Documentary Examines Korean War Vets - 'Chosin Few'

Chosin_few The San Diego Union-Tribune recently published an article entitled "Honoring 'Chosin Few': Korean War battle vets share their stories for upcoming documentary" written by Rick Rogers.

The story is about filmmakers Brian Iglesias and Anton Sattler who were in San Diego interviewing veterans for their upcoming documentary called 'The Chosin Few.'


Veteran Stories Podcast #002 - Mr. Pleasant Devin, US Navy, Korean War

The 2nd Veteran Stories Podcast has been posted.  This podcast is recorded by Kevin Devin and it is his personal interview with his father Pleasant Devin, who was a member of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS St. Paul (CA-73) during the the Korean War (1950s).

Some links mentioned in this podcast include:

 (Size 13.5 MBs, Running Time 29m23s, Originally Published 12-27-06)


Veteran Stories News Summary #001

Below is Veteran Stories Podcast's weekly summary of the latest veteran related stories of potential interest to our listeners:


Author Of U.S. Military Code Of Conduct Passes Away

It was reported on Oct. 8, 2006 in the San Diego Union-Tribune that US Marine Col. F. Brooke Nihart passed away on Aug. 30, 2006 at the age of 87 in Fairfax, VA.  He was the author of the U.S. Military Code of Conduct that was originally written in 1955, and slightly revised in 1977.

He was a veteran of WWII (Battle of Wake Island & Battle of Okinawa) and the Korean War (Battle of the Punchbowl).  During his career he was awarded the Navy Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal the Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal.

It should also be noted that from 1972 to 1991 he was a historian and deputy director of Marine Corps museums.


Veteran Updates - New Memorial, WWII Medals, Cold War, Support The Troops, Tragic Death

The Royal Oak Memorial Society is planning a re-dedication ceremony of Veteran's War Memorial that will include 26 new names based on some additional research by John Wendland. [detroit free press]

AP Wire is reporting that WWII US Navy veteran Roy Camero is finally getting his medals that he earned.  These include: "World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Honorable Service lapel pin, and an Honorable Discharge button."

Afghanistan veteran Craig Fitzgerald shares his stories of rehabilitation with WCAX. He is currently on a fund-raising tour for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes to help raise funds those who return to the United States after service in Iraq or Afghanistan with serious injuries. [newsday]

The Bedford Bulletin has a very interesting and historical interview piece with retired Air Force Brigadier General Roger Smith.  During his service he was: launch officer for a Titan II missile; stationed with leadership positions at Whiteman Air Force Base; assigned to the North American Aerospace Defense Command center at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado, and part of the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) treaty negotiations with the Soviets during the 1980s.

Lastly, some notices on Veterans passing crossed the newswire:

  • KCEN is reporting a sad story of a Vietnam Vet that was robbed and killed.  Amazingly Barney Goodman was able to crawl "8 to 9 hours" to a position that could be seen from the highway and he was able to describe his attackers before he died. [KLTV, Veterans For America]
  • WWII and Korean War US Navy veteran Peter Bolcis died on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006.  He was extremely active in his community and in veteran organizations most of his life.  He served as motor machinist's mate on the submarine USS Bang in WWII, and the USS Yancey during the Korean War. [the morning journal]
  • James Joseph Hill died on Aug. 28, 2006. He was a WWII USMC veteran that was attached to the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion, and after WWII he became a U.S. Merchant Marine. [times community newspaper]

Two Korean War Vets Finally Get Their Medals

Bob Rinehart was recently present by U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) the following medals earned from his service during the Korean War: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and United Nations Service Medal. [Herald & Review]

And George McCaffery was recently presented with his missing Bronze Star for valor by U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Brighton).  The article notes that "McCaffery won the medal by rescuing three wounded soldiers from an ambush."  He was also part of the Chosin Reservoir battle. [Press & Argus]