Sep/Oct 2005 - Korean War Veterans Association

The unit’s tanks on rail flat cars, moving to
new positions on the MLR in May 1953.
They were loaded at the rail head in Munsan-
Ni and transported to the Nevada complexes,
e.g., Outposts Carson, Reno, Elko, Vegas,
etc. Frank Wescott, Corbin City, NJ, is in the
foreground
Humor By Farley
Curtis J. Farley Jr., of Chapter 6, St. Louis, MO, was in his first year of art
school when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He carried a sketch book with
him at all times during his four-year enlistment. Here are a couple samples of his
work, which ranged from serious to humorous—at times self-deprecating.
The Tsuiki Story
Three friends were sitting around a bar
Each was smoking a cheap cigar
Each one’s eyes filled with fear
Each one holding a can of beer
Each had decided to go to war
To keep the enemy from his back door
But by some amazing chance,
Each had joined a different branch.
The Marine rose steady on his feet
His eyes filled with much conceit
When the war is over and we are together again
I’ll tell you some stories of real men.
The Soldier arose with a big smile
And laughed at the Marine for a while
I’ve only one thing to say to that, my friends
The infantry will be there until the end.
The Airman didn’t say a word.
He acted as though he hadn’t heard.
I’ll neither brag nor boast, my friends,
Until I am sure I am back again.
So then they made a farewell bet,
One that they would never forget.
The one whose story was the best
Would have his drinks paid for by the rest.
The war was over and they were back
All of them were drinking in the same old shack.
The Marine with his ribbons on his chest
Stood up before the rest.
I saw action in the Korean cold
Routed the enemy right out of their holes.
Hit the beaches of Inchon
And drove the enemy far beyond.
The Soldier toasted this tale so bold
For he knew of those battles of which were told
I really saw all them fights
Pusan, Seoul, and the like.
But if I told you of every fight
I am sure that you would lose your appetite.
The Airman did not say a word.
He acted as though he hadn’t heard.
He slowly began to rise to his feet
As to whom he should admit defeat
But then he said in words well spaced,
“I was at Tsuiki Air Force Base.”
Then the Marine jumped up and the Soldier, too,
And said, “Brother, we owe the drinks to you.”
For each had heard and knew well
There stood a man “RETURNED FROM HELL.”
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The Graybeards September - October 2005