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This page is graphically intense with long load times due to photos. However, the photos and narratives by the men who served at Osan Air Base makes the wait well worthwhile. The opinions expressed are those of the author and in no way represents any official statement of Osan AB or the USAF. 
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Acknowledgement: Jack Terwiel , Capt, USAF (Ret) of the Osan Retired Activities Office for: photos and narrative of Ron Freedman (1953); photos of Robert Furrer; photos of Dan Klopten (1954-1955), photos of Ed Stirling (1959-1960); Jim Denham (1961); Mike Dunnagan (1984); Curly Knepp (2001). Thanks to Bob Spiwak for photos from the USAFSS 136th CSS COMSEC Website. Special thanks to Jackie Turner, 7th AF Historian, and John Okonski, 51st FW Historian, for their assistance with photos and guidance on the history of Osan AB. Thanks to Bob West of the Korean War site for the use of the photos of Robert Evilsizor, 839th EAB (1952) and Curly Knepp of Osan. Special thanks to Bill Gray at Bob Ford Memorial for photos and narrative of life with 311th FBS (1956-1957). Thanks to Robert Spiwak for his photos and narratives of life on Hill 170 with Det 6, 136th Communication Security Squadron, USAFSS. Thanks to Kiyo Noriye, SMSgt USAF (ret), for his narratives and photos of the 8th TFW nuclear alerts (1958-1960). Richard (Dick) Seely at USAF Memories for photos and narratives of nuclear alert from Itazuke. Special thanks to Ms. Jin Dal-lae of the Jisan-dong Ward Office for taking the time to research and provide historical materials on Songtan and Pyongtaek. Korean historical material of the Pyeongtaek area drawn from Pyeongtaek City History (CD), Pyeongtaek Si Sa. Thanks to Don Tomajan for his comments on K-55. SCARWAF involvement at K-55 drawn from AF Civil Engineer, Aviation Engineer Contributions to Air War in Korea, Vol 9, No. 4, Winter 2001-2002, pp13-21, Don K. Tomajan.  View of Osan AB (USAF Photo) THIS IS A WORK IN-PROGRESS AND FACTS ARE BEING ADDED/DELETED DURING THIS PROCESS. THIS IS NOT A COMPLETED HISTORY.1953:Jwadong Methodist Church (1953) The Jwadong Methodist Church sits at the top of the ridge along Terminal Ridge Road (with the express bus terminal at the bottom). The Church has been in the same location since 15 Oct 1953 -- though it has undergone reconstruction over the years from a wood structure to a concrete building to the modern multi-story church today. In Feb 1980, they built a new church on the spot where the present church is located at 768 Jisan-dong, Songtan City; and in 1996 it underwent a major renovation. In 2004, the Jwadong Education Center with its parking lot was opened across the street. The church no longer commands an uninterrupted view as when it was first built in 1953 standing alone at the top of the hill. Now Songtan has literally grown up around it as it has become the center of activities for its congregation of 900.  (L) Jwadong Methodist Church (R) Jwadong Methodist Education Center (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)   (L) Entrance to church worship area (R) Church Office at Street Level (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)  Jwadong Methodist Office Staff: (L) Shim Sun-sok (R) Chan He-ok (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan) The Methodist Church has been in Korea since the 1880s, there were many obstacles during the Japanese colonial period. After all, they became one as the autonomous Chosun Methodist Church under Korean management on 2 December 1930. After the liberation from Japanese colonial pressure on August 15, 1945, the Korean Methodist Church suffered from division for a few years, but it was reunited in 1949 when Rev. Kim, Yoo-Soon was elected as bishop. However, with the break-out of the Korean War on June 25, 1950 the Korean Methodist Church had to go through a time of severe hardship. Many church leaders including Bishop Kim were either kidnapped or executed by the North Korean Army, and many church buildings were destroyed. (Source: The Korean Methodist Church.)  Blowup of Aerial Photo of Jwadong and Jijangdong areas. (1952) (51st FW Photo) In 1952 as the Shinjang Road was still under construction. Chicol-ni (Chicolville) had not yet started to expand -- and the massive influx of North Korean refugees seeking work had not started. In the aerial photo above, there are two intersecting lines to the right. The line that runs left-right in the upper right hand corner is the Shinjang Road. This intersects in an "x" with the railspur that leads to the Bravo Gate area of the K-55 base. The curved line that intersects both the Shinjang Road and the railspur is the Kyongbu Railroad. One can follow the Kyongbu Railroad to the left running parallel with the MSR-1 (Main Supply Route 1). The Shinjang Road touches the right edge. This is the old Mokchon railroad crossing where the Shinjang Road joins the MSR-1. The MSR-1 runs from there to the left where it passes Jwadong and then Jijangdong at the lower left corner. The Jwadong Methodist Church had not been built when this photo was taken. If one goes to the curve of the MSR-1 that is the top of the hill. The 1977 Overpass was built from the point where the Kyongbu Railroad and railspur connect. If you draw a line parallel to the Shinjang Road, it will intersect the MSR-1 at the hill where the Jwadong Methodist Church would be built. The original structure was built along the path that led down the hill. Prior to 1952, prayer meetings were held in various houses in the Jwadong area, but no denomination or group name was assigned. According to Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992), Rev. Choi Hak-seong met with Chaplain Feine from K-55 to discuss starting a Methodist church in 1952. On 15 Mar 1952, a meeting was held at the home of An Choon-ja that was attended by Choi Hak-seong and ten other members to discuss the formation of a church. On 17 Sep 1952, they formed the Jwadong Methodist Church (Jwadong Kamri Kyohwi) -- also called the Weslyan Church (Weslieum Kamuri Kyohwi). Kim Gi-hyuk became an elder. (NOTE: The Methodist Church is a denomination derived from the Wesleyan revival of the Church of England stressing personal and social morality. The strongest Methodist church in the world is probably now in South Korea. There are many Korean-language Methodist churches in North America catering to Korean-speaking immigrants, not all of which are named as Methodist. There are several denominations which are of Wesleyan/Methodist heritage, but not explicitly Methodist.) (NOTE: In the 18th FBW History Jul-Dec 1952, there is no mention of a "Feine" as a base chaplain. Chaplin (Capt) John J. Scahill (1952-1953) was replaced by Chaplin (Major) George M. Rinkowski (Jan 1953-Apr 1954) as the Wing Chaplin. The South African Air Force Chaplin was Chaplin C. Scott Shaw (1952-1953). (Source: History of 18th FBW (1 July 1952 - 31 December 1952).)According to the Jwadong Methodist Church history, on 15 Oct 1953, Elder Kim Chi-sun,, Kim Ik-hwan, Yi Jong-du and 12 others gathers in prayer and formed the "Seojongni Praying Place." This became the Seojongni Kamri Church with the first pastor being Rev. Kim Yung-chul. (Source: Jwadong Chronological History, 2002) Kim Yung-chul, the first pastor of the Seojongni Kamri Church, also began ministering to the Koreans onbase at K-55 making him the earliest Korean minister associated with K-55. According to 18th FBW History in 1954, "Beginning in April, regular worship services were conducted at K-55 for Indigenous Personnel by Kim Yung Chul, Korean Minister. For the past month the same minister has been conducting a week-day Bible Class." (Source: History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1954.)In April 1954, the ground was purchased at 263 bunji (address) though no structure was erected at the time. At the time, the hill was covered with pine trees. (Source: Jwadong Chronological History, 2002) According to aerial photos in 1952, there was a trail that curved diagonally down the hill. This trail would later become the Terminal Ridge Road (though the route was straightened). The sides of the hill would not have many houses until the late 1970s -- and these few structures were located near the top the hill. Later in 1954, a structure was erected using mud bricks according to the Church history. The church was built at the high point on the hill. The church was a low one-story structure with a wood slat roof. The windows appeared to be wide shuttered windows for ventilation in the warmer months. There was a crudely constructed bell tower in the front of the church. Judging from the photos, the size of the church was approximately 20 feet by 40 feet. (NOTE: The bell dated 1955 has been preserved in the church and is exhibited at the entrance to the worship area.)   (L) Jwadong Methodist Church Sunday School with "new" church (1955) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (NOTE: Notice the bell tower set out front. The original bell preserved in the Church is dated as 1955.) (R) Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation (1955) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (NOTE: This most likely is the dedication of the first church in early 1955. Notice there is a black officer in the front row center. This person would most likely have been someone from the K-55 Chaplain's office representing the base. Alongside him would be Rev Kim Yung-ja, the first pastor of the church.)  Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation (1956) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) The congregation was comprised of mostly the South Korean farmers in the area as the influx of North Korean refugees were clustered mainly in the Milwal-dong area. At the time, there was only the MSR-1 (Taenhyun Road) that ran from Osan-ni to the north past the intersection with the Shinjang Road (Mokchon Crossing) and then up over the hill past Jwadong Village and then Jijang-dong village on its way to Seojeong-ni. There was no Songbuk Morning Market at the time. Everything past the intersection of Shinjang Road was all rice fields until Are-Konji-ni (now the area near the Dongbu Apartments) and the rice fields extended to the base of Acacia Hill (now Songtan Park in Jisan-dong). The Jisan Stream fed the fields. Rev. Yi Song-hyun was the 2nd Pastor of the church from 1957 to 1958. During this time, the financial circumstances of the church had improved and the church was able to build a more traditional church. In 1958 the new church was built on what was described as the "praying site". In the church history, the new building is described as a "sanctuary". It was located in what is now the parking lot of the Education Center with the doorway facing north. This was next to the dirt path that cut diagonally down the hill in what would become the Terminal Ridge Road. The chuch structure was complete in 1959. The Jwadong Methodist Church (Jwadong Kyohwi) had a high peaked roof with a steepled entranceway. The construction appeared to be mud brick construction that was the standard of the time as concrete was still scarce. The exterior was then stuccoed and painted. The glass windows were wide so that it could provide air circulation. In a photo of the church, there is a flue in the center of the roof, so it can be inferred that the heating of the church in winter was through radiant heat using charcoal briquettes in a stove in the center of the church. The doors were barred and windows grated to prevent burglaries. Surrounding the church was a stuccoed brick wall.   (L) People entering new cinderblock church with steeple (1959) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) Jwadong Methodist Church with "Jwadong Kyohwi" sign (circa 1960) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (NOTE: In picture on left, the bricks are bare, but in the picture on right, the bricks have had stucco applied over them and painted. In the right photo, a sheet of Masden matting -- or Marsten sheeting from K-55 -- is used as a entrance block.) By 1959, Songtan was increasing in size as the rice fields around Songbuk Morning Market was filled in. There started to appear a "downtown" area along the MSR-1 with the intercity bus depot (where the Kookmin bank is now) and the Jaeil Theater (behind where the Woori Bank is now). The wide road run up to the top of the hill where it reverted to a narrower two-lane dirt road to Seojong-ni as it continued past Jwadong Village and Jijangdong Village. It would stand to reason that as the area prospered so did the Jwadong Methodist Church as the only church in the immediate area. It would not be until the 1960s that other churches (Songtan Central Presbyterian and Songtan Catholic Church) were also built along the railroad tracks on Hoback Hill in the Goochang-teo area.  MSR-1 leading towards Osan-ni (NOTE: Jinwi-myeon hills in distance as road curves and goes down incline towards Farmers' Market. Electric poles to rear of buildings indicate that other buildings were behind the stores on left. Use of stones to construct stores on right indicates availability of concrete.) (Circa 1960) (51st FW Archives) By 1965, the first sewers were going in in Songtan. The houses now covered Milwal-dong and started to spread out down through what is now Shinjang-2 dong. Along the MSR-1 the police box was installed near the Mokchon Railway Crossing and the police started to use motorcycles and white-painted jeeps along the MSR-1. Though the Achim Morning Market area had expanded by reclaiming the rice fields, there still was no Songbuk Market Road (National Route 1) and the Jisan-dong area still remained mostly ricefields. In 1965, a new concrete church was built at 767-4 bunji (address). This new church was located where the side street now divides the present church and Education Center. The doorway of the building faced east. The exterior was covered with stucco and the roofed tiled. Judging from the photos, the church was about 40 feet by 20 feet. The old church that had been built in 1958 was retained as an educational building for teaching the children. It was located in the area west of the church in what is now the parking lot of the Education Center. Rev. Chang Jun-hong became the 3rd Pastor of the church in 1965.   (L) New church (1965) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation (1966) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)  (L) Jwadong Methodist Church with Pastor Rev Chang Jun-hong (1969) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) In 1969, Elder Kim Ik-hwan, the 4th Pastor, departed for the U.S. Upon Rev. Kim Ik-hwan's departure, Hong Chun-ju became the Elder. (NOTE: On 21 Sep 2006, Elder Lee June-Chole stated that Rev. Kim was now a pastor in Los Angeles and had returned in 2004 for a visit.) Up to the 1970s, the Jwadong Village area -- to the north of what is now Terminal Ridge Road -- remained isolated and a black bar row sprang up a few alleyways down. However, there was racial unrest with black airmen/soldiers that was spreading in the 1970s -- finally exploding in 1973 in Osan after blacks dragged a taxi driver from his cab and beat him. Koreans in turn attacked the blacks and racial violence quickly spread to the Shinjang Road area. As a result, the Jwadong area was placed off-limits and the black bars closed or moved into the Shinjang Mall area. After 1973, the bars were limited to the Shinjang area. Airmen no longer lived off-base in Jwadong and the Jwadong area reverted to a Korean residential area. In 1972, Park Soo-hum became Elder for the church after Elder Hong Song-gyu resigned. In 1974, Pastor Park Kyung-wan became vice-manager of the church, while Lee Joong-doo and Kim Kyung-lak became Elders. In 1975, Pastor Park Kyung-wan was reassigned. In 1976, a residence for the Pastor was built. Elder Jung Soon-jo, Kim Jang-kwan, Choi Jong-pil and Go Sang-yoon became Elders. In 1977, Elder Park Yoon-sook passed away and Elder Go Sang-yoon resigned. Construction on the overpass officially started on 29 Sep 1976 and was completed on 10 May 1977. After 1978 things radically changed in the Jwadong area after the overpass from the K-55 area was erected. The overpass was completed in 1977 and the Terminal Ridge Road running by the church was widened in 1978. It ran to the base of hill where it connected to the new National Route 1 (Songbuk Market Road) that was being constructed starting from Jisan Stream intersecting point and continued down until Seojeong-ni where it rejoined the old MSR-1 route.   (L) Overpass Intersection of Terminal Ridge Road and MSR-1 looking north toward Morning Market (1978) (Harry Tezlaf) (NOTE: Notice policeman on corner handling traffic light.) (R) Police Box on Intersection of Terminal Ridge Road and MSR-1 looking east. Jwadong Methodist Church just over hilltop. (1978) (Harry Tezlaf) In 1978, the new overpass was completed and the Terminal Ridge Road was extended to the base of the hill. At this time, the road construction was being laid out throughout the entire Songtan area with the cutting of roads on a grid pattern. The east-west roads in the Jwadong area followed the original alleyways as much as possible but cut perpendicular to the MSR-1 down to the base of the hill. The two north-south roads were to run diagonal along the hill. These north-south roads extended from Jungang-dong Village area through the Jwadong Village area across Terminal Ridge Road and then down the hill to the base where the intercity bus depot was located near the Achim Morning Market (Songbuk Farmers' Market). Later the new National Route 1 (Songbuk Market Road) would be constructed from the intersection of the MSR-1 near the Jisan stream through Jisan-dong to Seojeong-ni where it would reconnect to the original MSR-1 to Pyeongtaek. Unfortunately, the grid pattern for new north-south road through Jwadong ran directly through the Jwadong Methodist Church that was constructed in 1965. It would have to be demolished. At the same time, the older Sanctuary built in 1958 -- and used as the educational center -- was also demolished. Elder Lee June-chole remembers the church in the late 1970s and the education center being located to the east of the church. (Source: Verbal conversation between Kalani O'Sullivan and Lee June-chole on 19 Sep 2006.)  Side Street leading down the Hill to behind the Kookmin Bank (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan) In Feb 1980, they built a new church on the spot where the present church is located at 768 Jisan-dong, Songtan City. A dedication service was held to bless the site of the new church. The land was filled in and elevated using a 20-foot retaining wall to create a larger area for the church. Basically the design would have the office area at the street level along the road that curved down to the Songbuk Farmers' Market area, while the church would be on the first floor at the newly elevated level reached by a broad set of steps from the street. The second floor would contain the offices for the pastors. In Nov 1980, the new church was completed. In Apr 1981, a dedication ceremony was held as well as a church revival. Elders Kim Jung-sook and Lee June-chole became Elders, while Elder Kim Gyung-lak retired.  Elder Lee June-chole (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan) In Jan 1982, Pastor Yoon Ki-hwan was reassigned and Rev Park Ki-taek became the 8th pastor to take charge of the church. In Jul 1983, preacher You Dong-soo took over as the education preacher and a rectory was constructed on the present location of the Education Center.  Jwadong Methodist Church (1984) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) In Jan 1985, Preacher Bang Woon took over as the Education Preacher, and in Feb 1985, You Dong-soo resigned as the education preacher. At this time a new Songbuk-dong church was created with assistance from the church. In Jun 1985, Elder Lee Jong-doo retired. On 25 Sep 1985, a dedication ceremony was held for a new Pastor's building at C768 bunji (address) that would become the Education Center. In Jun 1986, Preacher Kim Hae-wook became a visiting preacher. In Jan 1987, Preacher Bang Woon became the education preacher, while visiting Preacher Kim Hae-wook resigned. Elder Park Soo-hum departed the church for Suwon. In Feb 1990, Pastor Park Ki-taek retired and Pastor No Chul-rae took over as the 9th Pastor of the Church. In Apr 1990, Rev No Chul-rae received his doctorate and an installation ceremony was held. In Oct 1990, Park Jin-suk resigned as education preacher. In Nov 1990, Elder Kang Do-won arrived from the Dang-jin area Yoo-guk Church. On 1 Jan 1991, Preacher Jo Sang-ho became the education preacher. In Feb 1991, Elder Lee Jang-doo passed away and a funeral was held in the church. In Feb 1992, Elder Kim Jang-sook retired. On 1 Jun 1992, Joo Sang-ho resigned as the education preacher and was replaced on 1 Jul 1992 by Lee Jung-Il. On 1 Sep 1992 Park Young-ae was promoted to visiting preacher. Also in Sep 1992, Kim Goo-hang became an Elder. In Feb 1993, Deacon Kwun Tae-bok became an Elder. On 1 Mar 1993, Preacher Lee Jung-il resigned. In Apr 1993, Elder Lim Sun-hee joined the church from the Songtan Kamri Church. In Sep 1993, Preacher Lee Do-jae became the education preacher. On 15 Nov 1993, the church celebrated its 40th anniversary. In Jul 1993, the church bought 130 pyeong of land to build the Education Building at 768-71 bungi, Jisan-dong. In Dec 1993, the church bought land at 768-95 bungi, Jisan-dong for the church. In Jan 1994, Preacher Jung Goo-yeul resigned to go the Chonbuk Jong Kwang Church. In Apr 1994, longtime Elder Oh You-gun arrived from Buchon Ki Doong Church. In May 1994, Preacher Ryu Kyung-yul became the education preacher, and in Jun 1994, Lee Do-jae resigned as education preacher. In Jun 1994 Elder Lee Wook-joo came from the Dang-jin Song-mae Church. On 1 Mar 1994, Pastor Jung Yoon-wha became the 10th Manager of the Church. Pastor No Chul-rae was reassigned to the Seoul Yang-moon church. In Jan 1995, Preacher Park Jung-ae was accepted as visiting preacher, but on 1 Oct 1995 he resigned. Deacons Han Kil-he, Choi Sung-kwun became Elders. On 1 Jan 1996, Pastor Jin Ki-sup promoted to Vice-Manager of the church. At the same time, Kim Hae-wook became a visiting preacher and Kim Jung-hoon became the education preacher. On Feb 1996, Lee Hyun-sook became the visiting preacher. In Mar 1996, the church underwent a major remodeling and facelift. The church frontage was upgraded and there was a landscaping of the grounds. The multi-story structure combined a kitchen and office area on the street level, the church was on the second level (top of the hill) and the pastor's offices was on the third level. In 1996, the construction of the Jwadong Methodist Education Center was started across the street along with the parking area for the church. On 23 Aug 1996, Choon Nam, Tae Ah-goon, Gun Hyung-myun and Tong Sin-ri dedicated the spot for the new 1,810 sq meter moral education center. On 20 Jan 1998, the Education Center was officially opened.   (L) Remodeled church (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) New Church (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) On 13 Jan 1997, the church supported project for a Philippine Missionary Church with 5 people and Pastor Jang Yoon-hwa. The building was completed on 25 May 1997. On 4 Sep 1997, Pastor Lingout and a pastor's group from the Dapdap Jwadong Church Education Center visited the Philippines for missionary education. On 11 Jan 1999, the church supported the making of the Dasmarias Church in the Philippines and on 25 Sep 2000 the Philippines Dapdap Jwadong Church and private residences completed. The Methodist church insists that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. Scriptural holiness entails more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world. On 30 May 1997, Lee Hyun-sook resigned as visiting preacher. He was replaced on 2 Jul 1997 by Park Jung-ae as visiting preacher, but he too resigned on 1 Nov 1997. On 1 Jan 1998, Lim Joo-suk became the visiting preacher. On 18 Oct 1998 services were held to mark Kwun Tae-bok, Han Kil-he, and Choi Sung-kwan becoming Elders; as well as marking Elder Lim Sun-he's retirement. On 13 Dec 1998, Kim Choong-bae and Jin Moon-ja became deacons. On 31 Jan 1999, Pastor Choi Han-young became the pastor to the Taekwang High School. On 1 Jun 1999, Lim Joo-sik resigned as visiting preacher. On 1 Sep 1999, Kim Hae-wook resigned as visiting preacher. On 15 Aug 1999, Lee Sun-hee and Jang Hee-ok took over as visiting preachers. On 1 Dec 2000, Joo Byung-jin became education preacher. On 30 Mar 2001, Pastor Jung Yoon-wha was promoted to Pyeongtaek Methodist District Superintendent. Education preacher Kim Jung-hoon became the Pastor. On 18 Apr 2001, his inauguration ceremony was held at the Pyeongtaek Presbyterian Church. On 11 May 2001, the Education Center was built on 768-6, 786-8, 768-48 and 768-68 bunji with an area also used as a parking lot. Elder Choi Sung-gwan was made the project manager. The construction took 8 months. On 27 Jan 2002 Pastor Jung Yoon-hwa and 350 people attended the dedication of the new Education Center. On 1 Jan 2002, teachers Sao Bo-hyun and Lee Jong-min became education preachers. On 17 Feb 2002, Kim Jung-hoon resigned as the education preacher. The church continues to serve its community's religious needs after over 50 years. The church activities include providing free English conversational classes for youngsters, bible study and other activities for its youth. The present senior pastor is Rev Um Sang-hyun who oversees the congregation of about 900 (including children). Rev. Un Sang-hyun took over as pastor in 2004. He is assisted by Assistant pastor Lee Sang-hyun who arrived in 2006.  Rev. Um Sang-hyun  Jwadong Methodist Education Center (2004) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)   (L) Church Revival (10 Apr 2006) (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) Congregation (15 Apr 2006) (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) Indigenous Workers Flock to Area As soon as the base construction started there was a need for indigenous workers to do the coolie labor -- hauling of rocks and dirt. The Army 839th Engineering Aviation Battalion hired some Koreans to work in their mess halls. In addition to the prostitutes off-base, the area started to fill with people seeking work on base. On the hills of the anti-aircraft artillery sites, little kids were filling sandbags for 25 cents a day. The refuse was contracted out -- and the response was that the garbage collectors were eating the American garbage as they drove away. As word spread, many North Korean refugees from Hwanghae-do in the southwest part of North Korea moved to Songtan. These people had fled on foot and ended up in Taejon until the threat of the Chinese invasion had subsided. When the base was started in June 1952, the destitute North Koreans sought work at Osan. They arrived in large numbers and huddled together in the Milwal-dong area for protection and morale. As more arrived, they spread along the south-side of the perimeter into Jeokbong-ni, Sageori, Pokchang-ni and Shinchang-dong. Without land or resources, they took on the menial of tasks of the community to survive. The large numbers of refugees started to tax the school system in Seojong-ni as there was compulsory elementary education for children. Everyday people seeking work on the base would line up at the main gate. A truck would drive up and count off how many laborers were needed for the day's work. At the end of the day, the workers were paid and delivered at the main gate. Later a contract office would be setup for the 839th Engineering Aviation Battalion and 914th Engineering Aviation Group which would handle the jobs as contract work. Photos of the construction of the base shows Koreans working as coolie laborers digging into the hillside and hauling the rock and dirt away on A-frames (chige). In the construction of the runway, Korean workers were engaged in the simple tasks to assist the EAB in pouring the concrete. Koreans were hired as mess workers and other jobs requiring no technical skill. Korean companies would be used for the completion of small jobs, while the EAB handled the major tasks. At the time, the EAB was more concerned with constructing the essential base infrastructure rather than "morale" facilities. These smaller facilities would be done under contract. As the base started to take shape, other areas were opened to indigenous workers. They worked in the messes, cleaned barracks, and did the laundry. These workers, in essence, liberated the officers and enlisted force from the everyday drudgeries of military life. Road gangs were comprised mostly of women as the men had all been conscripted or killed in the war. The base roads were cut out by graders driven by GIs, but right behind them were road crews with A-frames (chige) on their backs hauling the dirt away and widening the road with pick and shovel. The fortunate ones who spoke a little English found jobs as translators/clerk typists in the units; or bartenders/waitresses in the clubs. There were few openings on the flightline area except as general cleanup people and as manual laborers used in moving munitions or working base supply in the storage facilities. (NOTE: It should be noted that the Christian missionaries in the Pyeongyang area had been teaching the poor and disenfranchised Koreans English since the late 1800s. Many of these Koreans migrated to America as "scab" laborers to offset the Japanese workers who started to leave the plantations and farms. As a general rule, the majority of the lower class people who could speak English were both Christians and North Korean.) At times there were saboteurs amongst the Korean workers which increased the Americans mistrust. Dick Clifton, a South African pilot, remembered one occasion when a Korean worker removed the safety clip on the arming wire of one of his bombs -- a move which armed the bomb and nearly blew up him and his plane. The air police caught the saboteur soon after this episode and "dealt whith him appropriately." Presumably they shot him because summary executions was the standard procedure by the ROK Army who handled security. (Flying Cheetahs, Moore and Bashawe, pp213-214) However, in many cases, these saboteurs were in actuality people simply seeking to engage in thievery -- but the consequences were the same when caught -- summary execution. Of course, the rumors of the frequency of these occurrences heightened the mistrust. Spies were also a problem throughout Korea -- especially in the early years of the war. Many Koreans could speak some English because of being taught in missionary schools -- mostly in Pyongyang. Unfortunately, these students were also from the disenfranchised peasant class who were Communist in leaning. Because of their English skills, these people easily found employment in the squadron bars and officer clubs where they could listen in on conversations. They were occasionally found and summarily executed -- on the spot. Though some Koreans were used in administrative roles, they were kept away from sensitive material. By 1953, the threat of spies had decreased -- though it would remain an open problem for American bases well into the 1970s. There was a generalized prejudice against the Korean workers by Americans. Many of the Americans didn't like the Koreans and called them "Gooks." The Americans felt they would steal anything that wasn't nailed down. At this time, there was desparate poverty off-base and starvation amongst the populace. Instead of seeing the people's thievery as simply a means of survival, many Americans perceived it as a "colonial mentality" on the part of the Koreans whereby stealing from the Americans was morally acceptable -- while stealing from Koreans wasn't. Cultural sensitivity was lacking for the most part in the Americans. But to come to the American defense, the landscape around Osan was barren of any trees. The air stank from the use of human excrement for fertilizer. The people were in rags and poverty was everywhere. The response was that the kimchee, the national dish, stank and there wasn't a damn thing in Korea worth saving. Though the country had thousands of years of history, none of it was evident in 1953 -- except ruins. Unlike Japan, it was hard to feel an affinity for this country or its people. Despite this fact, many Americans took a shine to the Koreans who worked on base. In some cases, the Americans would "adopt" an orphan and he would become a fixture on the base -- residing in the barracks as well as acting as a houseboy. Unfortunately, their attitude towards the Koreans were for the most part paternalistic. Some units allowed their "mascots" (orphans) to sleep in the barracks. But though the Americans thought of their houseboys as lowly workers, the truth was that they were paid about $30 a month ($1-2 for each barracks resident) which was $6 more than a Korean colonel made. Having a job on base was a blessing. Soon the Korean workers formed networks whereby other family members would be brought in to work on base. Regardless, the Korean people remembered the Korean War veterans and passed legislation whereby a foreign Korean War veteran could buy Korean land without being a Korean citizen. Though few took up the offer, some did and became Korean citizens after the war. The Korean War veterans who returned for the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War were treated as honored guests. The Koreans remember the sacrifices of the Korean War veterans in assisting Korea during its time of national need.  C-Ration Village Outside the Gate (1954) (Robert Furrer) In the photo above, the area that became known as Chicol Village (also known as Jae Yok-dong) -- and finally Shinjang-dong. To the local residents, it was known as Chongmun-eup (Front Gate town) to differentiate it from the agricultural village. The photo was taken just at the main gate -- most likely from the helipad to the right of the gate. To the right there is a sign post where the Korean to the right is. At the sign post was a small alley that ran down towards the Jungang Market area -- which still hadn't been established -- and then down along the rice paddies in what is now Shinjang 2-dong. The Shinjang Mall Road -- though it was not a Mall then either -- veered left at the main gate and then jogged right. It straightened out till it went up the hill and over the rail spur. It then went down over the Kyongbu Railway. If you look to the left, you will see the pattern of the houses with a space between indicating the two-lane dirt road. The houses-shops were built directly along the edge of the Shinjang Mall road and there was very little expansion as yet. The clap-trap nature of the houses are evident. The roofing material most likely is tar paper (obtained from the base) and tacked down with strips. The tar paper was used for inner wall water barrier insulation on the Jamesway buildings and Quonset huts used on base. These houses shanty houses made from mudwattle and scrap wood -- even cardboard. In between the houses, you will note there is an open strip along the hillside. This is the location of the Kyongbu Railroad line and railroad spur area to the base. The hill in the background is the hill between the base and MSR-1. There is a faint line on the hill indicating the road that joins MSR-1 at the base of the hill. The Songbuk-dong business area and farmers market had not been built as yet. Education The influx of refugees into the Chicol-ni and Milwal-dong areas created problems of overcrowding in the local area schools. In Seojong-ni, there was the Seojong-ni Elementary which had been officially established in 1945 -- but traced its roots back to 1922 Japanese school. The Seojong Elementary School had reopened after the initial invasion in Jun 1951, but there were not enough teachers and too little classroom space in their 3-room school house. In April 1952, a Parent-Teacher Association was formed to help defray the costs. Under this program, the PTA supported about 75 percent of the costs and the government provided 25 percent. Unfortunately, under this plan only those who supported the school would attend. Though primary school was made compulsory in 1949, there were still disenfranchised children in the refugee community. NOTE: In 1952, Robert Evilsizor, 839th EAB, took 8mm home movies of school children marching in line to school and a boy in uniform playing "changi" (kick-toy game). The neatly dressed children we believe were headed to Seojong-ni Elementary about 2 km down the road. There is a part with a little boy in uniform that we believe was from the St. Theresa's middle school -- taught at that time by Father Dominicu in the St. Theresa Rectory. We make this assumption because of the uniform. At that time only middle school (and above) students wore uniforms. St. Theresa's was the only Middle School in the area in 1952. In 1953, it would move into its new 8-room school house built on the church grounds capable of supporting 280 students. (St. Theresa's later became the Seojong Catholic Church.)Within the area, there was the Kumgak-ri School was opened up in 1953 as a "branch" of the Seotan Elementary School that had been established in 1930. In Jinwi, there was the Sadae Elementary (later the Jinwi Elementary). Education in Local Area Bob Spiwak sent a photo taken in 1953 that he at first thought was an orphanage, but then realized it was school kids. (NOTE: We at first thought it was Seojong-ni Elementary, but the date didn't match. Then we noticed the correlation of Kumgak-ri Elementary on the southwest side of Hill 180 being attached to Seotan Elementary in Nov 1953 -- and thought it was the school built by the 18th FW in 1953 with donations. Again we were wrong as Bob Spiwak said it was easy walking distance from Hill 170 on the northeast side of base. Later Bob confirmed that the building was NOT Seojong Elementary. As of Aug 2005, we are not certain of the school, but Mr. Oh Sun-soo stated that the construction appeared to be Japanese.) His photo is of significance as there were few photos of these types of structures and infrastructure at the time. At that time, this school was not considered important. What is marvelous about the photo is that though the kids had patches on their clothes -- all the clothes appeared washed and pressed. This reflects the attitudes and respect towards the educational process on the part of parents and children -- a tradition continued till today. There was no middle school or high school in the area and for many of these kids -- this was the end of their education. The intent of these schools was to teach the Koreans to once again read "hangul" (Korean) -- after years of Japanese colonial rule which banned the use of Hangul in schools in 1937 -- and it succeeded as the Korean populace currently has a 98 percent literacy rate. Because of the times, this would be the last education for many of these children as poverty prevented many from continuing on.  School unknown, but near Hill 170 (1953) (Bob Spiwak) (NOTE: See Compulsory Elementary School Education in the Songtan area for details.)
In 1952, Robert Evilsizor with the 839th EAB, took some 8mm movies of a long procession of kids walking to school. As there was only the Seojong Elementary School in the area at the time, these kids must have been on the way to school. They were guided by the teacher and some women who might have been parents or teachers. Though the government had passed a law making education compulsory it did not fund the schools adequately. Thus most of the schools were supported by "donations" from the Parent-Teacher Associations. In fact, those children whose families could not afford to "donate," did not attend school. Because of the severe poverty, many times families could not even afford the cost of paper and pencils. In the film, most of the children did not have uniforms, but some of the older one did. Some of the girls wore white blouses with black trim on the collar and black skirts. Some of boys wore the traditional black coat and pants. What was evident was the happiness to attend school that was evident in the faces of the children as they marched along.
(NOTE: The school taught the first three grades of elementary school. According to Mr. Pak Chong-su, owner of the Pak Toy and Doll Shop, the school was started by his father. Pak Song-chul, was an advisor to the 18th ABG Commander and got the base to provide the tents for the much needed school as the population swelled with North Korean refugees. The day-to-day operations was handled by Mr. Pak Byong-kwon, a good friend of the senior Mr. Pak, and who had a house adjacent to the school. (Source: Verbal conversation Kalani O'Sullivan and Mr. Pak Chong-su on 19 Nov 2005. Hyomyung Middle School and High School in Seojong-ni (1953) In June 2005, we ran across an HQ Far East Air Force (FEAF) news release that mentioned a school being built by the 18th FBW. The HQ FEAF, 5th Air Force news release on 22 Jan 1954 read in part: "The airmen of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing provided materials and finances for a new eight-room country school house near Osan for 280 Korean grammar school children. While Korean builders speeded the construction of the new building, men of the 18th Wing utilized their off-duty time in the base hobby shop making 90 double desks and 140 double seats needed for the students." We began our search for the school at the time in the immediate area -- with no luck. However, while conducting an interview on the Seojong-ni area schools at Hyomyung Middle School, we were shown the 2003 50th Anniversary edition yearbook of the Hyomyung Schools and a small article by Father Dominicus -- the Catholic priest of St. Theresa's Church in Seojong-ni between 1952-1960 -- documented the building of the school by the 18th FBW of K-55 (Osan AB) donations. According to the History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing 1 Jan 1954 to 30 Jun 1954, Office of the WIng Chaplain, written by 1st Lt. Andrew J. McLean, Deputy Wing Chaplain, and signed by Bernhardt G. Hoffman, Wing Chaplain talks of the St. Theresa's school. From this history, it appears that the funding and donations of time and effort for the construction of the furniture was solely due to the Catholic personnel on base -- and did not involve the Protestant group. There were over twice the number of Catholics (12,219) on base as there were Protestants (5,339) and Jewish (40). At this time, the Protestant Chaplain was attempting to set up a Wing Orphanage Program, but there appears to have been a lack of support from the wing leadership. Wing Chaplain Major George M. Rinkowski who had initiated the action had rotated to the states (Chanute Air Force Base) in Apr 1954. (Source: 51st FW/HO, John Okonski.) Humanitarian Services: 
Chaplain (Maj) Rinkowski and St. Theresa's Middle School (1952) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))
The Rev. Fr. George M. Rinkowski died on 16 June 2006 at the age of 93 in Toledo, Ohio. He served the Diocese of Toledo for over 65 years. Amongst his many accomplishments, he never forgot his contribution in establishing that small school at St. Theresa's (Seojong-ni Catholic Church) that turned into the Hyomyung Middle & High School:The Hyomyung Middle School 50th Anniversary Edition (2003) shed light on this school. The postcard in the photo reads: "This school was built by Catholic Airmen, Army Personnel, SCARWAF Personnel of K-55 through their generous contributions at Masses during the past six months. Bishop Paul M. Rho, Bishop of Seoul, (blocked out) the $6,000 (blocked out) 6 January 1954." According to Mr. Kim Jong-youp, Vice-Principal of Hyomyung Middle School, the structure was built in what is now the parking lot of the Seojong Catholic Church. It appears that $6,000 -- a significant amount of money at that time -- was donated towards the construction of the school done under contract, The key man in getting this going was Chaplain (Major) Rinkowski of the Wing Chaplain of the 18th FBW and Father Dominicu (Korean priest) of the St. Theresa's Church in Seojong-ni. However, this project was not well-publicized and may have been a strictly Catholic airmen initiative as many veterans of that period did not know of this school.  St. Theresa's Middle School (1957) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) The Seojong Church (St. Theresa's Catholic Church) was founded on its present location in 1937. Prior to the building of the new school structure, Father Dominicu (Ryu Su-cheol) (1918-1977) was teaching a small number of students in the rectory in 1952. Father Dominicu served at the Seojong Catholic Church from 1952-1960. 
Father Dominicu teaching in Rectory (1952) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))
The building was erected in 1953 and called "St. Theresa Middle School" -- and
is the predecessor of the present Hyomyung Middle School. (NOTE: It appears
that the date of the official opening of the structure by Bishop Paul M. Rho is
used as the founding date of the Hyomyung Middle School. The Hyomung
Middle School was founded on 21 May 1953 -- and followed by the Hyomyung High
School on 21 May 1956. The school's first classrooms at its present location about a quarter-mile down the road from the Seojong-ni Catholic Church was built in 1960, but it wasn't
officially moved until 1964.)
(L) Seojong Catholic Church Parking Lot (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (NOTE: Site of St. Theresa's Middle School in 1953.) (R) Seojong Catholic Church (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)   St. Theresa's Middle School. Fr. Dominicu in center. (1953) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory (1956) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))  St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory (1956) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 26 Feb 1957, the Hyomyuing High School created with three classes. On this date, the first principal Kim Kyang-ha took control acting both as a teacher and principal. On 10 Feb 1960, Hyomyung High School year graduated its first class of 24 boys and 9 girls.   (L) St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory. Fr. Dominicu in center. (1958) (R) St. Theresa's Middle School Class (1959) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory (1959) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) From 15 Mar 1960 to 20 Dec 1960, construction took place to build 10 classrooms (903.57 sq meter). This is the location of the present school and operated as an annex of the main school remained at the Seojong-ni Catholic Church.   Hyomyung Middle and High School building ceremonies with Church and K-55 dignitaries. Father Dominicu as Principal presiding. (1960) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   Hyomyung Middle and High School building ceremonies with Church and K-55 dignitaries. Father Dominicu as Principal presiding. (1960) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   (L) 10 classroom building (NOTE: Now high school administration offices.) (R) Hyomyung Middle and High School building ceremonies with Church and K-55 dignitaries. Father Dominicu as Principal presiding. (NOTE: Notice the lack of buildings around the school.) (1960) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 18 Dec 1962, Hyomyung High School became "Hyomyung Shiop High School" (trade school) with three classes. On 15 Oct 1963, a sports room was constructed for judo. On 1 Mar 1964, the classrooms were "officially" moved from Seojong-ni Catholic Church to present location. In 1952 they first built the classroom at Seojong-ni Catholic Church and they had playground. In 1960, they built the classrooms where they are now, but there was no playground. During breaktime, they went to the Seojongni Catholic Church to use playground until a playground could be constructed. In 1964, ceremonies was held to dedicate the new construction on the playground. On 10 Oct 1965, a wood-working building (mok-kong jang) was constructed. From 15 Sep 1966 - 17 Nov 1967, they built 20 more classrooms (2023.5 sq meters). On 5 Oct 1967, three electrical classes were added. On 20 Nov 1968, three machine shop classes were added. On 20 Dec 1968, a family building (kajong-kwan) was built with an area of 573.4 sq meters. The 1st floor was 284.9 square meters, while the 2nd floor was 288.5 square meters.   (L) Business Class (1960) (R) Drafting Class (1967) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   (L) Surveying Class (1967) (R) Wood working Class (1967) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   (L) Electrical Class (1970) (R) Surveying Class (1970) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   (L) Wood-working Class (1971) (R) Electrical Class (1971) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))   (L) Machine Shop Class (1971) (R) Sewing Class (1971) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 1 Apr 1969, the second principal Kim Woo-yong took over. On 30 Jun 1969, classrooms were constructed at the first gate that encompassed 2024.4 sq meters. The 1st floor had 275.76 sq meters; 2nd floor 867.66 sq meters; and 3rd floor 480.96 sq meters. On 22 Nov 1969, the school name was changed to "Hyomyung Chonghap Kodung Hakkyo" (General High school) which synthesized the classes. Three regular classes were added.   (L) Hyomyung girl students (1967) (R) Hyomyung students in Seojong-ni (1970) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))  Class Roll Call (1970) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 3 Jun 1972, a new school building (ji hae-kwan) of 1110.44 sq meters was constructed. The 1st floor was 555.22 sq meters; and the 2nd floor was 555.22 sq meters. On 5 Dec 1972, electrical classes increased. On 1 Nov 1974 Machine shop classes were increased to 6 classes. On 29 Jul 1975, a "special study room" on 1st floor made 849.30 sq meter for Science course work. On 24 Nov 1975, the woodworking classes were terminated and electrical classes increased to 6 classes. There were 3 business classes and 6 machine shop classes. On 7 Sep 1978, an outdoor amphitheater was constructed that seated 5000 people. The pine trees that covered the area was not disturbed and the land was leveled with the help of the K-55 heavy equipment. The base also assisted in the construction of the amphitheater. The stand of pine trees in the amphitheater are the amongst last that once covered the entire Songtan area -- and from which the city gets its name: song (pine) and tan (charcoal).   Construction of Amphitheater (1978) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 19 Oct 1979, the business classes were terminated. There were now 9 middle-school classes and 3 machine shop classes. On 3 Jun 1980, there were 3 machine shop classes, 6 electricity classes, and 12 middle school classes. On 1 Jun 1983, a "special study area" was constructed with a total space of 893.7 sq meters. The 2nd floor was the library.  Amphitheater Sports Awards Group (1985) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 1 Sep 1986, the third principal Yi Jung-taek took over. In 1990, there were only three types of classes. On 19 Sep 1990, there were 6 machine shop classes; 6 electricity classes; and 12 middle classes. On 1 Sep 1986 start built two special classrooms for weightlifting (208.5 sq meters) and completed on 23 Dec 1986. From 1 Jun 1987 to 1 Oct 1987 the construction of new library (209.34 sq meter) took place. From 19 Jul 1991 to 30 Jun 1992 the school built 6 more classrooms and 3 more toilets (1101.6 sq meters). From 28 Oct 1992 to 30 Dec 1993 the school built 27 more classrooms (2786.4 sq meters). On 1 Mar 1994, the fourth principal Fr. Kim Bong-hak (Bauro) took over. On 2 Jun 1994, a machine room area was made with total area of 3104.75 sq meters. The 1st floor had 1135.75 sq meter; 2nd floor 1124.50 sq meter; and 3rd floor 844.50 sq meter. On 1 Oct 1994, a student dormitory (ki-sik sa) was constructed with a total area of 475.24 squ meter. The 1st floor was 237.62 sq meter and the 2nd floor was 237.62 sq meter. From 11 Sep 1995 to 20 Dec 1995 the school built 3 more classrooms and one more bathroom (259.2 sq meter). On 5 Jul 1996, teacher housing (sataek) was constructed with total area of 120.96 sq meter. On 24 Mar 1996, display rooms were constructed with a total area of 1296 sq meter. The 1st floor had 486 sq meter; 2nd floor 486 sq meter; and 3rd floor 324 sq meter.  New Construction at Hyomyung High School with Bishop Kim presiding on dedication (Jul 1996) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 10 Jan 1997 the demolition of 30 classrooms no longer used. From 1 Aug 1997 to 20 Dec 1997 built 7 classrooms (780.3 sq meters). In 1999, a cafeteria was constructed with a total area of 1002.6 sq meter. The 1st floor had 923 sq meter and the 2nd floor had 179.6 sq meter. On 19-20 Jun 2001, national Catholic student meeting was held at Hyomyung Middle & High School. On 28 Feb 2002, the KBS "Golden Bell" program -- a student knowledge-based contest -- was televised from the school. On 1 Jun 2002, a 192.9 sq meter sports building was constructed. On 1 Jul 2002 the school built 6 more classrooms and 3 bathroom (841.52 sq meters). On 30 Oct 2002 the statue of the virgin Mary was moved outside. In 1960 they built an alcove for the statue on the building above the entrance. In 1997, the building was demolished and the statue moved inside. In 2002, it was decided that the statue should be moved outside in front of new building to inspire the students passing by.   (L) Statue of Mary above entrance and relocated (1970-2002) (R) Statute relocated (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 13 Feb 2003 construction started in front of the library to build 6 more classrooms and 2 more bathrooms (841.52 sq meter). On 20 Feb 2003, the school held its 44th Anniversary as a trade school. Up to 2003, the school had graduated 12,155 pupils. On 10 Apr 2003, the school electrical system was upgraded to 900kw. On 22 Apr 2003, the Kyonggi-do trade students held their competition at the school. On 21May 2003, Hyomyung Middle School celebrated its 50th anniversary.   New Building Construction (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))  New Building Construction (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) From 28 Nov 2002 to 14 Nov 2003 the construction of the new gym hall (2300.5 squ meter) was undertaken. Using metal beams and concrete, the total area was 696 pyeong. First floor was 1583.5 sq meters (480 pyeong). 2nd floor 717 sq meter (216 pyeong). First floor used for baseball and office, bathroom, electric room, shower room, dressing room and 1000 moving seats. Second floor 1008 balcony seats, store rooms and multi-media room. The shared cost for the construction was Kyonggi-do Province gave 400 million won; Kyonggi Education Hall gave 500 million won; Pyeongtaek City gave 700,000 million' and School paid 700 million won. Total cost was 2.3 billion won ($2.3 million). On 6 Nov 2003, the Gym was rededicated as the Kwangamkwan Bldg -- the 50th Anniversary Gym.  New Gym Construction (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) 15 Sep 2003 they improve the drainage of the playgrounds. In the past, they had problems with flooded grounds that prevented activities. Added soccer fields and baseball.   Playground Drainage Project (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003)) On 17 Feb 2005, the 50th class graduated from the Hyomyung Middle School -- a total of 16,219 students from its beginnings. On 28 Feb 2005, the Dominiku Building was erected in honor of Father Dominicu (1918-1977). The Hyomyung High School will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007 (instead of 2006) according to the Vice-Principal of Hyomyung Middle School, Mr. Kim Jong-youp and Ms. Choi Jeong-min, a school English teacher who acted as translator.   Hyomyung HS & MS (2003) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))  Hyomyung HS & MS (2003) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))
Hyomyung Middle School (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)
Honcho Park The Airman Magazine in Sept 2001 ran a touching story of Pak Chan-yang's flight to freedom and finally finding work at the Osan AB Messhall. (See Honcho Park). When he was 15 years old, Pak Chan-yang's life changed for the better. But it didn't seem like it at the time, as he ran for his life. 18th TFW and 2d Squadron SAAF Transition from F-51 Mustangs  Harold Snow and F-86F with early 18th FBW Tail Marking (early 1953) (NOTE: Red stripes indicate the 67th FBS; Yellow Stripes indicate 12th FBS) (Harold Snow, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea)  Osan AB Sabre Jet (early 1953) (Ron Freedman) According to The U.S. Air Force in Korea (p637), "The new model Thunderjets increased the Fifth Air Force's combat capability, but the biggest news was the proposed equipment of the 8th and 18th Fighter Bomber Wings with F-86F Sabre air-ground attack planes. Except for bomb shackles, a modification of its gun-bomb-rocket sight, and special 200-gallon external fuel tanks, the F-86F Sabre-bomber would not be greatly different from the F-86F-interceptor. Many pilots were not completely convinced that the Sabre would be satisfactory as a fighter-bomber. "It's much too fast," some said. "It's bound to be unstable," thought others. Despite such pessimism, the Fifth Air Force planned to convert the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing at the new Osan-ni Airfield, squadron by squadron, beginning in November 1952. Sometime in January 1953, after the 18th Wing had obtained its full complement of Sabres, the 8th Wing was to begin to convert its squadrons at Suwon Airfield. Conversion of air wings to a radically different type of aircraft is never an easy task, and a number of unforeseen developments made the Sabre fighter-bomber conversion program the most difficult. Slippages in deliveries of Sabres to the Far East delayed the 18th Wing's conversion and put both wings into transition at the same time. Concerned with the growth of Red air capabilities, General Barcus ordered the new Sabre wings to make their pilots proficient in fighter-interceptor tactics before beginning fighter-bomber training." January 22: The 18th FBW withdrew its remaining F-51 Mustangs from combat and prepared to transition to Sabres, thus ending the use of USAF single engine, propeller-driven aircraft in offensive combat in the Korean War. Some of the F-51s went to the ROKAF, and the rest were ferried to Itazuke, Japan. The decision to reequip the unit with F-86F-30 Sabres was made in Oct 52, but problems with delivery had delayed the conversion. (Source: AFHRA) (NOTE: On 27 December 1952, No. 2 Squadron flew its last missions in the veteran F-51Ds. However, delivery problems held up the conversion to the Sabres until early 1953. On 30 December 1952, the 18th Wing moved from Chinhae to the new air base that had been built at Osan in anticipation of the arrival of the F86s.) 8 January 1953: 12th FBS stands down froom combat and flying their F-51Ds back to Kisarazu AB, Japan by way of Itazuke AB, Japan. With the 12th FBS 'hitting the manuals' by early January 1953, the Soth Africans became the nexxt unit to stand down. This left just the 67th FBS at K-46, flying as many missions as it could handle with all the wing's surviving F-51Ds. (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p29) 12 January 1953: Heavy snowfall typical of December and January with temperatures in the teens or lower. The 12th and No.2 Squadrons received their Sabres, while the 67th, continued flying Mustangs. 15 January 1953: On 15 January the 67th launched its last major strike out of Hoengsong, the F-51s then recovering at Osan AB. This was a significant event in the history of the 18th FBW, for less than a week later (23 January 1953, to be precise, the 67th FBS flew its last combat mission of the war with the F-51D. (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p29) 23 January 1953: The 67th Squadron continued to fly Mustangs until 23 January. On this day, the old F-51s -- once the pride of the Air Force but now sadly obsolete old planes -- were withdrawn from combat. (Source: USAF in Korea, Robert F. Futrell, p638). The unit was then officially removed from the available frontline force. According to official records kept by the wing, 20 Mustangs were flown back to Japan on 17 January, with the remaining 26 fighters flying out from Osan. 11 days later: The retirement of the legendary WWII vintage fighetr from the USAF's frontline force was carried out with very little fanfare from the media. Indeed, the significance of the even was only truly realized within the ranks of the 18th FBW itself. (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p29) The 67th converted to F-86Fs. At first, the l8th's pilots learned fighter-interceptor tactics before relearning their previous fighter-bomber duties. According to an article by Warren Thompson, "Classroom instruction was strictly business, with as many as three different classes going on at the same time, eight hours a day, seven days a week. The fast pace enabled all of the 18th's pilots to be checked out in the new aircraft by Feb. 25, only 49 days after training began and only 32 days after the final Mustang mission."  F-86F with early 18th FBW Tail Marking (1953) (NOTE: Red stripes indicate the 67th FBS; Yellow Stripes indicate 12th FBS) (F.G. Smart, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) January 28: The l8th Fighter Bomber Wing received its first three PAINTED F-86F Sabres. One was marked in SAAF colors and the other two in 18th FBW colored bands. The South African Air Force's (SAAF) No. 2 Squadron, the "Springboks" (antelopes) had a springbok silhouette painted on the sides of its Mustangs. The 12th, the "Fightin' Foxey Few" had yellow propeller spinners with shark's teeth on their noses like the Flying Tigers. The 67th, the "Fightin' Cocks," had red spinners with a rooster logo. Sabres continued to be delivered until the last Sabre arrived on 31 March.  Foxy Few Emblem on Squadron Ops Bldg (1953) (Gene Buttyan, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) The unofficial nickname 12th FBS "Foxy Few" logo appeared on the tails of the 12th FBS F-86s as well as on "Foxy Few" patches, mugs -- and even signs on the Operations Building. The wing proclaimed its presence by posting a sign at the base's main gate stating: "18th Fighter Bomber, Best Damn Fighter Group in the World". (Source: Korea War Project: 12th FBS and Korea War Project: 67th FBS.) The 12th FBS was the only squadron that did no use an official emblem during the fighter-bomber era of the Korean War. Instead, its personnel chose to keep the "Foxy Few" logo that had been created soon after the unit had arrived in Korea from Clark AFB, in the Philippines, in July 1950. The emblem had been designed by legendary Mustang pilots "Spud" Taylor and "Chappie" James. (Source: F-85 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p 26)  Foxy Few Emblem on Aircraft (late 1953) (Ken Smith, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) 11 February 1953: - General Maxwell D. Taylor replaces General James A. Van Fleet at Eighth Army. 22 February 1953: First mission was flown with part of the 4th. Sabre Jet Classics stated: "It was a MiG Sweep along the Yalu flown by the commanders of the three squadrons in the 18th Group. Major Jim Hagerstrom, CO of the 67th Squadron led the flight, with Commandant Gerneke as no. 2, Colonel Maurice Martin, new CO of the 18th, was no. 3, and Major Harry Evans, CO of the 12th Sq., flew no.4. Although several flights of MiGs were called out, combat with the speedy Russian jets was not accomplished." 25 February 1953: On 25 February the 18th Wing flew its first combat mission with Sabres -- a four-plane flight which tacked on to a Yalu sweep. 4 March 1953: The 18th Wing was in action, but Colonel Perego was dissatisfied with the progress that many of his conventional pilots were making. Believing that enough time had been wasted in an effort to qualify men who lacked aptitude, Colonel Perego reassigned 30 pilots to other duties in the Fifth Air Force on 4 March. (Source: USAF in Korea, Robert F. Futrell, p638) 5 March 1953: - With the death of Joeseph Stalin, the new Soviet Premier Georgi Malenkov speaks of a new peaceful coexistence. March 1953: The 18th FBW faced many difficulties in transitioning to the F-86Fand was only flying fighter-bomber missions. One of the first problems faced by the wing following the retirement of the F-51 was twhat to do with the many high-time Mustang pilots that polulated the trio of squadrons within its charge. The process of retraining and then 'checking out' pilots in the Sabre was very costly, and if the USAF could not get a certain number of missions from a pilot after he had completed the training regimen, then he was considered to be a poor investment. Therefore, it was decided that any Mustang pilot that had flown less than 50 missions in Korea had to transition onto the Sabr, regardless of how he felt about shifting from a piston- to jet-engined fighter. (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p30)  F-80C trainer (early 1953) (NOTE: At first, F-80s were borrowed from Suwon and Kunsan. Later each squadron had one F-80C for training.) (Kenneth Koon, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) According to an article by Warren Thompson, "Many of the 18th FBW's pilots were close to finishing their required 100 missions. It wouldn't have been logical for them to go through an extensive — and expensive — training period in the new Sabre only to rotate back to the United States after a few missions. Instead, pilots with fewer than 50 missions automatically entered the program. The rest had three options: finish their tour with a forward air control "Mosquito" squadron; become advisors to the Mustang-equipped ROKAF; or extend their tours and have a chance to fly the new Sabres." However, there were exceptions with a small number of 'top-timers' volunteered for extensions of their tours to transition to the fighters.  Major Howard Ebersole in Cockpit (1953) (Howard Heiner, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) However, a different story is told by a Training Supervisor, Maj. Howare R. "Ebe" Ebersole, at Sabre Pilots: 18th FBW Transition. He stated that on 2 March 1953, many of the F51 pilots who were anticipating combat in F-86s were told they were to be transferred either stateside if they had 75 missions -- or become F-86 "advisors" to the T-6 FACs. There were some very unhappy troops and supposedly shots were heard being fired through ceilings that night -- though no one was hurt. On 4 March 1953, the 12th FBS received 16 fresh F-86 pilot training graduates -- all Second Lieutenants. They filled the 12th FBS squadron's table of organization for the allotted number of pilots. By March 31st, the 12th Squadron had 25 F-86Fs. The 67th reached its full complement of Sabres by April 17. Jet trained pilots from Nellis Air Force Base soon began replacing the Mustang pilots of the 18th. (See 8th FBW: for details of F-86F.) (See TROA: "A Wing and a Prayer" for an excellent article by Warren Thompson.) Maj. Flamm D. Harper, 18th FB Operations Officer and experienced interceptor type brought in to train personnel, stated: "Despite the naysayers of the new fighter-bomber F-86 variant, the Sabre was an excellent "mud-mover", for it could carry two 1000-lb bombs, two external fuel tanks and 1800 rounds of 0.50-cal to any target in North Korea. Due to its speed, the jet took us far less time to accomplish the missions. We could also carry napalm, but we were never tasked to do so. We dis some skip bombing and speed did not prove to be a problem at all." (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p38) The test flights confirmed the initial impressions of combat pilots in Korea. The MiG-15 was faster than the F-86A and F-86E at altitudes above 30,000 feet, but slower at lower altitudes. Early F-86Fs were superior in speed to the MiG only up to 35,000 feet, whereas the "6-3" F-86Fs were faster than their MiG opponents all the way up to the Sabre's service ceiling. 12 March 1953: Training of the SAAF pilots continued into February and by 12 March the squadron was once more flying sorties. The squadron was mainly employed in a ground attack role as the Sabre proved to be an excellent aircraft for dive-bombing, carrying two 1000lb bombs or napalm and rockets.
27 March 1953: Assigned as the CO of the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (FBW), Maj. James P. Hagerstrom destroyed his fifth MiG to become the twenty-eighth Korean War jet air ace. Hagerstrom, of the Texas Air National Guard, scored 6.5 MiG kills to become the first and only ace from the l8th Fighter Bomber Group. He had earlier gotten two while flying with the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Interceptor Group, giving him a total of 8.5. He was transferred from the 4th FIG to make for the lack of experience in the 18th FBG with the F-86 transition -- and became the only Fighter Bomber ace of the Korean War. (Source: AFHRA) (NOTE: The F-86 static display near the Doolittle Gate at Osan AB is supposed to be a representation of Jim Hagerstrom's aircraft, "MiG Poison." Hagerstrom was promoted to Major in 1950, Lt. Col in 1953 and Colonel in 1958 based on being an "ace." For Hagerstrom, flying combat missions in Korea was a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity. He did everything he could to prepare himself for such a task: he started running on the beach, taking courses over and over again on the A-4 gun sight, and reading all the intelligence reports he could get his hands on at Nellis AFB. (Source: Officers in Flight Suits, John Darrell Sherwood, 1996, p70.) While at Osan, he was did not imbibe before a mission to ensure he would be "100 percent." There was some criticism that he would dump his bomb load as soon as possible and head to MiG Alley. An assignment to the 18th FBW from the 4th FIW was not in his game plan -- and he was hell-bound to be an ace. Aces were willing to "go it alone" and even break standard rules of engagement for the sake of a kill. Hagerstrom once flew fifteen feet over the alert pad at Antung at nin-tenths the speed of sound just "trying to get the MiGs off the ground. (Source: ibid, p89) Hagerstrom before he left the states had a special pair of half-mirrored distance glasses made which enabled him to see at twenty feet what an ordinary person would see at ten. The optometrist told him they might permanently ruin his eyes, and he replied: "I don't give a shit." (Source: ibid, p84.) In March 1953, he knew he was going to transferred to fighter-bombers or out of theater with only 4.5 kills, so he desparately gave it the old "college try to get one more to be an ace. He shot down two outside Antung. On his last day in Korea, he was in dress-blues awaiting his C-47 out when an alert was called and he flew that day to claim one more. (Source: ibid, pp89-90))
 Maj. James P. Hagerstrom after MiG kills while with 4th FIS (Dec 1952)  Maj Hagerstrom outside Ops Bldg (Early 1953) (NOTE: Notice the early tail marking for 18th TFW on a/c in background) (Don McNamara, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea)  Lt Robert Cassatt poses in front of Maj. Hagerstrom's F-86F "Mig Poison" (which bears 6.5 red stars on its canopy rail) (Early Summer 1953) (Robert Cassatt, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) April 14: The first dive-bomb mission was flown on 14 April. 28 March 1953: - North Korean premier Kim Il Sung and Chinese commander in chief Peng Teh-huai agree to the POW exchange proposed by General Clark. March 30 - Chinese Foreign Minister Chou En-lai indicates that the Red Chinese will accept the Indian Rsolution of December 1952. Thus, truce talks resume at Panmunjom. 31 March 1953: The last of 25 F-86s to the 12th FBS delivered to Osan. Within a week both No. 2 Sqn and the 67th FBS could also boast their full complement of the new 'Dash-30s'! (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p31) With many new replacement pilots from the United States and eventual arrival of more Sabres, the 12th Squadron reached unit strength on 31 March and the 67th Squadron attained a similar status on 7 April 1953. (Source: USAF in Korea, Robert F. Futrell, p638) Last week of March to April 18 - The Battles of Old Baldy, Eerie, and Pork Chop Hill all take place. April 1 - Two squadrons (428th & 429th FBS) of the 474th FBG of Kunsan AB (K-8) administratively swapped (on paper) with two squadrons of the 49th FBG (7th & 8th FBS) of Taegu (K-2) to form Taegu's new 58th FBW (Reinforced). The 430th FBS (474th FBG) transferred to Taegu. April 1953: Average Number of F-86Fs Assigned: 45 / Total Hours of Flying Time: 1933.25 / Average Hours per F-86-F: 43 / Number of Sorties Flown: 623 / Percent of F-86Fs In-commission: 83% / Total F-86Fs Lost in Combat: 0 / Total F-86Fs Lost (other reasons): 0 / Fuel Consumed (Gallons): 819,415 / Engine Changes: 7 / 0.50-cal Rounds Expended 23,631 / Napalm: 0 / 5-in Rockets Expensed: 0 / 500-lb Bombs: 569 / 1000-lb Bombs: 0 / 260-lb 'Frag' Bombs: 0 / AN-M76 Incendiary Bombs: 0 / Major Inspections: 17 / F-86Fs Battle Damaged (Major): 1 / F-86Fs Battle Damaged (Minor): 0 (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p89)  Early Morning Briefing with 12th and 67th on the left and 2d SAAF on the right (1953) (Archie Buie, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) 20 to 26 April 1953: - There is an exchange of sick and wounded POW's at Panmunjom know as Little Switch. 26 April 1953: - Full plenary talks resume at Panmunjom. 27 April 1953: The first close support of troops along the MLR, was flown on 27 April. Sabres from the 18th Group, with top cover from 4th and 51st Group Sabres, knocked Radio Pyongyang (Ping-Pong Radio) off the air during the May Day attack led by General Glenn Barcus, boss of 5th Air Force. According to The U.S. Air Force in Korea (p637), "Because the Sabre transition program was running behind schedule, General Barcus amended his instruction that the wings would qualify all of their pilots in fighter-interceptor tactics before beginning fighter-bomber training. On 1 April the 18th Wing began bombing practice and the 8th Wing integrated bombing tactics with its interceptor training. On 14 April 8th Wing pilots flew the first F-86 fighter-bomber mission, and on 14 April the 18th Wing made its debut with F-86 fighter-bombers." During this time period, morale boosting victory rolls and 100th Mission flyovers to "buzz" the runway was permitted -- much to the delight of the ground personnel. In 'BUZZ JOB!' 'THE TOUR IS OVER' by 'Ebe' Ebersone and Hans Degner, "After they were down, Hans and I went north of K-55, and I requested a "last mission low pass". We were 'cleared as requested', and switched to our 'discrete frequency' to coordinate our pass. Flying north to south, Hans on my right wing, we straddled the tower at their glass-cab height. We were 'pushing the Mach' at near full throttle! Hans peeled tight to the right, and I broke left We met head-on, each on his right hand side of the runway, about mid-field, did a loop, joined up for a couple of low, fast passes over the maintenance troops, did a victory roll in formation, came In and landed. What could be more fun than that?"  67th FBS (1953) (Dwight Lee, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) May 1953: Average Number of F-86Fs Assigned: 44 / Total Hours of Flying Time: 2054 / Average Hours per F-86-F: 47 / Number of Sorties Flown: 1234 / Percent of F-86Fs In-commission: 91% / Total F-86Fs Lost in Combat: 1 / Total F-86Fs Lost (other reasons): 3 / Fuel Consumed (Gallons): 942,069 / Engine Changes: 4 / 0.50-cal Rounds Expended: 104,780 / Napalm: 4 / 5-in Rockets Expensed: 0 / 500-lb Bombs: 982 / 1000-lb Bombs: 1116 / 260-lb 'Frag' Bombs: 0 / AN-M76 Incendiary Bombs: 0 / Major Inspections: 25 / F-86Fs Battle Damaged (Major): 1 / F-86Fs Battle Damaged (Minor): 2 (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p89) 3 May 1953: - The rest of the sick and wounded POW's are exchanged. 13 May 1953: - Raid on Toksan Dam. Dramatic strike of 58th FBW F-84s destroys a major irrigation system. 5 miles of rice fields and railroad tracks/highways destroyed. Attacks continue for the next few weeks. 31 May 1953: The 67th Squadron lost an entire flight on May 31, 1953. "Beer Flight" (all their flights were named after drinks, such as Scotch, Gin, Vodka, Beer) had two fatalities and lost all four aircraft in one day. Leader "Tex" Beneke was killed on takeoff, "Smo" Smotherman was killed in flight, and Lieutenants Varbie and Carmichael crashed on landing, but both survived. The call sign, "Beer Flight," was permanently retired. June-July 1953 In June and July the communists again launched a massive offensive against the UN forces, and despite bad weather the air force was again called on to give air support to the troops, carrying out their task so effectively that the Communist offensive ground to a halt and their delegates at the peace talks decided the time had come to end the war. In order to prevent the enemy from building up its air power in the meantime, the UN aircraft continued to carry out intensive attacks.  67th FBS Flightline (1953) (Robert Niklaus, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) June 1953: Average Number of F-86Fs Assigned: 43 / Total Hours of Flying Time: 2211 / Average Hours per F-86-F: 51 / Number of Sorties Flown: 1606 / Percent of F-86Fs In-commission: 92% / Total F-86Fs Lost in Combat: 9 / Total F-86Fs Lost (other reasons): 4 / Fuel Consumed (Gallons): 959,684 / Engine Changes: 10 / 0.50-cal Rounds Expended: 241,452 / Napalm: 56 / 5-in Rockets Expensed: 0 / 500-lb Bombs: 1038 / 1000-lb Bombs: 1434 / 260-lb 'Frag' Bombs: 0 / AN-M76 Incendiary Bombs: 2 / Major Inspections: 1 / F-86Fs Battle Damaged (Major): 5 / F-86Fs Battle Damaged (Minor): 5 (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, p89)
10-18 June 1953 The 12th Squadron lost eight pilots between June l0 and the 18th. Three were killed in action, two others became POWs, and three were lost in a C-124 crash in Japan. 18 June 1953: - South Koreans release 27,000 North Korean POW's who refused to be repatriated. Communists then break off negotiations. 25 June 1953: - Robertson begins "Little Truce Talks" with Rhee to secure the Republic of Korea's acceptance of armistice. Meanwhile, Chinese forces launch massive attacks against the Republic of Korea Divisions. 30 June 1953: By June 30 there were 127 pilots on the roster, with 82 percent classified as combat ready. The remaining 18 percent were new replacements coming into the wing, all of whom already had received advanced training in jets at Nellis Air Force Base but had to be checked out in the required air-to-air and ground-support tactics. 10 July 1953: - Communists return to the negotiation table after U.N. assurances that the Republic of Korea would abide by the terms of the cease fire. 11 July 1953: South Korean President Syngman Rhee agreed to accept a cease-fire agreement in return for promises of a mutual security pact with the United States. 15 July 1953 Unauthorized strike of a target near approved by a temporary Major Dee Harper results in a huge success with the destruction of a Chinese munitions buildup for a pending attack. (NOTE: Source noted: "Official USAF Historical records report the date of these occurrences as 16 June, 1953, but Harper, who was personally involved, remembers them happening somewhat later, "probably 15 July", based upon his vivid recollection of the bail-out experience of 27 June and the two week period of his hospital stay prior to assuming the Operations Duty. There is no question concerning the veracity of the acts reported, only the conflicting dates, which could easily have stemmed from a subsequent typographical reporting error. Col. Harpers says “given up” trying to set the offical USAF record straight.") (Source: 18th Fighter Wing Association: Lt. Col. Flamm "Dee" Harper.) But this second time he (Dee Harper) paid a higher price for his successful evasion … while bailing out, his ‘chute barely had time to open, then collapsed as he hit the rocks alongside a cliff. Harper ended up draped over a big boulder at the foot of the cliff, with a few broken ribs and a heavy contusion to his spinal cord. He was hospitalized for two weeks after his rescue, following which he was placed on ‘DNIF’ status, (Duty Not Involving Flying) where he served as 18th Fighter Group Operations Officer to manage the scheduling of bomb loads and target directions for the Group’s three squadrons. Harper, at that time, was a Captain, serving wih a temporary ‘Spot Promotion’ to Major. It was not really tough duty by that point in time, because peace talks had begun at Panmunjom in Spring 1953, and finally showed promise of a compromised end to the vicious fighting in Korea.27 July 1953: At 1000 hours on 27 July 1953, the Korean Armistice agreement was signed, stopping the fighting in Korea. Throughout that final day of the war, UN aircraft roamed the skies over North Korea searching for targets of opportunity. At 2201 hours, the Armistice went into effect and all UN aircraft had Flight to be on the ground and/or south of the bomb line. 27 July 1953: - The cease fire is signed by Lieutenant General Nam Il and Lieutenant General Wiliam Harrison at 10:00am at Panmunjom. Twelve hours later all fighting ceases. (NOTE: See Armistice Agreement, Volume I -- U.S. (as head of UN Forces), North Korea and China signed, but South Korea refused to sign this document. Technically, South Korea is still in a state of war with North Korea. To gain South Korea's acceptance of the Armistice, the U.S. signs the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty Between the Republic of Korea and U.S.) B-26 from the 8th Bomb Squadron (L-NI) flies the last sortie of the war. The honor of the last mission was given to the 8th because it flew the first missions over North Korea. 4 September 1953: - The processing of POW's for repartriation begins at Freedom Village, Panmunjom. 1 October 1953 No. 2 Squadron ceased all operational flying and began turning their Sabres over to 5th AF units still operational in Korea. The last aircraft were returned on 11 October, and all South African personnel had departed Korea by 29 October. The United Nations acceded to the request of the United States to intervene militarily on the side of South Korea. On 12 August 1950, the South African government announced its intention of placing No. 2 Squadron, the so-called "the Flying Cheetahs" of the South African Air Force at the disposal of the United Nations. The offer was accepted, and on 26 September 1950, 49 officers and 206 other ranks, all volunteers, left from Durban for Johnson Air Base in, Yokohama, Japan, prior to their deployment in Korea. All these men were seasoned pilots and technicians having an outstanding World War II record from operations in Eastern Africa, Ethiopia, Sicily, Italy and the Middle East. Life in the 18th FBW In addition to being more dangerous, the mission of the fighter bomber tended to be less rewarding than that of the fighter-interceptor. A village bombed was not the same as a MiG destroyed -- no visible status symbols were awarded and rarely was the press interested in hearing bomber stories. Aces such as James Jabara and Joseph McConnell had their pictures plastered in such national maagazines as Life, Look, and Time. Fighter-bombers, on the other hand, only received attention in service oriented journals, such as the Air Force Times and Air Force Magazine napalming a village or a suspected troop concentraiotion was hardly as romantic as shooting down a sleek MiG. No title, parties, or awards were given for bombing five villages. In fact, a fighter-bomber only received a party after his death or his hundredth mission -- which ever came first. The hundredth-mission party varied from squadron to squadron, but it generally consisted of a "victory pass" over the base by the hundredth-mission pilot, followed by a photo session and a champaigne reception on the tarmac. The more common party, though, was a "shoot-down party." According to Perrin Gower: "Every time someone got shot down, they threw a party and got completely stoned. Ostensibly it was a wake, but really it was a celebration to celebrate the fact that it wasn't you." Survival, in short, was the major reward for the fighter-bomber and the only status symbol he could look forward to during his tour. (Source: Officers in Flightsuits, John Darrell Sherwood, 1996, pp 102-103) While fighter-interceptor pilots also sported baseball caps in Korea, the phenomenon was even more popular in the fighter-bomber units. Each squadron custom-designed and ordered its own cap from Japanese manufacturers. colorful and erotic unit logos were vital part of morale building. The symbol ... for the South African squadron, a "Flying Cheetah." Other squadrons adopted a sewual theme asuch as "the Foxy Few," the logo of the 12th Squadron of the 18th Figheter Bomber Wing. Heiner's squadron, the "Fighting Cocks," went so far as to have Walt Disney design its logo -- a rooster with boxing gloves. The logo was emblazoned on aircraft, flight suit patches, and even squadron beer mugs -- mugs which were proudly hung in the "The Cockpit" (the Osan officers' club). (Source: ibid, pp 110-111) In addition to developing colorful logos and flying missions, fighter-bomber wing, goup, and squadron commanders relied heavily on floklor as a vehicle for instilling their outfits with pride. The 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, for example, took pride in the fact that their unit was organized explicity for duty in the Korean War. According to their squadron newsletter, the Fighting Cocks were "conceived in haste, born in obscurity, and have risen from the unknown to write a fateful page in history." Interestingly enough, this fateful page concentrates more on the squadrons's close air support missions that its interdiction attacks. For the fighter-bomber, supporting frontline troops was seen as much more honorable than napalming Korean villages or cutting railroad tracks. The newsletter emphasized throughout that the contribution of the squadron "cannot be expressed in words of praise, but only in the hearts of the men in the front lines, who daily watched the squadron's relentless attacks against the enemy weaken and drive him to cover." (Source: ibid, pp 112-113) Like the 67th Squadron, the Foxy Few of the 12th Squadron relied heavily on unit history to upld the morale of the group. They boasted that theirs was the first official USAF combat squadron to see action in Korea. The Foxy Few also traced their lineage back to the World War II Flying Tigers. Consequently, they painted tigers' teeth on their aircraft -- a tradition that was also carried over to the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. (Source: ibid, p113)
Two institutions that helped foster cohesiveness in the unit was the squadron dayrooms and officers' club. The dayroom was the building where the indiidual squadrons posted flying assignments and unit statistics. This hut was the nexus for on- and off- duty pilots during the day. It was one of the few places on base reserved squadron activities alone: the officers' clubs were shared by all officers of a wing. As a consquence, each squadron attempted to fix up its dayrooms and transform them from drab operation buildings to comfortable flight lounges. Each squadron had its own beer mugs with the squadron insignia emblaxoned on them. An example was the 67th FBS "Red Scarf" Lounge pictured above. The 12th FBS lounge was named "The Cockpit." According to Kenneth Koon of the 12th FBS, That's all there was -- the mess hall was for eating." Kenneth Koon, a light drinker, typically would have a coulple of martinis at his club when he was not flying. (NOTE: Flying officers would cure hangovers by turning the oxygen to 100 percent -- a sure cure for queasiness and hangovers.) (Source: Officers in Flightsuits, John Darrell Sherwood, 1996, pp 123-126) While the dayroom was the primary place for pilots to relax and socialize during the day, the officers' club or "o club," was where most pilots spent their evenings. Unlike the dayroom, the o club served no operational purpose -- it was used solely for drinking, eating, and socializing. In fact, it was the central party place on most bases -- a plce to indulge in the primary off-hours ritual of flight suit culture: drinking. Unlike its stateside counterpart, the O-club in Korea was not afforded much respect and was frequently trashed by rowdy pilots. Colonel Martin, Wing Commander at Osan, is uoted as saying, "Korea was the easiest place in the world to become an alcoholic: it was exttremely cheap and available everywhere." (ibid, p125) Lack of other activities as well as a shortage of women on bases made "booze the primary recreational activity." Whereas beer was bought locally, liquor was imported to bases from the rear-echelon maintenance bases in Japan. No group of flyers had a more notorious reputation for drinking than the South African Cheetah Squadron who definitely consumed the most booze but handled it better than most of their USAF counterparts. The Cheetahs turned most of their squadron debriefings into two or three mission-whiskey bottle parties. (NOTE: SEEKING INFORMATION ON NCO/ENLISTED CLUBS.) It is known that during this period the officers could procure and drink hard liquor (distilled spirits), while the enlisted were limited to "green beer." The beer was first shipped up from Pusan, but later when the brewery in Yongdong-po was back in operation, the supply was from Seoul. We are guessing that the local NCO club was mixed-service and if it was like other areas had a crap game in operation 24-hours a day. Lower ranks (E-3 and below) were served in the Airmen's Club.  Pheasant Hunting (1953) (Robert Niklaus, F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea) (NOTE: Pheasant hunting was the only recreation that most folks enjoyed off-base.) Because of the danger of guerrillas and snipers as well as the impoverished conditions of the countryside, most pilots rarely ventured forth from their bases. When they had leave, they went to Tokyo; when they were on duty, they tended to remain on their "blue island." In fact, for many flight suit officers, the base and Korea were synonmymous: "When you were in Korea," exclaimed Sturgeon, "therwe was nothing except the base." Almost everything one needed to live could be found there: shelter, food, sports, movies, variety shows, shopping, education, hobbies, bars, and even a few Western women or "camp followers," as they were often called. (Source: Officers in Flightsuits, John Darrell Sherwood, 1996, p119) (NOTE: The term "camp follower" here applied to the Red Cross women who were held to high standards of conduct -- though some may have had discreet relationships. Most of the women were over 25 with many having WWII experience. Any accusation of impropriety was immediately followed by a broad-based investigation.) There was no perimeter fence at first and the base was literally wide-open. Later strands of barbed wire was strung on the perimeter, but the GIs would simply crawl through the open strands. This led to a double standard at Osan-ni AB (K-55) after the USAF arrrived in December 1952. On one hand, the areas off-base were placed off-limits, but at the same time, the bars in Namsan Village (and later Chicol village) and road-side beer stands along the MSR-1 sprang up. There was no perimeter fence to stop any individual from simply walking out for a "cold one" (beer), though "off-limits" signs were posted off-base alongside the roads leading to the base. The VD rates for all the bases in Korea soared. The off-base areas was placed "on-limits" in June 1953. (Ref: 18th Fighter -Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force, Far East Air Forces, Historical Report, January-June 1953). Despite the prevalence of VD in Japan, officers and enlisted men actually considered Japan to be a better place to solicit the services of a prostitute. "It was looked down upon even for an enlisted man to go with a Korean prostitute," recalled George bBerke. Furthermore, many wings placed surrounding Korean villages "off-limits." The 51st Wing placed Suwon off-limits and ordered Paul Turner to tpatrol the city in a jeep and hunt foor violators -- a job called "pussy patrol." The 18th Wing did not place its nearby village of Osan "on-limits" until May 1953; it did so only after all base personnel and "probable contacts" were administered antibiotics as prophylaxis. Clearly, the Air Force believed Korean prostitutes to be disease ridden even toward the end of the war. Consequently, Japan remained the favored spot for illicit sexual activity Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave became known as I&I -- intoxication and intercourse. (Source: Officers in Flightsuits, John Darrell Sherwood, 1996, p132) To facilitate the idyllic experiences of the R&R in Japan, the Air Force leased hotels in the countryside. The 18th Wing leased a hotel called the Fujiya for officers only. The Fujiya had 221 rooms and was located in the heart of Hokone National Park, a park famous for its natural hot springs. The 18th Wing also reserved a C-124 Globemaster, appropriately labeled "the cocktail courier," to transport the two hundred service personnel who took leave every week. The Globemaster's weekly runs continued unti the plane crashed on 18 June 1953, killing 129 airmen in the world's worst air disaster to date. (Ref: 18th Fighter -Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force, Far East Air Forces, Historical Report, January-June 1953) (Source: ibid, pp134-135)
At first many people lived in 12-man tents until more premanent living quarters, or "hootches" as they were commonly called, could be constructed. The Air Force used steel World War II-style Quonset huts (rounded construction entirely of corrugated iron on the exterior) or the "tropical shell" Jamesway buildings that were prefabricated in Japan of plywood (exterior covered in wood slats). The tropical shell Jamesway was described as a "chicken coop" becuase it had a bare wood interior and lots of screens along its sides. The quonset huts had sandbags along its sides to protect the occupants from air attack. The Jamesway used sandbags on the roof to keep the corrugated iron roofing from blowing away. For officers, there were six to twelve officers in a hootch. For enlisted, there were as many as 24 crammed into the hootch on double bunks. For the enlisted overflow, they slept in 12-man tents until a hootch space was available. Makeshift partitions were made from whatever scrap could be found to give a small sense of privacy. For a bed it was the standard air matresses over GI-issue cots or bunk beds. Army blankets or sleeping bags were used to stay warm at night. Heat was provided by an oild-burning stove that stood in the center of the hootch, but in the Korean winters the heat only radiated a few feet from the source. Furniture, if any, was made from wood of packing crates. Usually there was a motley group of makeshift chairs and a table in the area to be used for poker games or other entertainment. Despite the deprivations of the facilities, some found the conditiosn brought the units closer together. The casual life style where everybody was on a first-name basis, and everybody partied together in everybody else's houses. Life on Dogpatch Construction of the airfield was completed in December 1952 and it was designated K-55. Air Force pilots, being what they are, quickly nicknamed it "Dogpatch." "Dogpatch" was taken from the cartoon strip that was first created in 1937 by Al Capp dealing with the hillbilly misadventures of Lil Abner and Daisy Mae in Dogpatch. The name "Dogpatch" was inherited from the days when the 18th FBW was still flying its F-51Ds out of Chinhae.
Upon arriving at Osan, we stood around from 1 a.m. until daylight when we were able to move into tents. Our Battalion area was the dimple in Hill 180 on the northwest side. Graves Registration was working the area and recovered some GI bodies with their hands tied behind them. I have since learned that this was where GI's and North Koreans made their first contact of the war. Task Force Smith was the unit.
 Children on MSR1 north of Osan-ni (1953) (Ron Freedman) (SOURCE: The photos of Ron Freedman, former 2d Lt, 398th AAA AW Bn, Retirees Activities Office: Then-Now: Jack Terwiel and Osan AB History Web Page) Det 6, 136th Communication Security Squadron, USAFSS The following are photos from Bob Spiwak at USAFSS 136th CSS COMSEC Website with photos in 1953 of life on Hill 170, billeting and a glimpse of life outside the fence. These were the folks with the crypto gear -- all the gear for coded messages.  USAF Security Service Patch (Bob Spiwak)
USAFSS Units shows Det 6, 136th Communications Security Squadron (CSS) was out of Moriyama, Japan (1951-1953) and its parent unit was the 136th CSS of Brooks AFB Texas (1951 to 1953)(comsec/transec). The unit operating TDY at Osan (K-55) was Section 1, Det 6, 136th CSS. This then became Flt A, 32d CSS in Dec 1953. (NOTE: The 136th Radio Communications Security Detachment was transferred from the Army to the Air Force on 1 February 1949. This list shows that prior to 1951 there was "Det ? Seoul/Ewa college KOR (Comsec/Transec) 1950-1951 and Det 8 Osan Ni KOR (comsec/transec). We believe that this was the TDY unit that fled Seoul and relocated to Osan-ni (the village -- NOT the base as K-55 was not constructed at the time) to set up radio communications to Japan as the North Koreans crossed the Han River.)
Jim Muller wrote in Nov 2005, "I served with Det F, 136 CSS (later called Det 6) in 1950-51-52. I was stationed at Moriyama as a radio operator. Some of our group were sent to Korea and just escaped with their shirts when the Chinese came in. I was not with this group but I believe Tony Lemons was. I remember they returned with Chinese grease guns with the drum ammo barrels and other such paraphenalia. Bob Spiwak wrote in June 2005, "I know that when I was stationed at K55, we were Section 1 of Detachment 6 of the 136th CSS and were TDY. Detachment 6 was based in Nagoya, Japan. On 4 December 1953 Det 6, 136th CSS became Flight A, 32nd CSS, No travel involved. I don't think our AP's were K9. We had a fence around our compound which bordered on the perimeter of the K55." Virgil Ashford wrote in Jun 2005, "I was never in Korea, When we first were there we drew cards, low cards went, out of three different draws over 9 months I drew an ace, king, and ace so I was never priviledged to go to Korea. It has been awhile and our records burned as you know, but I went to Japan from the 136th Comm Scty Sq Brooks, AFB, to Det 6, in Nagoya, the name was changed to 32nd Comm Scty Sq flt A and about the time of the last name change Korea was assigned as another Flight, no longer attached to Flt A. "long story, I was asked to go over as first sarg. and was promised another stripe, I accepted. A letter then came down from Hg Tokyo, stating, you have 4 Master Sgts at Flt A, if none of them are qualified to be First Sgts, we will rife them back in rank. Hg got 4 voluteers for the job and I didn't have to go. One of the other things I remember was, the war was coming to a close. you only had to spend a total of 18 mo in Korea then home. We had a bunch of married men in Nagoya that volunteered to finish out their tours so they could get home earlier--that filled out the crew needed in Korea."
 Hill 170 Tipped over Crane (1953) (Bob Spiwak)  From Hill 170 looking toward End-of-Runway. (1953) (Bob Spiwak) (NOTE: House in foreground part of Namsan-ni Village. In the distance, to the right is Shinjang-ni Village and to the left Shin-Yari and Yari Villages.)  In Namsan-ni Village (1953) (Bob Spiwak) (NOTE: Sign for 24-hour service from Jaeil Photo Shop. Left is country house converted into restaurant. Items under sign include Korean-style desks so these items are for sale.) Osan-ni The village of Osan-ni was just coming back to life. Bob captures the picture of the food market that the current Osan City government claims a heritage back to 1742. However, from Bob's picture it is hard to imagine that fact from what is seen in 1953.
 Old Papasan at Osan-ni (NOTE: Typical farming garb with woven hat. Plants being cultivated appear to be sesame seed plants -- whose leaves are eaten, seeds used in cooking, oil used for meat preparation. (1953) (Bob Spiwak) Seoul During the Korean War, it was overrun by communist North Korean forces and liberated by U.N. forces. The many battles for Seoul left the city a charred shell, a ruin picked over by starving survivors searching for food and fuel. In 1952, the Central Committee for City Planning was set up by a group of architects to begin rebuilding the city. But as the war dragged on, they had neither the human nor financial resources to implement their plans. When the fighting moved northward, refugees poured into the city. Many were fleeing North Korea. By the end of the Korean War, refugees swelled the city's population to 2.5 million. (Source: Korean Society.)
Armistice (Jul 1953) While the armistice negotiations festered on with the POW issue the largest running sore, both sets of enemies found some political advantage in the continued war. On the battlefield UNC and the combined NKPA-CPVF did more than just spar over some disputed outpost, but tried to find ways to inflict painful casualties on each other in what became an artillery war that more than matched the cascade of shells on the Western Front. Although United Nations Command never mounted more than limited operations, executed by individual divisions, the Communists staged major offensive actions in October-November 1952 and July 1953. In both cases part of Communists' goal was to punish the ROK army for getting bigger and better, the other a preemptive offensive designed to prevent UNC from withdrawing crack divisions into theater reserve where they might become available for Inchon II, a potential corps-sized amphibious envelopment seriously discussed within Eighth Army in 1951, but not in 1952. The Communists wanted to take no chances, given their weakness in air and naval strength. They reinforced their forces (several divisions) in Hwanghae Province, just south of Pyongyang, the major operating area for the UNC partisans stationed on islands off North Korea's western coast. The Communists even recaptured some of the islands until turned back by UNC naval and air forces. The partisans also served as cover for specialized UNC special operations forces who collected signals intelligence, raided the mainland for enemy equipment and high value POWs, and rescued downed fliers. Behind UNC lines Communist partisans continued to strike at truck convoys, the railroads, and isolated military posts. At the height of the fighting in 1951-1952 the Korean army committed two full divisions against the guerrillas (Operation Ratkiller), which was still in progress in reduced form in 1953. (Source: Eisenhower lecture.)
 Stars and Stripes (28 July 1953) (Bob Spiwak) Life after the Armistice Life at the 18th FBW after the Armistice for a time continued on high alert -- in case hostilities broke out again. Spending cuts had not taken place and flying hours remained high. However, soon pilots started to rotate home and the combat experienced pilots became a premium. The lack of experience in general in the pilots required constant training to ensure the level of competency remained high. Alerts continued to be pulled in case hostilities erupted again. However, soon the military would feel the pinch as America was tired of the war and wanted it all behind them. Along with this attitude came the cuts in military spending and the RIFs in the military. The veterans returned home not to parades, but to silence and indifference. Korea would become the "Forgotten War."
Reconstruction Period With the ceasefire started the Reconstruction Phase for South Korea. The Reconstruction Period lasted for seven years ending with the fall of the Rhee regime. Inefficiency, mismanagement, and waste characterized this period. The Government under President Rhee became increasingly reliant on buying loyalty by bribes. Runaway inflation caused quick fortunes to be made and left most sections of the population, including government officials, badly underpaid. Corruption, mismanagement, misguided regulations, not excepting misappropration of aid funds, were the order of the day. At the root of the problem was the American decision to give strong support ot a government whose policies the US disapproved yet could not effectively influence or control. Though the UN Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea (UNCURK) and UN Korean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA) received pledges from member and non-member nations of $212 million (but only received $150 million of which $93 million was from the US). The ROK appealed to the US for substantial aid, but The US Congress insisted taht the American share should not exceed 66 percent. As the donations were minimal, the US participation also remained minimal. In August 1953 President Eisenhower requested an emergency appropriation of $200 million over and above funds already made available. However, there was a bias as many American high military and civil officials -- the attitude that the "ROKs" (as they called the Koreans) were incompetent and corrupt and would, without the tightest of reins, squander American aid funds wastefully and dishonestly. The Foreign Operations Administration (FOA) -- later the International Cooperation Administration (ICA) -- administered the US aid. From the beginning of the reconstruction period in mid-1953 to 1960, the US had spent $1.8 billion on bilateral aid to Korea (excluding military aid). The UNKRA found a simple method called the "Small Business Revolving Loan Fund" as a method of employing aid funds with the cooperation of local banks. Some 700 small businesses had loans to provide "equipment, raw materials and working capital for small and medium-sized industrial units...Plants namunfacturing ceramics, chemicals, and drugs, optical goods, paper, ice, wire and wrre net, rubber, soap, matches, starch, glass, paint and canned goods have been aided." There were practically no defaulters. The Quakers, the Roman Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, and other religious and charitable bodies contributed generously and did admirable work in many of the most acutely distressed areas. American soldiers also contributed generously to the effort. On a per capita basis, about $13-14 a year had been received since the Korean War, compared with an average of $1-2 of aid per head for all underdeveloped countries. Virtually all Korean aid was in the form of outright grants, and it represented the SOLE source of foreign capital since private investors, slow to enter developing countries at the best of times, steered well clear of this trouble spot. In the eyes of the American taxpayer, Korea came to be regarded as a bottomless pit. The orientation of American aid policy began to change in favor of assisting underdeveloped countries towards self-sustaining growth, Korea's immediate problems tended to be aggravated as it simply was a country that was living on support-type grant aid (hand-outs). The other problems was that Rhee was bitter at the US refusal to embark on a war of reunification. Then there was the problem that the US sought ROK-Japan normalization, but Rhee objected to normalized relations with Japan. In 1953, Rhee drew the infamous Rhee line where he demanded Tsushima as "reparations" for the Japanese colonization of Korea. Japan was a natural trading partner both as a market outlet and as the cheapest source of supply for several key imports, such as bituminous coal, chemical fertilizer and equipment received under aid programs. Then there was Rhee's insistance on an unrealistic exchange rate to settle the "advances" that the UN forces received. (NOTE: This was settled in 1953 with a payment of $89 million.) Then there was the pleading by the US for a comprehensive stabilization program with proper budgetary methods and restrictive monetary and credit policies. There was no financial stability and the lack of cofidence in the currency encouraged speculation and discouraged investment. The Korean view of aid programs was that it should be based on the impending reunification of the two Koreas, while the US realistically based it on simply South Korea. Then there was the ever present squabbles of the Korean paranoia over the ursurping of their national sovereignty. The Koreans, again, disliked the inevitable linking of their economy with the American. Koreans feared they might become a "debtor colony" of the US instead of a fully sovereign state. Though these fears are understandable in light of their Japanese colonial experience, it made adminstering aid programs difficult. The Koreans argued that aid was always accompanied by a large influx of American advisers and experts, who supervised and perhaps initiated projects which should be the concern of the national Government. The Americans, sometimes exasperated, not too tactfully, tried to impose their will upon Korean officials. (Source: The Republic of Korea, W.E. Reeve, 1963, pp110-124)
1954:Seongwang Presbyterian Church (Onori Church) The church is located in Shinjang 2-dong across from the Shinjang 2-dong House Office -- and a block away from the Songshin Elementary School. It is situated directly across from the Shinjang-2 dong house office. This was the second church in the area after the Jwa dong Methodist Church in Jwadong -- though the oldest church in the area is the Seojeong Catholic Church (Saint Theresa) in 1932.The Seongwang Church group was formed at prayer meeting held at the home of Chae Yong-seok on 11 Apr 1954. On 10 Jun 1954, Rev. Yi Ji-young became the first pastor of the church and in July 1954, the first church was constructed. When the first Songwang Church was built, it was on the high area near the railroad tracks, while the rest of the surrounding area was rice fields that had not been reclaimed as yet. Remember that the time was very poor and the area was filled with mostly North Korean refugees who found work on the base in menial positions. Wood and lumber was scarce so the church structures in the area were built with wood scrap donated by the base. From the 1959 photo below, it would appear that the church had a steeple - bell tower as part of the church, however, other details are much too blurry to identify details of the structure.  Main Gate of Osan AB in 1959. If you look in the distance between the gate shack and the airmen walking out the gate, there is a building that stands above the other structures. This is the Seongwang Church. The Songshin Elementary School would not be built until 1963. (1959) (Ed Stirling) From Nov 1954 to Dec 1955, the second pastor of the church was Rev. Park Yang-mo. On 11 Apr 1955, the church celebrated its first year anniversary. From Jan 1956 - Mar 1961, Rev. Yi Nak-ju served as the third pastor of the church. In Mar 1956 the Seongwang Children school (grade 1-3) was formed. (SITE NOTE: Compulsory elementary school education was mandated by the First Republic of Korea, but unfortunately there simply was not enough teachers or classroom space available for all the children. In the Songtan area in 1956, there was only the Seojong Elementary in Seojong-ni and Songbuk Elementary in the Songtan area. Church schools supplemented the educational needs and K-55 provided tents for these first schools. Park Chong-su stated that his father, Park Sang-chul, worked as an advisor to the base the 6314th ABG after the war. He convinced the base to donate tents to found the first school in Songtan called the Seongwang Hagwon with grades 1-3. It was run by his father's friend, Pak Byeong-kwon, who lived next to the school. This tent school was located just below where the Songshin Elementary School is now next to what was then rice fields. This later became the Seongwang Kungmin Hakkyo which was the predecessor of the present Taekwang Middle School. Though in the same area, this appears to NOT have been associated with the Church school. (Source: Verbal Conversation with Mr. Pak Chong-su, on 19 Nov 2005 and 1 Oct 2006.) On 28 Nov 1958, the Songtan Jaeil Presbyterian Church split away from the Seongwang Church to form its own church. It started as the Jwadong Presbyterian Church in Dec 1958 and later changed its name to Jaeil Presbyterian Church when it moved to its present location in the Milwal-dong area. (SITE NOTE: The four oldest Presbyterian churches were spun off from each other. The Jwadong Methodist spun off the Shin Hung Church in 1958. Shin Hung, in turn, spun off the Songtan Central Presbyterian in 1962. The Seongwang Church spun off the Jaeil Church in 1958 and later the Hanil Church in 1974.) In 1959 Kim Yong-su, Chong Kwang-sok, Cho Chun-ho made elders (changno-changlip). In 1960, the construction of the new church structure was started. In Apr 1960, a dedication ceremony and was held and on 28 Sep 1960, the cornerstone was laid for the church. In the 1960s, the use of concrete became more concrete and the structure was much more substantial than the older mud-brick and wood structure. From 5 Mar 1961 to 8 May 1970, Rev. Kim Jung-gun served as the fourth pastor of church. On 11 Oct 1961 the Jungang Changno Church merged with the Seongwan Presbyterian Church. On 11 Apr 1964, the church celebrated its 10th anniversary. In 1964, An Yong-tae, Il Chil-song, Choi Ha-gyong were made deacons. Chon Tae-hwan, Pak Chon-som, Cho Yong-song, Kwan Chon-baek became elders (kwansa chwi-im). From 23 Jul 1969 to 7 Nov 1970, Rev. Yun He-shik served as the fifth pastor of the church. On 1 Dec 1970, Yi Song-yok, Cho Shin-haen, Chang Kyu-hyon became deacons. Choi Yong-gil became elder. (He would retire on 21 Jan 1984). From 12 Jan 1971 to 2 Jul 1971, Preacher Sol Sam-yong served as the Education Preacher. On 29 Mar 1971, the church procured 836 pyeong of land in the Seoul area. Between 12 Feb 1972 and 9 Mar 1974, Rev. Yi Nak-hyun served as the sixth pastor of the church. On 9 Mar 1974, the Hanil Church was split away from the Seongwang Church. From 12 May 1974 to 27 Sep 1976, Rev. Han Jae-song served as the seventh pastor of the church. On 12 Jun 1976, the education building was constructed. From 27 Dec 1977 to 12 Jun 1984, Rev. Kim Chong-kyu served as the eighth pastor of the church. On 17 Jun 1978, Kim Chong-kyu made Han Mi-su the Elder. (He would retire on 1 Jan 1984.) Also in 1978, Yau In-hak, Go Kyu-hong, Sol Tae-sok became deacons, while Namgung Ok-sun, Chon Gi-chok, Hwang Cho-son, Kim Kap-sun became elders. On 3 Dec 1979, Yau In-hak, Go Kyu-hong, Sol Tae-sok became elders, while Choi Song-dau, Kim Dau-gwang became deacons. From 21 Jun 1984 to Mar 1987, Rev. Yi Song-woo served as the ninth pastor. On 13 Apr 1986, Kim Chul-won, Kim Chong-gyu became deacons, while Kim Son-won, Kim In-suk became elders. From 24 Jun 1987 to 13 Dec 1988, Rev. Park Chi-woo served as the tenth pastor of the church. Between 2 Mar 1989 and 15 Jan 1994, Rev. Kim Kap-deok served as the eleventh pastor. On 3 Oct 1989, Kim Su-yon, Sau Woo-jin, Kim Yon-su, Park Chun-ja, Chon Bok-ki, Son Hong-bun, Yang Hang-ta, Yun Pyeong-hi became elders (kwansa chwi-im). On 11 Nov 1989, Yi Chang-su, Kim Chong-gyu, Kim Tau-gwon, Kim Chol-won became manager (changno chang-lip). On 10 Mar 1991 a parade was held to dedicate the new church renovations. On 31 Mar 1991, Go Sang-min was made senior elder. On 26 Jul 1992, the new remodeling of the interior of the church was complete under the guidance of Pastor Kim Kap-deok . In Jul 1992, Elder Yau In-hak and Elder Chong Gi-chok retired, while Lee Jong-hau, Pak Song-ship, Song Choon-mok became deacons (chipsa). From 6 Jan 1994 to 6 Dec 1995, Rev. Yi Song-ho was the twelfth pastor. Between 6 Dec 1995 and 28 Feb 1998, Rev. Ru Shi-hong was thirteenth pastor. On 24 Dec 1996, the Nul Chanyang Church merged with the Seongwang Church. Between 1 Mar 1998 and Sep 2000, Rev. Kim Seok-jung served as the fourteenth pastor of the church. On 25 Jul 2000, Elder Go Kyu-song retired. In 2000, Chae Il-hwa and Choi In-ja became elders, while Chong Su-gil became a deacon. From 11 Oct 2000 to 1 Mar 2002, Rev. Yu Sun-gi served as the fifteenth pastor of the church. On 17 Dec 2000, the Seongwang Church changed its name to the Onori Church. On 15 Mar 2002, the present pastor, Rev. Chung Byung-rok, took over as the sixteenth pastor of the church. On 10-11 Oct 2002, the Kyonggi Noheo -- Chonggi Noheo revival was held. On 24 Nov 2002, the official benediction for Rev. Chung Byung-rok, took place.  Rev Chung Byung-rok, Pastor Seongwang Church On 17 Mar 2003, Lee Kong-gi, Chong Sung-gi became elders (Changno), while Yi Gae-ho, Yi Ook, Yi Gin-lat, Kim Min-chol, Chae Yong-nam, Kim Gin-taek, Kim In-nyop, Park Kwang-jong became deacons (Ansu Chipsa). Hwang Mae-sun, Cho Sun-dok, Maeng Yong-sun, Yi Ong-nyo, Kim Chon-nae, Park Kong-soon, Park Suk-ki, Kim Kyong-soon became directing elders (Chansu Keonsa).   Onori Church (Aug 2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (SITE NOTE: The new church was built on the same location as the old church. Notice the Hangul lettering above the door shows the old name, "Songwang Kyohwi".) War is Over and Hard Times for 18th FBW According to the History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing 1 Jan 1954 to 30 Jun 1954, Office of the WIng Chaplain, written by 1st Lt. Andrew J. McLean, Deputy Wing Chaplain, and signed by Bernhardt G. Hoffman, Wing Chaplain talks of declining morale and increasing VD rates amongst the personnel. The Chaplains blamed the problem on the lack of activity for the personnel to allow them healthy outlets to keep them occupied. However, there also seemed to be an opinion on the part of the Wing Chaplain that the Wing leadership did not fully support the Chaplains in their work. (Source: 51st FW/HO.) The impacts of the US populace not wanting to remember Korea was reflected in the military support for Korea. The Eisenhower years are remembered as a time when even things like toilet paper was rationed -- and those away from Osan used newspapers, paperback books as substitutes. In the rush to return to a peace time Army, budgets wereWing Chaplain in the first half of 1954 complained of the roof on the base Chapel as leaking -- and though the AIO (Airfield Installation Organization, forerunner to the present Civil Engineers) the patch work was inadequate. Though building construction continued on Osan AB, it was mostly to complete buildings that were started during the Korean War by the 839th EAB. No new construction was approved. Budgets were slashed and maintaining vehicles, aircraft, and facilities became a real problem. Money was tight and without a mission -- besides waiting for the claxton -- morale suffered greatly. Once the news that the wing was moving to Okinawa, all actions to improve the base simply ceased -- and everyone simply started counting down the days to departure. By the end of October 1954, following a heavy schedule, the 18th FBW was in rather bad way. Parts and supplies were becomeing scarce -- the civilians back home were sick of war and did not particularly care about the military, and its lack of proper funding. 2Lt Vilas Bielefeldt was assigned to the 67th FBS as the 18th FBW's move to Okinawa was close at hand. On more than one patrol, he stated that he could recall that some of the cockpit gauges not working, and he flew a few missions with no exhaust gas temperature registering. He stated, "I also remember aborting missions before getting airborne, or even "cranked up". The lack of funds got even worse as we neared our move to Kadena on 30 November." "At about this time, there were more new pilots coming onboard, and the check-out program was not really up to scratch -- as the following accident reveals. One of the "new heads" was scheduled ot tow a banner target (a 6 ft x 30 ft piece of plastic mesh) on the end of a 500-ft cable which was to be used for aerial gunnery training. It became obvious that he had never target towed before when he asked another poilot how this was done. The latter replied, "Just pull the nose up a bit higher on take-off and leave it on the ground a little longer." "Well, the Sabre, like any other fighter, will be "behind the power curve" when the nose is raised too high, and despite accelerating well past its take-off speed to about 175 knows, it will never leave the ground! As the aircraft neared the end of the runway, the young pilot figured there was a malfunciton with his jet and he was going to have to eject. As he let go of the stick, the aircraft's nose dropped and it began to fly, but by this stage there was no one at the controls, for the pilot had already initiated the ejection sequene. The F-86 started to roll, and when at 90 degrees of bank, the pilot "punched out" -- by this time he was parallel with the ground. The jet nosed in and blew up, and the crash truck was soon on the scene. "The rescue crew proceeded to wade through the flames to get the pilot out, for they had not seen him eject. To their astonishmnet, the pilot instead staggered out of a rice paddy, which had probably saved his life. A mass-briefing on tow procedures was duly conducted!" (Source: F-86 Sabre Fighter-Bomber Units Over Korea, Warren Thompson, 1999, pp113-115) 839th EAB (SCARWAF) Construction Continues Don Tomajan was stationed at K-55 with the 839th Headquarters and Service Company as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator from Nov 1954 to Apr 1955. He wrote in June 2005, "Dozer not a grader sunk in the early days. Related to me by Ernie Harper, now deceased. Ernie was with the lead 839th party that started work in the area. Bull dozed the first road from Rt 1 toward the rice paddies that later became the base area. Two rock crusher sites, Hill 180 where I worked and the Company B site in a stream bed northeast (I think) from Suwon. Nothing on Hill 180, not even a tree--dirt road over the top, that was only used with 4-wheel drive. (SITE NOTE: From this we can surmise that the "Main Gate" as we know it today, did not exist in 1954. From a 1953 photo, the front gate was located where the 934th EAB was billeted near the Hill 170 side of base -- where the railway spur entered the base.) Life After the Armistice A few secret missions were flown after the Korean War ended. One of these missions is related in Combat Air: SABRES 0VER RUSSIA -- RF-86 Cold War missions by Robert F. Dorr. Although the Korean War ended on 27 July 1953, beginning in March 1954 a handful of 15th TRS pilots flew secret reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union in the RF-86F Col. George H. "Jake" Saylor was a major when he took command of the 'Cotton Pickers,' at Komaki, Japan, and he quickly learned he had the Pentagon's attention. In Washington, where a campaign of aerial reconnaissance against the Soviet Union was secretly orchestrated, experts decided to use the RF-86F to photograph port facilities and bomber bases near Vladivostok. The bases were equipped with the Tupolev Tu-4 (given the Air Standards Coordinating Committee name "Bull" after the events described here), a Soviet facsimile of the B-29 Superfortress. American experts believed the Tu-4 could reach Alaska or Japan with an atomic bomb.However, most of the life after the Armistice was not so exciting. It amounted to sitting on pins and needles awaiting the next breakout of violence -- and there were more than a few incidents. However, the ROK started to rebuild as well. L.J. Massett of Brevard County, FL wrote in Oct 2005, "Was with 6147 TAC CON Gp 54-55 and used to thumb my way to Young Dung Po every 6th day for R&R, cause Osan sucked and so did the APs." This would be the general opinion as the photos indicate there was very little in the way of what could be called "night-life" -- except bar brothels. The MSR-1 ran directly into Yongdung Po in Seoul (as did the Kyongbu Railroad), but that's where the "night-life" was -- as sleazy as it was. During the mid-1950s, Yongdung Po was a military bar area with the main beer brewery in the area -- but later it would become a red-light district. But there was more to Korea than simply the bar rows. Though poverty stricken, Korea was struggling to rebuild itself from the ashes of a horrendous war. The Korean toughness and ability endure what most Americans could not even imagine was remarkable. The following photos were taken by then Lt. Robert Furrer in 1954 of life at Osan AB as well as outside the base. He chronicled the prevalent conditions in Korea during his travels visiting the various radio relay sites in the region. When Bob was asked why he took so many photos, he replied that it was his hobby and he was attempting to tell a photographic story. (SITE NOTE: Bob Furrer revisited Osan in 2004 and we had a chance to chat a bit with him to try to piece the missing pieces together of how things were. After talking with him, there were more questions than answers -- not because of anything Bob said -- but simply because the terrain had changed so drastically. What was ricefields in 1954, were now reclaimed land that sported buildings. The barren hills surrounding Osan AB Chicol Village area was now filled with buildings of Shinjang Mall. We wish to express our appreciation to Bob for his help with this history.) The photos are from Retirees Activities Office.
 FIGMO Major in Korean Traditional Garb (1954) (Robert Furrer)   (L) Oomshi who kept the latrine (R) Lee Dong-ho, Houseboy, with Walt in front of barracks(1954) (Walter Faulkner) The following photos are from Pat Souders, then a young 21 year-old airman reassigned from FEAF HQ in Tokyo to the 5th AF HQ at Osan as a clerk. He said in Apr 2008, "I was just a little more than a beginner when I got to K-55 in '54, with my first camera (an Argus C-3) so my photography wasn't like I believe it is now."   A2C Pat Souders in front of F-86 (1954) (Pat Souders) (SITE NOTE: Aircraft belong to 12th TFS, 18th FW with their yellow stripes. We asked Pat about his uniform as the name tags are definitely not regulation -- "Indiana" written on one side and "Pat" on the other. He stated it was worn only off-duty -- and were gotten rid of after he got new fatigues and boots on the "market.")   (L) Pat Souders in front of his barracks (R) C-124 "Old Shakey" that Pat came to K-55 on in May '54 (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Two of the cleaning ladies in HQ5AF bldg outside 1/2 door into where Pat worked (R) Houseboy for T-1419 (1954) (Pat Souders) Pat resided in a typical Jamesway structure, a prefab tropical plywood building shipped over from Japan. The building was T-1419 which was across the street from the 1st Radio Squadron. ("T" stands for "temporary") The exterior of his barracks was covered with corrugated iron sheets and the corrugated iron roof was weighted down with sand-bags to prevent the roof from flying off in high winds. Pat stated that the unlike K-8 (Kunsan AB) where they had 8 men to a barracks, the K-55 barracks housed 20-24 men. Pat stated, "Used to feed an 1.25" mouse (not incl tail) at head of bunk." Houseboys performed the standard duties of cleaning and making beds, along with polishing the shoes for a small monthly fee -- and took your laundry home to be washed for a little extra.   (L) Photo merge of Pat and 1st Radio Squadron across the road (R) Pat Souders in front of his barracks (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) 1st Radio Squadron (R) Dining facilities for Enlisted (NOTE: Pat said, "the sign says it all. Didn't describe the food tho! Don't know if h2o, or fuel in tank, but ground around it is sure soaked.") (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Pat Outside T-1419 (R) Dark interior of Barracks with space heaters (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Pat Souders in Barracks area with Hill 170 in background (R) Hill 170 just above the barracks area. Note the POL tanks at the base of the hill. (1954) (Pat Souders) The following are photos of the base taken from the top of Hill 180 -- and assembled into a panorama.   (L) Main base, Diamond area and runway (R) Main base, Diamond area and runway (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) EOR, Barracks area, hill 170 (R) Barracks area, Hill 170 (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Barracks area, Hill 170 with Hill 180 in foreground (R) Assembled Panorama (1954) (Pat Souders) The following photos were taken by Pat when he ventured off-base to look around. He went out the main gate and then swung left in what we believe was Aragon Alley and headed in a north-westerly slant. This was Chicol-ni which consisted of makeshift shanties made from wood scraps, cardboard and flattened ammo cans. Most of the area between the base and Chicol-ni was still rice paddies. The trail skirted the rice paddies up almost in line with Yongchon Alley where he could see the women at the well. The photo of the well is of the one that was just below Hill 170 near the main gate. It was one of three artesian wells in the immediate area. This one was in the area presently known as Hobak-teo (Pumpkin area). When he photographed the well, it showed the main gate road to the left with the women hanging their clothes to dry on the perimeter fence this was still in the Hobak-teo area. According to Mr. Kang Shin-kol, resident of the area since 1953, the spring was known as "Haeng-namu Woo Mul" (Pine tree spring). He continued down the path when he came upon the kids playing in the water. These are terrific shots that documented how the kids beat the summer heat. The location is too far from the stream up near the Kujang-teo area (near the end of runway), so it had to be just before one got into Namsan-teo (north mountain area) with its mudwattle farmer houses. The field had been tilled and flooded in preparation for rice planting. The "skivvy" place (off-limits brothel) seems to be just below Hill 170 possibly in Namsan-teo -- the precursor to the bars that sprang up along the road after the off-limits sanctions were lifted. Then he came to Namsan-teo and met some youngsters who tagged along on his jaunt. He said that along the way, they jumped into some water, but when the came out, they had leeches stuck to them. He mentioned how they nonchallantly picked them off and proceeded as if nothing was askew. He probably ended his jaunt near the present Bravo Gate -- then the rail entry into the bomb dump. He could not have proceeded into Kujang-teo as the Bomb dump extended out well into Shinjang-dong at the time.   (L) Cutoff alley from the Main Road to MSR-1 with the Main Gate to the left (R) Road to the Main Gate (NOTE: The road veered left to the Main Gate) (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Women washing clothes in Hobak-teo area below Hill 170. (NOTE: Pat said, "On L side a pipe w/water coming out is visible - unk where from") (R) Women washing and hanging clothes on perimeter fence. (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Kids swimming in flooded rice paddy in Hobak-teo (Note road leading up hill from Main Gate) (R) Kids playing in flooded rice paddy (Note their rubber shoes on the bank.) (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Lady in Chicol-ni. Note US military truck in background on road to base. (R) "Skivvy House" (brothel) that is off-limits, but disregarded (NOTE: Pat said, "Painted on fence behind guy on R you can see the last ltrs of "Off Limits" (in line w/his waist). Taken in passing.") (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Shanties in Hobak-teo in Chicol-ni (R) Woman scrubbing the back of a man in Chicol-ni. Notice how the shanty is made of wood scraps and the roof made with flattened ammo cans. Note how roof is weighted down with anything to keep from blowing away. (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Nearing Namsan-teo area (R) Farmer's mudwattle house (1954) (Pat Souders)   (L) Kids in Namsan-teo area (R) Kids cooling off in rice paddy (NOTE: Pat said, "When they got out they had leeches (lots) on themselves, they just pulled them off and threw them back into the "swimming hole". I assume those are rice paddies in background.") (1954) (Pat Souders)  Hoehwa-ri to the north of the base across the Chinwi River. Located across from the End-of-Runwyay. Taken from the base perimeter (1954) (Pat Souders) (SITE NOTE: The village albeit with modern buildings, still exists. However, levees were built along the banks of the Chinwi River between the village and the river. The present road runs atop the levee between village and the Chinwi River.) Outside the Base  Shin Hung Church, the first Church in Songtan was founded in 1952. Notice built with scrap wood and flattened ammo cans for roofs. (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Congregation of Shin Hung Church with Pastor Choi Hak-song (1954) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992)) The Shin Hung Church was founded on 17 Oct 1952. In Mar 1952, Rev. Choi Hak-seong was elected as the pastor of the new church. On 1 June 1952, a wooden church was erected on the site of the present Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in the Seomi-ri area to the south of K-55's perimeter. On 17 Oct 1952, the Wesuliman (Wesleyan) Kamri Kyohwi was founded that became the Shin Hung Presbyterian Church. At that time, there were only a few farmer's houses in the area. The church was approximately 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. There were initially two doors at the end and four shuttered windows on each side. To the rear of the church was a small cottage. Initially the church was built from scrap wood from the base with a corrugated iron roof. (NOTE: The barracks on base had corrugated iron sides and roofs.) Later a bell tower was attached to the front with the main entrance through the bell tower.  Chicol Village shanties. These types of shops were primarily to the right of the Shinjang Road as one exited the main gate. (NOTE: Sign on building on left photo is for a barbershop.) (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Chicol Village. Notice that the rear house is a mudwattle house with thatched roof, while the house in foreground is the typical shanty erected with scrap lumber and a flattened ammo can roof. These farmer's houses were primarily to the left of the Shinjang Road as one exited the main gate. (1954) (Walter Faulkner)   (L) Rice fields surrounded the Shinjang Road. Shinjang Road was elevated so these rice fields are away from the main road. (R) Pony cart on Shinjang Road leading to MSR-1. The hill to left is Hobak Hill or Goo-chang-teo. Pony carts were mostly operated by North Korean refugees. (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Intersection of MSR-1 and Road leading to Main Gate (1954) (Robert Furrer) (NOTE: This is at the intersection of the Mokchon Crossing and MSR-1 at what is now the Songbuk Farmers' Market (Tanhyun Road). The MSR-1 continues to the right to Jwa-dong and then on to the Seojong-ni train station. The line of hills in the distance is where the current road Route 1 to Pyongtaek runs. The present Songbuk Market Road would be the dirt path marked by the sluice gates in the middle of the rice paddies that was built in the 1980s. The village is Are-Konjini that was where the present Dongbu Apartments now is located. At the base of the hills are the present apartment complexes on both sides of the roads built in the 1990s. The rice paddies were filled in to create usable land for expansion into Jisan-dong. Hill to the right became the Jisan-dong park area.) (PROBLEM: Problem is that Bob remembers going to the intersection with MSR-1 from the Shinjang Mall Road and turning right onto MSR-1 -- BUT he does not remember the rise that lead up to the Terminal Ridge Road. However, the ridge would be to the right though not shown in the photo. However, longtime Korean residents swear there was only ONE MSR-1 route to Seojong-ni.) C-Ration Village Outside the Gate (1954) (Robert Furrer) (NOTE: This is the area that became known as Chicol Village (Jae Yok-dong) and later Songtan -- and finally Shinjang-dong. The roofing material most likely is tar paper (obtained from the base) and tacked down with strips over flattened ammo cans. The tar paper was used for inner wall water barrier insulation on the Jamesway buildings and Quonset huts used on base. These houses claptrap houses were made from mudwattle and scrap wood -- even cardboard. Bob remembers the houses being made of C-ration crates and cardboard boxes. He wrote, "...the C-Ration Village photo I took - I believe that it was taken about 1/3 the distance from the base access road intersection toward the Main Gate - Note along the right edge of the photo @ just above mid-point, there is a portion of the base perimeter fence, which running down to the Base Access Road, intersected the road @ the Main Gate." This means that the section that is straight ahead is what became Milwal-dong. The road to MSR-1 curves to the left and runs through the shanties.)
 MSR1 leading towards Osan-ni (1954) (Dan Klopsten) (NOTE: Dan Klopsten claimed that the US gave Korea money to pave the highway, but instead they bought trees to line the road -- and pocketed the difference.)  Mamasan along MSR1 (1954) (Dan Klopsten)  5th AF  5th AF (31 Jul 1953) 5th AF Advanced Headquarters Moves to Osan Fifth Air Force advanced headquarters moved to Osan from Seoul (K-16) in February 1954 and remained until September 1955. During 1954 and 1955, the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing moved to Osan from Taegu. The advanced headquarters was maintained until the arrival of the 314th Air Division in 1955. When the 5th AF relocated to Osan, it also brought with it the 10th Liason Squadron with its L-20s and L-5s that provided dispatch and mail delivery -- as well as transportation for 5th AF. Supposedly a fifth Korean village was relocated in 1953 to enlarge the compound area for the location of Headquarters, 5th Air Force. The 1951 map shows the village of Chokpong in the area the 5th AF Headquarters was built. This is the present location of the Base Library and old BX. At that time, the base allowed farmers to reside on the unused land within the base perimeter. On March 23, 1954 Lt. Gen. Roger M. Ramey was named 5th Air Force Commander. He assumed command in June 1954 in Korea. A few months later the 5th AF command moved to Nagoya, Japan. Ramey is credited with rebuilding the 5th AF into a major unit as he had done with the 8th AF in Fort Worth. Gen Ramey lived at the top of Hill 180 in a modest house -- but by 1954 standards at K-55, it was a mansion.   (L) General Ramey's house at the top of Hill 180 (NOTE: The house was located where the Hill 180 Gate was located.)(R) 5th AF Headquarters (1954) (Pat Souders)  5th AF Headquarters from Hill 180 near present BX (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Identification of 5th AF Headquarters Bldg by Pat Souders (1954) (Pat Souders)  5th AF Headquarters Bldg (1954) (Kang Shin-kol) (NOTE: Mr. Kang stated the Officer's Mess (out of the picture) opposite the sign.) Pat Souders worked at the 5th Air Force Headquarters building -- which was right across the street from the Officers Mess. He said, "I got to Hq5AF in 23 May 54. When they decided to move to Japan, we (all?) were given choice of staying in Korea or going. I chose to stay, and myself and 6 others were rsgd to K-8 o/a 5 Sep 54. Six of the 7 were 702's (Admin). Guess they needed clerks!! They sure didn't 3 yrs later when 702X0 field was frozen for SSgt-MSgt. Argh!" In identifying the exact location of the 5th AF Headquarters building, he stated, "... I enlarged my pic 200%, was looking around and noticed the slanting roof that looked like it could be the right place. I then looked at his slide (Walt Faulkner's) again and am now sure that it is 5AF HQ bldg. His color slide is even better for ID'ing it since you can see the circular drive and the back (white rectangle) of the 5AF sign that is in my b&w pic of the front of the bldg." Notice in the picture below that they were raising the UN flag and the US flag. The practice was stopped in 1973 when the ROK told the UN that it could defend itself with the help of the US under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953.  Lowering of the flags at 5th AF HQ building (1954) (Pat Souders) 7th Comm Squadron Assumes Base Functions 7th Comm Squadron was under the 5th Comm Group. On 1 Mar 1954 the 7th Comm Squadron officially assumed the responsibility for K-55 base functions in Area "C" previously controlled by the deactivated 6151st Air Base Squadron. These functions include the k6151st Air Base Squadron, Air Installation Office, Air Police Squadron, Airmen's Open Mess, Information and Education Section, Personnel Services, Indigenous Labor Office, Base Exchange, Motor Pool and Chapel. (Source: 5th Comm Gp History (AFHRA Microfile Roll No. K0961)  7th Communications Squadron Emblem Besides the base sections, the following units were attached to the 7th Comm Squadron for logistical support on 15 Mar 1954: Det. #1 440th Sig Av Const Bn, 417th Engr Av Brgde, 931st Engr Av Gp, and Det. #1 605th TAC Con Sq. On 16 Jul 1954, the "Comet" broadcasting station was opened on K-55. It operated at a frequency of 1050 kilocycles with a power of 250 watts. This provided a major boost in morale for the base populace. However, it should be noted that during this period, radios through the post exchange (BX) were in limited supply and radio purchases were usually under a lottery system. On 14 Oct 1955, the 5th Comm Group (under 5th Air Force) permanently moved to Camp Gifu, Japan after the arrival of the 314th Air Division. The air base functions were assumed by the 6314th Air Base Group (under the 314th AD). 1st Radio Squadron, 5th Communications Group Arrives with 5th Air Force (Jan 1954) In May 1954, the receiver site was located to the rear of Hill 180 on K-55. The transmitter site was about 4 miles south of the base. (Source: 5th Comm Gp History (AFHRA Microfile Roll No. K0961) The receiver site was outside the old Hill 180 gate at the high point of the hill, while the transmitter site is what is now a ROK Ammunition Storage area approximately 5 miles south down the ridge line from the now closed Hill 180 gate.) Robert Stockman of Kennesaw, GA was a radio operator assigned to 5th AF with the 1st Radio Squadon, 5th Communications Group. He wrote in July 2006, "I spent my first month in Korea living at "The Castle" in Yong Dong Po and working in the 1st Radio Station in the Univ of Seoul Medical School in the city. I had a front row seat for "Bed Check Charlie's" last airraid of the Korean war, Christmas Day 1953. That was 11 Dec. '53 to the 10th of Jan. '54 in Seoul. Then we moved south to Osan. The station in Osan wasn't completely built, radio operators without a station are "coolies", we built the station, digging a ground poise (the buried element of an antenna) in the frozen soil in 10 degree weather. We got the station up and running by month end despite some harassment by straggler elements of the NKA. We were off site by 5-6 miles, SW of K-55. They even tried to steal one of our Budda Diesel generators, dragging it about 60 meters and covering it with rice stalks, it weighed about 5,000 pounds and left deep grooves in the dirt from it's pad to it's hiding place.  Patch for 1st Radio Squadron (1955) (934th/5th Comm Gp Site) He wrote in another email, "Arrived at K-55 Jan 10th 1954 as advanced party of 5th AFHQ 1st Radio Sq. from Yong Dong-Po (Seoul). We helped build the transmitter site and receiver site (on hill 180) and started operating in Feb. I transferred to the 1st Radio 5th AFHQ (rear) Taegu site in April 1954, K-55 was getting too civilized, paved roads, lawn mowers, etc. Three of us ran Taegu 24/7 until I left Nov. 1954." He later wrote, "I left K-55 in late April or early May for reassignment to the station at Taegu (5th AFHQ rear). I volunteered, we got a new CO of 1st Radio and I knew the jerk from being assigned to the radio net in the NW at McChord AFB Tacoma. He was CO at The Dalles Oregon AC&W site and planted bushes, shrubs and flowers all over a mountain at that site. As soon as he arrived at K-55 he ordered a ton of grass seed, six lawn mowers and gardening equipment to prettify the area. I didn't go to Korea to plant grass!" The headquarters section of the 1st Radio Squadron was located at the base of Antenna Hill (Hill 170). In the photo below, notice the POL tanks that were on Antenna Hill. The 1940s model staff car in the photo indicates the photo was taken between 1955-56.  Headquarters 1st Radio Squadron (1955) (934th/5th Comm Gp Site)  1st Radio Squadron Sign (1955) (934th/5th Comm Gp Site) (NOTE: The sign is not the same as the one above. Bob Furer noted that signs were not normally used for barracks areas. From the ditches on both sides of the road, this might have been along Broadway at the base of Antenna Hill at the 1st Radio Squadron headquarters.) We had heard somewhere that there was a radio relay site in the Korean War off-base, but we did not know the location. When asked, Robert stated, "I may be wrong in saying Hill 180. I based this on some pictures I found online 6-7 months ago, we never had a name for the hill. ... Very little on the base resembles the layout we had in 1954 except the runways. None of the roads we had seem to still be there. Viewing the runway, and we had an excellent view of it from the highest hill in the area... (SITE NOTE: From his description of the "viewing the runway" and "highest hill", we were able to ascertain that the unit was on the crest of Hill 180 placing it at approximately 250 feet elevation using Earth Google. Later Bob wrote, "Let me refine my co-ordinates. When I was viewing Google Earth earlier I "tipped " it to see the base from the perspective of the receiver site. Now that I am looking straight down on the layout I think the true location may be about 37 deg. 04' 40.03 North by 127 Deg. 02' 17.56 East Elevation about 250 feet." He wrote, "There were no trees then, only dried grass on the countryside." Thus it was possible to have an unobstructed view of the runway from that location in 1954. This placed him directly outside the Hill 180 Gate where there is now a large house and an apartment complex. In another email, Robert mentioned a site 5-6 miles from base which was the transmitter site. We believe this is the ROK Army ammunition storage area directly down the ridgeline road from the Hill 180 Gate about 5 miles on the right.)   (L) Just Outside Old Hill 180 Gate looking South; (R) Hill 180 Gate now closed and barricaded (May 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)   (L) Lodge outside Hill 180 Gate (R) Apartment complex outside Hill 180 Gate fallen on hard times (July 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan) He continued, "To get to our site you climbed the hill past the nurses huts, on the left ascending the hill, and went out a gate. There was a slight dip and to the right was our work compound, out about 300 yards. We had a Quonset hut and 2nd Radio had one, that was all that was on the gridiron sized compound except our 'long wire' antennas strung high between poles. Our transmitter site was about 5-6 miles to the west and we had keying lines strung on poles out to it. The keying lines were stolen often, ending up on the black market in Seoul the next day. When the keying lines were stolen we reverted to a UHF dish link to the transmitters. "We were outside the gate a few hundred yards and to the west of the gate. We were the highest point in the area and could see the entire runway and the road at the East end. I witnessed the crash of an F-86 just off the East end that killed a family traveling on the road. The Sabre was taking off towing a target 'sleeve'. The sleeve snagged the overrun net that was attached to anchor chain. It stalled the F-86, the pilot didn't seem to realize what had happened and was pulled back down just before the highway. Unfortunately, an ox cart with a family was struck and it appeared several people were killed or injured. The initial accident report passed through our radio station but was sketchy mostly telling of the loss of the plane. "The village called Markum-ni was just outside the gate at the top of the hill. We were forbidden to do any more than visit but one of our operators (name forgotten) lived there with a Korean woman he wanted to take home as a wife (forbidden at that time). He was referred to as the "Mayor of Markum-ni and was respected by the locals for his ability to get things done, like grading the rutted dirt road or obtaining food and building materials. The guy really loved the woman and would be rousted by the AP's and forced back to the base, only to return ASAP.   (L) Makumni Looking east toward Hill 180 Gate; (R) Makumni entrance. (July 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan) The unit shared the receiver compound with 2nd Radio but seldom saw anyone there. "The compound where our station was built had a small footprint, about 75 meters by 40 meters. When you entered the compound gate the 2nd Radio Relay (FM) hut was off to the left and sat in a leveled area off the top of the hill. It was usually manned by one person and we seldom saw any one. It was subject to a lot of harassment by the NK stragglers in the area, once they tipped over a drum of Kerosene, let it run under the hut and set fire to it. Some of our operators ran over with our CO2 bottles and put it out. (NOTE: In another email he wrote, "It was a very cold night and the AP guard and his dog were in our hut getting warm. We never saw that AP again.") "We were directly on top of the hill. Our station had 6-7 CW (Morse Code over Carrier Wave) Nets and two voice nets. We had 9-10 man shifts. A shift consisted of 8-9 radio operators, a single electronics tech, and an AP with a K-9 pup that arrived separately. "The AP would often come inside with the dog to get warm, on several occasions the heat would cause the AP to become sleepy, fall asleep and we would have a vicious dog that would watch us and prevent us waking him up. On a few occasions the dog would not understand what we were doing and attack one of us, one such attack put a exchange radio operator from the US Navy 7th Fleet in the hospital. We exchanged operators with the US Navy, usually 2 of them, and the Australian Navy Aircrier, 2 of them also. Our food was much better than either Navy and once they got with us they wanted to stay. No one in the Air Force ever wanted to go out to the ships. "We lived about where that large building is on the left end (west end) of the runway. The control tower and Flight Ops building was just south of the mid-point of the runway. We had F-86 Sabres, lots of them. At 5 PM everyday there was a contest. Pilots had a $50 pot. You put up fifty bucks and you took you Sabre up to about 38-40,000 feet and dove straight for the Ops building, pulling out at the last 300-400 feet. The pilot crossing over the Ops building flagpole closest to 5 o'clock won the pot for the month. Winning margins were a fraction of a second, timed by stop watch synced to WWV . The result was two huge sonic booms . . . . everyone within 20 miles knew it was 5 o'clock. Rumor had it the boom meant the Officers Club was opening it's doors. Don't know, never saw it. "We lived in Coleman huts on mud streets that ran perpendicular to the runway, they didn't have names. Ours went toward those hangers, they were earthen revetments then. Our chow hall was just behind to those revetments. "I have no pictures from that time, I went south to Taegu, worked my butt off and was surprized when one morning in November 1954 when I had worked all night, was taking a shower and someone stuck their head in and said "Your replacement is here, go home!" I had not planned to leave that soon, usually you had a few days warning, I had to get up to K-14 by 5PM to catch a C-124 back to Japan. My footlocker with cameras and photos and much else was lost in the move. Two days later I was in Hawaii and in Delaware about 5 days after that, just in time for Thanksgiving. Two other guys I served with are occasionally in touch, Jack Robinson and Jeff Vines. Jack and I met for the first time since Korea at his son's home south of Atlanta, I live northwest of Atlanta. Jeff is a small business owner in Montgomery Alabama and we have talked on the phone but not met. He and Jack went to Auburn Univ. together after Korea. I went to work for IBM and other computer companies, lived in Europe for a 7 year period and moved to Atlanta in 1973. "Korea was a growing experience for me, I turned 21 at Osan-ni. I lost a lot of friends in that war, I didn't regret being there, I only wanted to help." According to Bob Meinerding on the Korean War Project, "The 1st Radio Squadron, 5th Comm Group was located at Osan Air Force Base (K-55) about 60 miles south of Seoul. I was assigned to this group in March 1954. The squadron was renamed the 601st Comm Squadron around December 1954. This unit was active during the Korean War prior to my arrival. I was assigned to the receiver site adjacent to the base as a radio communciations repair person." It appears that he worked at the same site outside the Hill 180 Gate as Robert Stockman.  MARS Station (Military Affiliate Radio System) for making calls home via radio relayed patches (1954) (934th/5th Comm Gp Site: 934th Sig Bn page) From May 1954, the MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) was maintained by the 1st Radio Squadron. Its call letters were "A13AA". (Source: 5th Comm Gp History (AFHRA Microfile Roll No. K0961). However, from the sign it appears that the Army also shared the responsibility for the MARS operation, but the MARS was strictly a voluntary operation provided for both the Army and Air Force at K-55. Under the MARS system, a radio operator with an HF radio set would be linked to a civilian/military counterpart in the US or other military station. Once contact was established with a counterpart in a desired area, the counterpart would dial the requested party in CONUS. If home, the radio contact would be "patched" into the local telephone system. This system enabled overseas service members an inexpensive method to maintain contact with their families in CONUS. On 8 Nov 1954, the 1st Radio Squadron was renamed the 601st Communications Squadron (Radio). On 14 Oct 1955, the 5th Comm Group (including the 601st Comm Squadron) permanently moved to Camp Gifu, Japan. 10th Liason Squadron Arrives with 5th Air Force (Feb 1954) The 10th Liason Squadron was part of the 5th Air Force advanced unit which arrived in Feb 1954 and stayed until Sep 1955. Felix (Tex) Mcgown wrote on the Korea War Project in 2001, "I served with the 10th Liaison from May 1953 to May 1954 located a K-16 (Seoul) & K-55 (Suwon). I was assigned NCOIC of the Airborne Radio Maintenance Section. The aircrafts that we flew at that time were the L-20 Beaver and L-5 Recon. which were practically being phased out. After the truce as signed, the 5th Airforce(forward) and the 5th Air Force (rear) relocated and combined at K-55 (Suwon) in which our sqdn. relocated to this new site. We continued to support the 5th Air Force Headquarters after the move. Our CO was Major Stewert and the first soldier was Buck Buchanan." (SITE NOTE: K-55 is Osan AB. Suwon is K-13.)  10th Liason Squadron (1954) (Walt Faulkner) In preparation of the 5th AF leaving Osan AB in Sep 55, the unit was moved under the Headquarters Squadron of the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing when the 58th FBW arrived in May 1955. The L-20 Beavers were to remain in Korea until the 1960s when the 10th Liason was deactivated. Walter Faulkner wrote in July 2006, "I was assigned to the 10th Liaison Sq in late June 1954 and rotated stateside 12 months later. I was an aircraft communications technician for the 6 or 8 L-20 Beavers and 2 L-5 aircraft in that squadron. The A/C were used to ferry personnel and documents to the various military sites throughout Korea. We had about 60 enlisted men and less than 20 officers including the pilots. Shortly after my arrival a new group of pilots arrived who were mostly trained for jet fighter aircraft. Most were rather unhappy to be assigned to flying single engine prop planes, but seemed to take it in stride. I can't give you much on the chronology of the squadron prior to my arrival, but toward the end of my tour of duty, we were absorbed by the Hq Sq 58th Fighter Bomber Wing which added several C-47 aircraft and possibly others which escape my memory." (SITE NOTE: The C-47s were the mainstay for flights to Japan and again were used to maintain the flight hours needed by rated pilots to maintain their flight pay. After the Korean War, there were an overage of fighter pilots and not enough slots to go around. Many of the unfortunate were sent to such units as the 10th Liason Squadron -- but others were really unfortunate in ending up in dead-end desk jobs or even worse -- forced out of the cockpit. Thus those pilots ending up with the 10th Liason were among the fortunate who at least had a flying job. However, after a few years, the C-47s were run down and replacement parts were becoming scarce for the units in Korea.)  10th Liason Barracks area (1954) (Walt Faulkner) According to Walt, the unit was on the last diamond on the flightline. At that time, the hangars and structures on the flightline were all left-over from the Korean War.  DeHavilland (DHC2) L-20 Beaver The L-20s were rugged, highly-versatile aerial truck which could take off and land almost anywhere, carry a large load, and be very reliable. It succeeded in all these areas in the civilian sector, so it was almost inevitable that, in 1951, the Beaver would be selected by the US Air Force and Army as a new liaison aircraft. In the nine years that followed, 968 L-20As were delivered to the armed forces, most going to the Army. They served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, hauling freight and personnel around the battlefields, mapping enemy troop positions, leading search/rescue missions, and relaying radio traffic, among other missions.  Stinson L-5 Sentinel (USAF Museum) Sentinels by the AAF, were first procured as O-62s before the designation was changed to "L" for liaison in April 1942. Between 1942-5, the AAF ordered 3,590 L-5s, making it the second most widely used AAF liaison aircraft. The unarmed L-5 with its short field takeoff and landing capability was used for reconnaissance, removing litter patients from front line areas, delivering supplies to isolated units, laying communications wire, spotting enemy targets for attack aircraft, transporting personnel, rescuing Allied personnel in remote areas and even as a light bomber. In Asia and the Pacific, L-5s remained in service with USAF units as late as 1955.Robert (Bob) E. Hays of Texas City, TX on the Korea War Project in 1997 wrote of the 10th Liason history. "Activated in July 1951 in Seoul, South Korea, the 10th Liaison Squadron supported the 930th and 931st Engineer Aviation Groups, the 6147th Tactical Control Group, and the 17th Bomb Wing, among others. Using L-5 and L-20 aircraft, the unit surveyed forward areas for airfield, radar, and communication sites and regularly surveyed abandoned air strips. The squadron provided emergency airlift to remote forward positions, transported air liaison officers to forward U. S. Army units, and performed courier service, including the delivery of mail and monthly payrolls to forward Air Force units. It also transported North Korean prisoners on occasion and dropped arms and supplies to guerrillas behind enemy lines." Life at Osan AB: The following photos are from Walter Faulkner who was with the 10th Liason Squadron. He wrote: "The snapshots are all from on or near K-55. I'm the guy lounging on the bunk. Barracks 1323 was my "home" for 12 months. The photo of the well is nearly identical to the one you have posted except the time of year. I snapped it in late Fall 1954. Two shots were taken atop Hill 180. One overlooks the Hq area for Fifth Air Force (See 5th AF writeup above) and the other over the countryside adjacent to the base. You may recognize the Monument to Task Force Smith where the first battle of the war took place. (See Monument photos above) It was within easy hiking distance of the base." Walt's photos indicate that the base still allowed farmers to reside on the unused land within the base perimeter. In his photo of Hill 180 looking east towards Burak-san Mountain, the perimeter fence is plainly seen in the middle of the photo and military structures are seen within the perimeter to the left edge INSIDE the perimeter fence. The photos also show the Jamesway structures that was plywood covered with corrugated iron on the exterior. Inside the plywood, there was a tar paper water barrier and interior plywood on the inside. A very bleak barracks with furnishings built out of scrap lumber and crates -- with the electricity from exposed wires running along the walls.  Broadway Avenue with Post Exchange to far left. Post Exchange three buildings down from present Songtan Blvd. (1954) (Walter Faulkner) Bob Furer wrote in Sep 2006, "While I was on my Aug 54 - Jun 55 tour, the BX issued yearly ration books which allowed you to purchase one (1) radio/year (I got my $95 Zenith Oceanic), one (1) camera/per year (I picked up 2 Canon IIF 2 $105 ea), two (2) cartons of cigarettes per month @ $1.00/carton. I didn't smoke cigs (pipe man), so used the cartons on the open market. I paid my House Boy Johnny 1-carton/month to keep up my on-site billet and do my laundry at Mama-sans down in the village. A haircut down in the village went for one pack of cigs. Our Korean carpenter on site made me a local stone desk name plate with US/Korean/UN flags, 5th AF patch and my name in English, with Korean under, all painted up proper for one carton of cigs. "The "O" Club @ K-55 also provided what we now call Class 6 service. NO RATIONING. 1/5th of VO or CC @ $1.25 ea, Four Roses or Gilbey Gin @ $0.85 ea and a bottle of "sparkling wine" @ $2.25 ea. I would usually pick up a 12-bottle case of VO for $15 on my monthly payroll run for the site, which supplied "Club Highpoint" Bar operation and trading stock with the K-6 Gunny @ Ration Breakdown (worked wonders for steak and ice cream mix) or anyone else on K-6 or in Korea that were would "dicker" with, if we couldn't steal what we wanted. "The "O" Club also had two 10-cent genuine casino "one-armed bandits," with a most unusual payout. For a BELL-BAR-LEMON line up, they would fetch you two bottles of "sparkling wine," which you could swap for 4-bottles of VO. We picked up our site beer @ K-6 Ration Breakdown, by the case from pallets stored in the open @ 10-cents a can, or $2.40 a case. Depending on how long the beer had been on the pallets out in the open and weather transitions, you cold usually count on having some fairly "skunky" beer. Usual brands were Pabst, Schlitz, Milwaukee and maybe a couple of others. "The "Skoshi" Bar that was operated in a portion of the laundry building in the area of the billet I stayed in when on base, issued script purchased with MPC. Warm beer was a "wash" @ ten-cents a can, red-eye @ 25-cents a short and you fetched your own water or bought warm "mix" (usually 7-Up or some other naseous lime or lemon type soda) @ 10-cents a can. NO ICE! "During my last two weeks on K-55, the billet I was in had quite a few FIGMO types and heavy duty poker game was always available. It also hap pended that there were 2-3 "spooks" who worked night shipt in a crypto shop. One night during a wild poker game, it was decided by the FIGMO people to on the spot, consume sufficient beer so that a wall of empty beer cans could be erected across the building about 10-feet inside the entry door as our farewell "surprise" to the "spooks." Beautiful job, but we failed to realize that the noise of the falling cans when the "spooks" walked into them would wake us up. It was worth it!  Base Chapel up on Hill 180 (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Farmer's home on-base taken from Hill 180 looking east. Area is present ROKAF area towards Milwal-dong. Notice the perimeter fence in middle of picture. (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Supply Train down near present Arirang restaurant along Broadway Avenue. The building on the left is the first supply warehouse with the raised concrete platform that is across from the present BX. (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Walt Faulkner on bunk in Barracks 1323 (1954) (Walter Faulkner) 10th Liason Squadron area looking west near present Utah Avenue. Notice POL tanks on Hill 170. (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Well at the present Yongchon Hotel. (1954) (Walter Faulkner) (SITE NOTE: Walt remembered taking this photo from the Shinjang Road looking down on the well. There were three springs -- one near the present Young-Chon Hotel and the other close to the perimeter fence. The area was all rice fields in 1953, but soon was filled in. The pig sty location next to the wells which supplied water for daily subsistence made sanitation questionable. There was a third well up near the present Rodeo Alley (Fashion Road) that was at the end of the Jungang Market at that time.)  18th FBW   67th FBS and 12th FBS Nickname: Fighting Cocks and Fightin' Foxy Few 18th TFW leaves Osan The war was over and the wing was leaving Korea for Kadena, Okinawa where it where it would convert to the F-100. The 67th FBS departed Osan AB for Kadena, Okinawa on 30 Oct 1954. The 18th TFW colors left Osan AB for Kadena AB, Okinawa on 1 Nov 1954. (Source: AFHRA) Korean War Orphans During the Korean War, orphanages were spotty at best. Near Taegu they had only one orphanage, but in Suwon they had 20. In Songtan, there was a school shelter built for the orphans. During the Korean War the American Armed Forces saved the lives of thousands upon thousands of Korean children. The GIs often rescued hundreds of children at one time in various rescue operations such as the Kiddy Car Airlift organized by the 5th Air Force where almost a thousand children were saved or the rescue of over 200 children by the US Marines in the Kanung operation. When orphanage administrators report that upwards of 90% of all their aid comes from the American servicemen and that the children would have died without this help we must recognize that the donation of over two million dollars for orphanage aid by GIs during the war years from a pay usually less than one hundred dollars a month also helped save the lives of thousands of children. Sometimes good intentions faltered when the benefactors left. When the second liberation took place, again hundreds of orphaned children were found. A Colonel Munske, Commanding Officer of the first KCAC team in Seoul, started an orphanage for these children. It was another very large project that by Sept. 1, 1952, reached 575 in number. The story was repeated, however; Munske was reassigned. With him went the keen interest that had kept the money flowing in for the children. Very unfortunately the orphanage had to be disbanded. Many of the children could be transferred to other orphanages; many others were back on the streets as beggars and vagrants. Sometimes there was outright fraud. An NCO club at a military base not far from Seoul gave more than $8000 in cash, to an orphanage of about 120 children near their base. The superintendent, upon investigation, was found to have used the money for everything except the children. Church leaders in the town reported that she operated a house of prostitution and that some of the money had gone into modernization of these facilities. She drank heavily and often appeared on the streets drunk. She seldom stayed at the orphanage where the children lived not much better than little animals, in rags in spite of the fact that the NCO club had also taken many boxes of relief clothes to the orphanage. There were only two matrons for the 120 children. Sometimes the operators operated outside the parameters, but their intentions were for the benefit of the kids. One operator took the donated diapers sent from the States and sold them on the black market. When queried she said she needed money for milk. When placed side-by-side on a priority list -- the feeding of the children versus having better health standards -- feeding the kids won out. In ChunChon, the Masons saw the need but because of their inability to operate the orphanage themselves, they were soon turned away from supporting it because the materials they had given reached the black market. In one drive for support from America, a very large number of toys arrived - enough for several for each child in the orphanage. In Korea, to have toys at all is practically an unknown luxury. To have more than one for each child is unheard of. The superintendent evidently felt justified in selling all or most of them to get money for food, as the toys were soon reported on the black market. Sometimes, the Americans condemned the operators, but they seldom saw that most of the operators were dedicated individuals doing their best to survive and protect their kids in the hardest of times. Without their help, many of these kids would turn into street urchins. Many of these are professional beggars, who have been picked up before. The problem of beggars wasn't taken seriously. It wasn't the fault of military personnel, but it was true that the beggars lived mostly off them. Koreans had little to offer beggar children. Around the Army Railway Transportation offices, scores of children, of whom most should have been in orphanages, lived off the soldiers' handouts. These boys - and sometimes little girls - were hard as nails. They were fully equipped to provide a soldier with everything from a shoeshine to a black market deal for his cigarettes, to women, often as not their sisters. (Source: Korean Children.org.)  Korean war orphans at K-55 (1952) (USAF Photo) (SOURCE: Osan AB History Web Page) The following was a Pacific Stars and Stripes article on Dec. 9, 1951. The 18th FBW was still flying their F-51 Mustangs from down south. 18th Wing Pilots Aid War-Ravaged Waifs Life Goes On
Along MSR-1
 Kids at play at Taegu Farmer's Home (1954) (Robert Furrer) (NOTE: First picture Bob took in Korea.) Osan-ni  Task Force Smith Monument (1954) (Dan Klopsten)   Task Force Smith Monument (1954) (Robert Furrer) (NOTE: The hill was barren in 1954. Bob remarked that when he revisited the monument in 1999 he was astounded that he could even see it because of the changes in landscaping.)  Task Force Smith Monument (1954) (Walter Faulkner) Suwon  City Gate of Suwon (1954) (Dan Klopsten) (NOTE: The City Gate, Hwaseong Castle and the adjoining wall are listed as a UN Cultural Asset and has become a tourist attraction as a 8km walking tour around the city.)  South Gate in Suwon (1954) (Walter Faulkner)  Hwaseong Castle Wall (1954) (Walter Faulkner)
Seoul When a truce ended the fighting in 1953, Seoul faced a desperate situation. More than half its people were homeless. Refugees lived in squatter slums all over the city. Many buildings had been destroyed, including at least 191,000 buildings, 55,000 houses, and 1,000 factories. Although South Korea was drained of capital, natural and human resources, it had to rebuild quickly. As reconstruction began, buildings went up at a rapid pace. But they lacked visual appeal or traditional concern for harmony with nature. (Source: Korean Society.)
Korea Settles into a Stalemate South Korean president Syngman Rhee wanting to unify the country with the help of the US, refused to sign the truce agreement. Instead, he signed a mutual defense treaty with the US in October 1953 and arranged for the continued presence of US forces in South Korea. The subsequent Geneva Conference on Korea in April 1954 failed to find a political solution to the "Korea Question". The failure of the two attempts - one by the North and one by the South - to unify the peninsula by force only deepened the division, making any contact with each other impossible. (Source: Asia Times. For the role of the US in Korea and president Syngman Rhee's refusal to sign the truce agreement, see R T Oliver, Syngman Rhee and American Involvement in Korea, 1942-1960, Seoul 1978, Panmun Book Co. For the text of the treaty, see Se-jin Kim (ed.), Korean Unification: Source Materials with an Introduction, Seoul 1978, Research Center for Peace and Unification, pp. 183-184.)
Korean Mistrust of Armistice Most Koreans did not fully trust the Armistice and feared that they would be invaded again after the Americans left. They had seen Seoul occupied too many times as the Americans were pushed back. They had seen the summary executions by the North Koreans as they searched out the "traitors" and "collaborators." To the average man on the street, the drawdown meant uncertainty for his future.
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