men had their own mess which served traditional Korean food. Despite the
resistance from U.S. higher headquarters things worked out.
I organized a competition for the best design for a new patch for I US/ROK
Corps-and then had the winning logo approved by the U.S. Army Heraldry
Division. Over the next year we completed the phaseout of the 7th U.S. Division,
the phase-in of a Korean division and the integration of the I US/ROK Corps staff.
We also completed the training program for the Honest John battalion and set up
the custodial unit and guards for the nuclear warheads.
It all worked out quite well. Actually it was a pretty exciting time. After a year
the kinks had been ironed out and things were running rather smoothly.
Q ..
Let me ask you, while you were there, did you have any problems on the DMZ?
A ..
No, we had no major problems. There were always minor problems, but nothing
on the order of the tree cutting incident which occurred later. We conducted
periodic alerts and I must admit that the Korean units responded better than my
U.S. units.
Q ..
Was there any rebuilding on the line? Or was the line substantial enough?
A
We worked at constantly upgrading the line. I inherited a long-range plan which
included adding more lights and alert mechanisms. We also strengthened bridges
and improved roads leading up to the line.
Q ..
Did American military engineers do this?
A ..
Yes, but Korean military engineers worked on the upgrade as well. I was assigned
the control of a large Korean engineering unit which was quite good. When the
weather was good, which was about half the year, the Korean engineers worked
around the clock in two 12-hour shifts.
Q ..
Your mention of the integration of Korean officers into your staff brings to mind
the problems athletes encountered during the Olympics. There were complaints
that Americans gave the orders and the Koreans did the work. We also heard
about the famous tempers of the "Irishmen of the Far East" flaring. Did you have
similar problems?
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