Coming Home from Korea

As promised, here is the second installment of In the Land of the Morning Calm.

Sasebo, Japan

On his return from duty in Korea in March, 1953, Dad was on the General Hase again.  While waiting to board, he was pulled out along with several other Sergeants (Dad had reached the rank of Master Sergeant).  They all thought that they were in trouble, but no, they were singled out for better quarters.  These guys had their own stateroom to share.  Again, they spent their time hiding from the Duty Officers and reading as they chugged home.


After returning to Seattle from Sasebo, Japan,  Dad was put in charge of an entire plane full of returning vets traveling on the Flying Tiger Line.  This was a cargo and troop airline started by WW II vets using old reclaimed planes (bought out by FedEx in 1989).  Being in charge meant that he had to turn over all of his guys when they got to Camp Crowder, MO (where Beetle Bailey cartoonist, Mort Walker got his inspiration).  He couldn't lose anyone.  This would have been easy except for the fact that the planes were so decrepit that they had to stop twice for repairs before they made it to camp; once in Boise, ID and once again in Kansas City, MO.

I believe that this was taken on
his way to Korea.

Now guys coming home from a tour in Korea may want to go out and have a drink or two.  Remember, this was 1953 Kansas City and segregation was still going strong.  The African American soldiers who had fought, lived and died with their Caucasian fellows were not welcome in the same bars.  Dad's men were quite put out by this and more than a couple of fights broke out.  He had every one's records with him, so it was his job to go around and make sure that they all made it back to the plane.

They did finally make it to Camp Crowder.  Mom and Grandpa Day had come down to take Dad home.  He remembers Grandpa asking him if he would like to drive home in the new car.  Of course, he was thrilled to be driving something other than a truck or a jeep.  So, Dad and Mom sat in the front and Grandpa Day sat in the back.




Next Installment:  Army Maneuvers