Sep/Oct 2005 - Korean War Veterans Association

26
Old Letters Stir Up Memories
We have received a few old letters recently. The writers share
one common connection: letters and memories. Let’s share a
couple letters.
On Defense
By Daniel R. Beirne
In World War II, the army spent most of the time in offensive
action. In Korea, however, the army experienced most of the
first year’s action on the defense. As a member of K Company,
5th RCT, I remember the many times spent as rear guard for the
withdrawing American Eighth Army. In a letter to my family on
9 December, 1950, I wrote:
After we received a fierce night attack by the Chinese north
of Pakchon and had fifty casualties, we withdrew in the middle
of the night to a defensive position just north of the Chongchon
River. The 3rd Battalion took the west bridge, while 2nd
Battalion took the one on the east.
Company K stood on the west bridge as two ROK divisions
and most of the U.S. 24th Division passed. On the other bridge,
most of the U.S. 2nd and 25th Divisions withdrew. Long convoys
of trucks and tanks passed through us, all headed south. We
seemed destined to possibly be cut off and left behind. At the
end came elements of the United States Second Division which
had been overrun by the Chinese at Kunu-ri. Many artillery units
had lost their guns which had been left behind.
The trucks were full of shivering men, trying to keep warm at
minus 10 degrees. Many in the ROK units, especially officers,
were afraid of reprisals by the North Koreans. After everyone
had crossed, and the Chinese had not appeared, we still waited
for hours for orders to blow the bridges and withdraw to the rear.
We waited for a day and a night. Morale became very low.
Everyone was fearful of being cut off. Tension was terrific.
Finally, the bridge was blown, and we
withdrew to high ground in Anju. All
around us were thousands of refugees who
were trying to get across the river. Many
had waded into the icy water and crossed at
the shoulder deep fords. On both sides of
the river, lights flickered from fires as these
refugees tried to dry out their clothes and
keep warm.
When we got to Anju, we were told to
go into a defensive position. The men had
not eaten for twenty-four hours. Our
kitchens had moved thirty miles to the
south. Our bedrolls had been moved with
the kitchens. We hadn’t slept for three
days. Finally, after another day, our trucks
arrived to take us south. We climbed into
the trucks and took a cold night ride to the
rear where we finally found a hot meal and
a warm place to sleep.
Col. Beirne can be reached at 5818
Meadowood Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.
When Cardinal Spellman Visited Korea
When Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York,
visited Korea in 1952, he was kind enough to send a note to
George Kinne’s mother. He wrote:
CARDINAL’S RESIDENCE
452 Madison Avenue
New York 22, N.Y.
February 20, 1952
Dear Friend:
You will be pleased to know that during my recent trip to Korea,
Japan and other places in the Far East, I had the privilege and pleasure
of meeting your dear one from whom I am happy to bring affectionate
and and prayerful greetings with the hope that before a very
long time has elapsed, your loved one will be able to greet you personally.
At the time we met, he was doing well, was in good spirits,
and very courageous in facing the problems that confront him and
bravely bearing the burdens of a serviceman’s life.
Begging God’s blessing on you and all those dear to you, I am
Prayerfully,
Francis Cardinal Spellman
Archbishop of New York
Mrs. George Kinne
Box 214 – Rural Free Delivery #2
Monticello New York
Kinne, who served in Korea from February 4, 1951 to
November 25, 1952 , provided several photos to document his
experience.
George W. Kinne, 1812 Harrodsburg Rd,
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342-9238
Cardinal Spellman celebrating mass in Korea, 1951
September - October 2005
The Graybeards