answers I received from some
individuals disputing my assertions.
I received these answers by email to include an article written
by a Lt Col who professed to be an expert on this matter. So, I let
the matter drop, not wanting to get into an argument over it.
Recently, I had a phone conversation with an X Corps buddy
and told him of this incident. He insisted I was correct and sent
me some material concerning the wearing of the Korean Era X
Corps patch.
For what it’s worth, I served with the US Army for 31 years
while wearing the patch on my uniform with the blue down and
was never challenged over how it was displayed.
Gordon R. Kennedy,
2905 Woodknoll Drive,
Bryan, TX 77803,
(979) 778-2563
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Kennedy provided documents that substantiated
his claim that the X Corps patch has been shown
upside down in The Graybeards. Unfortunately, the material is
not reproducible.
Incidentally, we did reverse the patch on p. 68 of the March-April
2009 issue after running it the other way for several issues.
Nobody commented on it, at least not before we went to press
with this issue.
A soldier who was “Down Range”
After reading the article regarding the 92 AAA Bn., I feel
compelled to respond. I was a member of Co G, 15th Regt., 3rd
Inf. Div. I thought that Col Arty and Captain Lafferty might be
interested in hearing from a soldier who was “down range” during
the Kumsong Salient.
Following O.P. Harry, the 15th Regt. took up positions in the
Chorwon area. My company was dug in on an O.P. looking up at
Mounts Hood and Blue Star. Probing patrols, fire and counterfire
were the orders of the day.
On the night of 12 July we were relieved by the 2nd Inf. Div.
We entrucked and headed towards Koje-do to guard POW. We
were abruptly routed to an assembly area, detrucked, and
received our basic load of grenades and ammo. We began immediately
moving north.
We traveled cross-country in heavy monsoon rain. That night
we took up defensive positions on a small hill. Morning found us
once again in deuce and a halfs, headed north.
We passed to the rear of a 105 Bn. They were hammering
away. Mountains of spent casings were piled beside each piece.
Remnants of the Capital ROK Division were everywhere.
We detrucked, passed through artillery, and reached positions
looking down on the floor of Kumwha Valley. The ROKs had
discarded equipment as they fled. I picked up as many fully
loaded BAR magazines as I could carry.
Directly to our front lay the remnants of Battery C, 555 A.A.
Guns were still in place. Personnel lay where they had fallen.
When the Capital Division, ROK, bugged out, the CCF rolled
down the valley. The 555th didn’t stand a chance.
Constant artillery fire, F-80s dropping napalm, and F-86s
strafing had stopped the CCF advance.
My company dispatched a patrol to collect mail and any intelligence
materials left in the 555th’s position. They were engaged
by automatic weapons fire, and took cover in a bunker. Artillery
fire was called in and adjusted. This fire was fast and accurate.
CCF forces were neutralized.
A platoon of tanks was sent to destroy the artillery pieces and
collect KIA. One tank hit a mine and lost a track. Supporting
artillery covered their recovery and withdrawal. It was impressive.
I thank Col Arty and Captain Lafferty for their decisiveness
and leadership, and all the artillery personnel for their expertise
and professionalism. We really are an Army of one.
Harold L. Ware, U.S. Army (Ret),
110 Fort Hill Road,
Standish, ME 04084, (207) 642-
2757, SkgHawk1@fairpoint.net
CLASSIC MILITARY WARNINGS
“Five-second fuses only last three seconds.” – Infantryman’s
Journal
“Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.”
– David Hackworth
May – June 2009
The Graybeards