FROM MY DESK
Since we sent the Christmas Packages to our Marines of Alpha (Animal which is what they call themselves these days) 1/7 I have received several cards and letters for them. One Marine in particular who was in 81mm on his previous enlistment ask me if I knew the "call sign" for the 81s in Korea. They had 2 81mm attached to his platoon and their "call sign" was "Arkangel." If anyone in our association has this information please let me know? I promised him that I would find out if possible and let me know either in Iraq (they are suppose to be returning to the States soon) or his home of record. By the way he just made Sgt E-5. "Shifty" I received this email from Sgt Major Jim Skinner: "SSG Coady, I have PFC Jack C Kightlinger on my Roll of Honor as killed in action on 05/29/51. I do not have any idea how you can locate his next of kin. Suggest you start by contacting: National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Ave, St Louis, MO 63132 I will make Captain Shifty a Cc on this letter requesting he publish in a future newsletter of our company newsletter the following: A Purple Heart with the name "Jack Kightlinger" etched on it is in the possession of a member of the Oregon National Guard and he would like to return it to Kightlinger's next of kin. Anyone with a clue to them please contact me, Jim Skinner, jrskin@gibralter.net |
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Jack was KIA on 05/29/51." SEMPER FI! JIM "I do know he is buried in San Francisco. I can start there as far as looking for family on that part of it. I just think it's the thing to do, great site by the way and thanks again. SSG Kevin Coady" I received this email from Charles "Mac" McKellar HqCo 9/50 - 5/51, who received it from Wally Dugan 1st/3rd 10/50 - 4/51 "Hello Mr. Dugan. It was a pleasure talking with you this morning and I appreciate your offer to help. As I mentioned on the phone, I am an Air Force officer but am also a former Recon Marine; served a combat tour in Vietnam, 1967-68. As you know, we have been doing recoveries on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir since 2001. This year, we are confident (final decision rests with the North Koreans, of course) we will finally be able to do some work on the west side (vicinity of Fox Hill). In talking with a couple Fox Co veterans at the Intl Chapter of the Chosin Few reunion this past May, we believe that a group of 10 or more Marines were buried at the base of Fox Hill near the road. If you have contact information for any men who were in Fox Company or at the front of the column that pushed down the MSR to Fox Hill, I would especially like to talk to them. I am also doing research into early losses that Able and Baker Companies 1/7 suffered early in the Chosin campaign (26-27 Nov, specifically) and would be grateful for any contact information you could supply on men who were |
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present during this time. Finally; I am also interested in talking with anyone (engineers, probably) who can provide information on specific locations of mass burial sites at either Yudam-ni or Hagaru-ri. Any information you might be able to provide or a contact with anyone who might have information on these subjects would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards and Semper fi, Bill" If you have any information that would be helpful concerning our "Fallen Heroes" please contact: LtCol WILLIAM H. WOODIER Chief, Case Support Branch Northeast Asia Division Comm: (703) 699-1219 DSN: 499-1219 "The world would be a simpler place if everyone could pick and choose his obligations but we can't and we shouldn't! Maj Charles Whittlesey" MORE FROM MY DESK Darlene and I had the pleasure meeting with the A/1/7 WW I I-China Marines at the Holiday Inn in Chattanooga, TN the 19th through the 21st of April. There were 18 Marines and 13 guests in attendance. These Marines were in battles from Guadalcanal to Okinawa with most of the islands campaigns in between. Talk about sea stories; let me tell you I heard plenty for sure! And, a good time was had by all! Darlene and I were accepted as one of them. I spoke about our joint project "Christmas" for the Marines of Alpha 1/7 in Iraq. Remember |
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Semper Fi |