From:Anglen@aol.com
                  Date:Sat, 1 Feb 2003 11:29:36 EST
                  Subject:Re: Korean/Shoran Memories
                  To:nedscholz@yahoo.com

Ned,

Have since been on the net and made some further discoveries, Charlie's
island was spelled Paengyung-do (do is the Korean word for island) and
is closer to 5 miles off of N Korea. (we were closer to China and 
Manchuria than to Seoul). The Ranger that was training N. Korean
defectors was with a "Partisan Guerrilla detachment named "Leopard and then 
Wolfpack" described @http://www.korean-war.com/specops.html also believe
our back-up frigates in the Yellow Sea may have been Australian. We had
an incident that I'm trying to locate from naval records and it seems
Australia frigates keep popping up. For your info, I will describe it, if
you happen to run across it would appreciate a heads-up.

The local village on Paengyung-do had fishermen who were instructed never
to return to the island after sundown, since we couldn't determine if it was
an attack from the north. One night after dark we were alerted that several
Junks were heading in and were on full alert expecting to be attacked.
After several hours a frigate started firing and continued for about a half
hour, then nothing. After a tense night in the foxhole we were notified that they were friendlys
and had been sunk. Three or four days later their bodies started floating in and we helped their
families retrieve the bodies which were bloated and bleached from the salt water, maybe
12 to 15 dead. Naval records for each ship is fairly detailed on routine shelling of the
mainland etc. and was looking for this incident.

Thanks ange

___________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

V.L. Steerman writes
 I served in Korea from January 1952- December 1952 as a “static chaser” (radio operator) in the first Shoran Beacon Squadron at HQ, Baker and easy cites after graduating from Radio School at Keesler AFB in November 1951, I proceeded home for 10 days prior to reporting to Camp Stoneman in December.  Upon reporting to S I was assigned to a barracks that had not been occupied since conclusion of WWII.  We were issued scoop shovels, brooms, mops etc. to effect cleaning which lasted from 10 PM to 7AM. 
    I departed S as advanced party on or about December 20, 1951 and traveled by bus to the General William F. Hasse, a troop ship docked at Fort Mason.  For some three days I typed stenciled duty rosters (details) for the voyage.  As a pay-off I had no crap jobs on the extended voyage to Japan.  According to Scuttlebut, the Hasse was a Liberty Ship, which had been removed from “moth balls” and this was her first overseas voyage.  Also it was rumored that when we were loaded on the ship there were some 4,000 Army troops in forward holds and in the rear some 2,000-3,000 USAF. 
    I recall as if it were yesterday on the 23rd day of December 1951, said ship departed the pier while an Army band played most thoughtful songs such as:  “Harbor Lights” and “I’ll be home for Christmas”. 
    After sailing past Alcatraz and proceeding under the Golden Gate Bridge the seasickness struck as we hit the open sea.  The seasick pills really did not work for many who elected to stay on deck.
    The Pacific Ocean in December to January was noted as being stormy.  I can attest that it was, since 19 days elapsed before debarking at Yokahoma; this elapsed time was reported to be due to dodging storms.  However, I do not believe that attempt to avoid these storms were really successful due to being confined below deck for several days and attempting to keep trays from sliding to and fro while standing (trying to stand) and eating. 
    At some date unrecalled we departed by troop train from Camp Drake to proceed to Asahi on the Southern tip of Japan.  This was an interesting journey since we proceeded through Nagasaki (2nd Atomic Bomb site) and passed rather close to Mount Fugiyama. 
    From Asahi I flew as passenger on C-47 to Kinpo air Base (enroute made emergency landing at some unrecalled strip due to radio problems). 
    After arriving at Kinpo I boarded a bus to Ewah Girls College which was then HQ for first Shoran Beacon Squadron. 
    Even though several of the college buildings were heavily damaged the college remained open and the squadron personnel and girls used the same mess hall and library; although at separate times. 
    After my arrival at the HQ in mid or late January 1952, I spent three or four weeks undergoing OJT on the NCS (Net Control Station) aka LE 22.  Most exciting events during this time were Koreans stealing gas from power units, which provided electricity for radio and transmitters and Security Service monitoring the radio transmission of Able, Baker, Charlie and Dog Sites plus LE22.  I well remember the first month printout provided by SS monitors which recorded violations of communications security to include getting the last dit or dah (just like today, one agency or another has eliminated having “fun”). 

Following the time spent basking at HQ Squadron my first assignment was Bakers Site situated some 40 miles north of Seoul on a mountaintop just south of the Imjuin River.  Since there was not a road up to the site and I arrived in winter with snow frozen to ice I had been issued metal spikes attached to my boots so I could make it up the 60-80 degree incline (other than being resupplied by helicopters all supplies were carried up the mountain by Korean Laborers.  This included 40-50 gallon drums of gasoline and fuel oil which were carried on shoulder slings entailing six Koreans, three on each side.  A full day was required to get from bottom to top). 
    When I arrived at Baker Site the very compact compound was covered by camouflaged netting except for the radar antenna, which stood out like the Empire State Building.  Seemed like a waste of materials in any event the first Spring storm solved the problem which was not corrected before I departed in late April or May 1952.
    Baker Site was manned by four Radio Operators, 4 Radar Operators, and a cook? (We swore he was a state side KP pusher), one power man-truck driver, one medic and six or seven Air police Security personnel with a K-9 German Shepherd.
    The site was comprised of B-2A canvas covered structures which included a mess hall, two billets, a medics (1/2 B-2A), a Radio-Radar shack half in-half above ground, a latrine-shower shed (tent covered), and dug in power shed. 
    The available armament was as follows: one 60mm motor, two 50 cal machine guns (one was aerial mounted), two 30 cal cooled machine guns, two BARs, hand grenades, and each had an individual or collective assigned position in the event of being attacked. 
    The Site was surrounded by coiled barbed wire to which were attached to trip flares and grenades (unfortunately, our K-9 dog met his maker when he strayed into this area and tripped a grenade).  Also, these items provided a thrill when the weight of snow would set them off during darkness.  Staggering out in 30-40 degrees below zero was exciting but not desirable. 
    Being assigned to Baker Site was a paradox since at night you had a ringside seat to the fireworks flares and sounds of combat from the 105s and multi-colored tracers from the South and North of the Imjim – some five miles North.  However, during the day one could observe to the Northwest the balloons surrounding the compound where “peace talks” were going on at Pan-mun-jong.  (When I arrived at Baker Site the acting “commander” was a S/Sgt AP, name forgotten.  He and others related that during the fall of 1951, the site had been attacked at night by guerillas but they were repelled by the Site defenders.  It was also stated the S/Sgt received the Silver Star for his heroic actions.  I observed he wore a field jacket, which appeared to be torn by a bullet on the left upper sleeve.  Neither he nor any of the remaining security detail appeared to want to discuss this event).  In any event, this recounting encouraged me to be serious about learning everything I needed to know in operating a 30 Cal. (water-cooled) Machine Gun, since this was my assigned defense post; and to know that we had both 3 and 5 second fused grenades.  (Speaking of grenades, every new assignee to Baker received an invitation.  This entailed the S/Sgt Security Chief pretending to demonstrate proper respect and informational usage of the “pineapple”.  This demonstration usually took place in the mess tent with maximum attendance under the pretense it was orientation for the “new” guys and refresher training for the “old timers”.  During this “training” session the S/Sgt during demonstrating ‘pulling the pin’, appeared to accidentally pull the pin – the handle flew off, he dropped the grenade and he and the old timers pretending stark fear – yelling and ran for the door.  The new guy knowing he ought to get the hell out of there can’t get his legs to move.  At about the time the pigeon would have been blown to Hades, the old timers would come back in and poke fun at him (the fuse and powder had been removed).  The only satisfaction for the initiated was waiting for the next newcomer.  As I recount this hazing of so long ago when DISCIPLINE was the basis for military service, I now envision the “hazed” writing to Mama or their Congressman (PC incorrect) and Hell would run rampant while the IG investigated such inhumane treatment.  On the other hand I can’t help but wondering how it would have been if Baker would have been “COED”!!!.  FOOTNOTE:      This 73-year-old “MUSTANG” retired from the USAF in l98l, after having served some thirty years.  My decision to “HANG IT UP” was based on my observation that due to fuzzyheaded “DO GOODERS” the military was fast becoming an uniformed Boy Scout organization.  No doubt my opinion was warped by assignments at SAC HQS (2), Smokey Hill/ Shilling & Forbes AFBs during the 50s and 60s.  Thus, it was this “Lifer’s” decision to say, “Sayonara” and to “Just Fade Away”.  Unfortunately, my post-retirement experiences as a two term County Attorney (DA) and a substitute Grade & High School Teacher serves to confirm this old cynics opinion that Nero is Fiddling as Rome II smolders.
During orientation at Shoran HQ in January l952, newly assigned were briefed essentially as follows: This unit was the first of its kind (and the last) and that SHORAN short range navigation.  The unit mission was to triangulate assigned targets in North Korea for B-29 night missions out of Okinawa and Japan.  Only night missions were flown due to unacceptable daytime A/C losses.  The Unit mission was being accomplished by four Radio/Radar Sites designated as Able, Baker, Charlie and Dog.  Easy was a back-up site some l00 miles South of Soul to which I was later assigned and is addressed, infra.
To accomplish this mission tow Sites worked in unison, to wit:  Baker, a land Site was paired with Able, an island Site above the 38th parallel; and Charlie , an island Site, was paired with Dog. 
    The mission for Able & Baker, as for Charlie & Dog, was to triangulate with radar beams, the targets assigned to B-29s.  This triangulation occurred when the radar beams transmitted by the two respective Sites crossed and in effect “X marks the spot.  According to briefers, the bombardier was only required to open the bomb bay and  the bombs would automatically drop on the radar “X”.  This bombing technique was stated to be so accurate that “one bridge, one B-29”.
When fully manned, each Site had four Radio and Radar Operators, and worked the same eight-hour shift three days in a row until starting the 8-4 shift again on the l0thday.  All Radio Ops on Baker had graduated from 32-week ground and airborne course at Keesler AFB and were CPLs until AF redesignated  toA/2Cs. 
Being a Radio Opr at Baker was a challenge after being in school where we learned on the state of the art equipment and were advised that what we had at Baker was obsolete.  Also in School the dits and dahs were taped without any static or voice jamming by the North Koreans.  (PC today obviates using the “G” word.)
    On Baker, radio oprs had obsolete WWII Airborne BC components which made up a complete SCR (?) unit which included a BC – 342 Receiver, a BC – 99 Transmitter, RH-34 Rectifier, a Frequency Meter (?) and a ME-209 (9) Encoder/Decoder.
    It seemed that most items at Baker and later at Easy, were obsolete.  The 101 ration crates, 5 gallon tins of powdered eggs, milk, potatoes, coffee, etc. were all stenciled with “Packed in 1944, 1945”.  I don’t recall if the tins of SPAM were dated or not, but “SPAM is SPAM”.   Also, the C and K rations were so dated.  These rations came in handy when our mess (B2A) burned to the ground in March or April 1952. (I recall that during this period, everything except the direct mission, equipment, minimum spares and the operators had been moved down the mountain and loaded on trucks to facilitate a retreat since the scuttlebutt was that the Communists were bragging that they would be in Seoul on their May Day.  I also recall that on the day our mess burned there were three “Wheels” from headquarters inspecting our readiness to Haul A….   They were in the mess when it caught fire and in the panic to get out they left their cameras and parkas.  The fire started due to the following factors: the houseboy, Kim, had finished painting the inside of the mobile water tank, and to remove the paint from his person some enterprising soul placed an open pan of gas on the wooden floor of the mess not far from the gas burning mess stove.   The gas fumes in the pan made contact with the open flame of the stove and the pan of gas ignited.  Instead of smothering the flame in the pan, our cook fondly labeled the “KP Pusher” attempted to kick the pan out the door.  The ignited gas spilled on the floor causing an inferno which resulted in someone attempting to salvage a chair which jammed the only non-burning exit.  The only injuries were those resulting to the burned house boy and to those falling or jumping over the jammed doorway).
    The foregoing is hearsay since I was on duty and I was advised of this after the fact.  However, I remember the event as though yesterday, since it was the first and only time that I ever sent an “Operational Immediate” transmission to HQ. The houseboy was severely burned and was air evacuated to a MASH unit.  I still, on occasion, think of Kim and wonder where he may be.
    All Shoran radio traffic was encoded when transmitted and was sent in five letter groups which were decoded by the receiver.  Since our net was “secured” we used daily JATFEC verifiers to assure both sender and receiver were authenticated.
    For Baker, the typical B-29 mission began at about 4:PM (can’t recall added hours for Zebra time), When Radio OPR received an encripted message reciting time/s    and compass heading/s.  The radar antenna could be rotated and the Radar OPR, using a hand held compass would lock the antenna on the specified heading.  Our sister Site,  Able, would also receive an antenna setting that would, with Baker’s triangulate the target with “X” marks the spot.  (This procedure would also apply to Dog and Charlie who would triangulate targets for separate target/s for B29’s.).
    While on duty during the 2400 – 0800 shift there was little if any, radio traffic. Thus, I would pass the hours listening to Radio Peking and or playing solitaire, where I pretended to be in Las Vegas and buy the deck for $52.00 and get $5.00 for every ace and succeeding card.  When I quit keeping track of wins/losses I was some $5,000.00 in the red.  Regarding Radio Peking (RP), we had a back up receiver and listening to it on speaker while, I had earphones on the primary receiver, there was no dereliction of duty.  Night after night, while I listened to RP, I heard USAF pilots reading their coerced confessions of dropping germ warfare over NK.  Just by listening to their voices you could detect that they were forced to broadcast their “sworn” statements.
    At some unrecalled date, during May or June 1952, I departed Baker to HQ and then proceeded on R & R to Tokyo.  When I left Baker, I thought I would return but never did.  Upon my return from R & R I was assigned to back-up Site, Easy, some 100 miles south of Seoul.  Easy had at some date, prior to July 1952, been wiped out by a typhoon.  My orders were to restore radio communications since there were none.
    I recall that it was one hell of a long walk from Base Camp to the top of that Rockies-Foothill Mountain.  I also recall when the Korean laborers and I reached the location where Easy had been there was not one damn thing there except the radio antenna wire and supporting poles all of which were laying on the ground.
    After re-establishing radio communications more personnel arrived and a more permanent radio shack and quarters were erected along with a latrine with a connected “shower”.  Prior to this accomplishment, the only bathing facility was your helmet and baths were limited due to the water supply being brought-up by laborers in 5 gal. Jerry Cans.  We never had a mess tent before I departed in early Nov. ’52.  (Speaking of showers, I enjoyed those down South but up on the Imjim Mountains, in winter standing under a hanging 5 gal. tin container, with holes punched in the bottom, made you dream of soaking in bubble bath at the Ritz.  Otherwise, you would realize how cold it was and hurry like the devil.  One was lucky to get a shower once a week and at 30 and 40 degrees below 0 that was more than enough).
    As I recall, Easy never became radar operational and the most exciting radio message I ever received from HQ was the advisement that the then site commander (name long forgotten) was the father of twins.
    I for one will never forget the Korean Police Action or the Vietnam fiasco since I served my year in both of these politically inspired, U.N. combats, the later in 1971.  I now, and will forever, resent those who refer to these two “U.N. Police Actions” as being “wars”.    Our Country has never lost a declared war.  But, in two politically inspired conflicts, with 100,000 + military dead, ridiculed by the News Media and or deserted by fleeing to Canada “gutless wonders” our military has been deprived of achieving “victory”. 
    As our troops are now engaged in new efforts, to bring Democracy to Afghanistan, what was Yugoslavia, and now to Iraq, I remember in the winter of 1952, being, in downtown, war-torn Seoul.  I was then accompanied by a Harvard educated Korean who was the head translator for the HQ.  It was most depressing to be approached by snagtoothed, ill clad, young women, carrying malnourished babies or young children, with scab encrusted heads due to lice; all begging for money, food or both.
    At some point I asked the Interpreter how Koreans felt about Americans attempting to liberate them from the Communists.  His reply was unexpected, since as I recall it he said:  “My people do not even know what democracy is and their real desire is to be left alone to live like their ancestors.  Look around you, is this freedom?  The Imjim Valley is now a free-fire zone with all the farmers and villagers having been forcefully evacuated.  Is this the price of freedom as you Americans preach?” 
    I learned that day, that “freedom” like “beauty” is in the eye of the beholder.  It seems to me that today, as our troops die in Iraq, like the South Koreans in 1952, Iraqis aren’t really impressed with “democracy”.
    While those who never served in Korea during the days of combat may deem it to be the Forgotten War, the lessons I learned there and in Vietnam, will never be forgotten. 
    The second lesson I received from this Interpreter during this visit to down town Seoul, was death need not be, nor was it, in Korea, a wailing, sobbing or crying event, to wit: Down the main avenue, all other areas being Off-Limits, came a dancing and prancing individual dressed in a costume which appeared as though he/she had jumped off the Joker card from a deck of playing cards.  Some distance behind the “Joker” came six persons bearing on their shoulders a minature, glassed-in hearse in which could be seen a draped body.  Behind the hearse was a group of people whom I was told was next of kin and friends.  These persons were skipping along and were talking and laughing.  There was no indication of sadness or remorse.
    Having observed what seemed to me to be a festive parade, the Interpreter verified it was a funeral procession.  I then asked him, “how can this be since there is no signs of sadness”?  His response as I now recall, was essentially that: “You Americans are selfish.  When you loose a loved one, you only think how you will miss them.  You never stop to think about the pain suffering and hardships they have had during their lifetime; and that they may be looking forward for the chance of everlasting life.  Here in Korea, we believe that when our loved ones die, they will enjoy a far better life then they ever had on this earth.  Therefore, we are happy for their going on to something pleasant and enjoyable, and free of toil, sickness and heartache.” 
    This lesson of some 50 years ago has, over the years, helped me to cope with the death of family and friends.
    My greatest regret regarding my tour in Korea is the failure to record names and addresses of those with whom I served.  Today, I see only their faces but can not recall even one name.  Therefore, as this lengthy saga hits the Net, I hope some Bakerite or other/s will refresh my recollection.  Since I am not into computers, my mailing address et TP # are as follows: 

V. L. Steerman
P.O. Box 26
Osborne, KS, 67473
Telephone  785-346-5767. 

Or, thanks to my daughter, Vicki, use her e-mail address, gbodner@stic.net. 

    Before closing this saga on Korea, I must relate that this experience gave special meaning to the expression that, “It’s a small world”.  Never did I, in l952, dream that while serving with HQs MAC, Vietnam in l979-71, I would serve with some 50,000 ROKs; or envision that while assigned to HQs TUSLOG in l976-77, in Turkey, that I would again have the pleasure to associate with the Worlds’ most disciplined Armed Forces.
    My sincere best wishes for happiness and good health to my fellow Vets of “one Forgotten Conflict” and one “Condemned and Demeaned Combat”, neither being “wars” to be won.
    Today, as I observe a smoldering Rome II, it is only when I see our Flag, that I know why I served! EST FINIS 
 

July 25, 2003

To: Ned Scholz

From: John Miller
          Fridley, Minn.

Subject: 1st Shoran Beacon Unit

I was in unit from early Jan. 1952 to late Dec. 1952. I was on Able Site for the first seven months and Baker Site for the last 5 months. I was in 1st Shoran Radar class at Keesler AFB, and was the first radar mechanic with a Shoran AFSC to go to Korea. 

I viewed your web site and new John Ryan from your picture on Able Site. – When I arrived at Able there was an RCA civilian Tech. Maintaining Shoran equipment. – He left a few days after I arrived. About 3 weeks later Richard Chasko arrived and the 2 of us maintained equipment until end of July when we went on R&R and were transferred to Baker Site. I left Korea on Dec. 23, 1952 to Japan & hence via boat to USA arriving about Jan. 10, 1953.

I don’t remember a lot of the names after 50+ years. I spent hall my time at either Able or Baker so did not know any body at HQTS.
Some people I do remember are:

Richard Chasko       Radar Mech.            Able/Baker         Penn.
Robert Franklin        Cook                        Able/Baker        Texas
Gerald Johnson        Radar Mech.                    ?                 Mich.
Charles McMinn     AP                            Baker                 Miss.
Glenn Parker           Radar Mech.            Dog                    Penn.
Lloyed  Shore         Radio Oper.              Able                     ?
James Smith            Radar Mech.             Dog                    Ariz.
J. T. Paxton            Cook                        Able                     ?
John Ryan               Radio Mech.            Able                     Minn.
William Wohlfohrt   AP                           Baker                   Wisc.

Hope you find this of interest.

John Miller
mleejohn@aol.com

Date:Thu, 1 Dec 2005 10:06:51 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time)
      From:"Jack Rousseau" <fishroadjack@alltel.net>
      To:nedscholz@yahoo.com
      Subject:1st SHORAN

      I was there 8/54 - 7/55  K6 and Baker Site

      Site mates:

       Lt. Chas H. Boxman
      Carl Fowler
      Sgt. ??? Kerner
      Hq Cook - Betts
      Jim Furness
      Darrell Hall
      Ernie "Pancho" Lopez, 
      Ramon Villegas, 
      Dan English, 
      Robert Paynter, 
      Conrad Ristau, 
      Bob Rosenau, 
      Doc McGrath, 
      Bob Sterner, 
      Prince O'Garro, 
      Jim Quick, 
      Bill Powell, 
      Ralph L.Joyner, 
      'Hammerin' Herm Murphy, 
      Adolphus Holmon, 
      Don Bottoms, 
      Johnny R.Young, 
      Jim Lindeman, 
      "Doc"  'Magoo' Robinson, 
      John J Haggerty, 
      Norm Nyquist, 
      Joe Abercrombie, 
      'Speed' Robertson, 
      ?? Gacek
      ?? Duello

      Koreans :
      Pok Se Ban, 
      Choi Je 'Moon, 
      'Kim' Soon Gil, 
      Al, 
      Joe, 
      Club, 
      Lee,
      Johnny
      'Thumbs'

I enlisted in the Air Force 6/19/53. Did Sampson AFB & Keesler AFB for radio school and on to the the frozen Chosin. I have just begun to reminisce and contact others. I'm forwarding this to Ernie Lopez in Las Vegas for his pleasure. We served together on Baker Site in '54 and '55.

      I have included a couple of pix you might like.

      Jack

 Twin peaks just right of center is 'Jane Russell Hill'

From: "Alan Vale" <avg@mail1.nai.net>
To: nedscholz@yahoo.com
Subject: 1st Shoran Beacon Unit
Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 2:49 PM

Hi Ned,

It's a real pleasure to hear from you. I'll try and come up with some
more details and Email you in a few days. The Hawk you mentioned has to
be Hawk Stoddard who was from Buffalo, NY. He was our radio operator on
Able site

I have a picture of me taking a bath in a helmut and a couple of other
things that I'll try and find. One is a poem, written by Marion Young.
It starts:

    On Shoran hill the merry ones dwell
    with a taste for liquor
    and a thirst for hell.

    With a reel of wire and a hand grenade,
    with gals and guerillas
    they had it made.

You'll have to pardon the memory lapses, but 49 years have taken their
toll. I will contact Richard Scott tomorrow and see if we may have
crossed paths somewhere down the line.

My fun and games didn't end in Korea. I finished off my 5 year
enlistment on the RB-36 as an ECM operator in 1955 and then went up to
Thule, Greenland in '57 as a Philco tech rep.

I went to flying school on my own and flew little airplanes up to the
DC-4 until I was hired by Pan Am in 1966. I started as a navigator on
the 707, and nearly 26 years later, in December '91, I was Chief Pilot
in New York when the airline folded, 7 days before my retirement.

I miss the flying like hell, but I have no complaints. My health is good
and after a messed up first marriage, I've been married to my best
friend for 31 years.

I'll see what Korean stuff I can find and Email you in a few days.

Regards,

Al