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SURVIVOROCT 2007 OP Harry Survivors Association Newsletter ISSUE 47

WELCOME NEWS FROMARCHANGEL FILMS

By Michael Epperson

Archangel Films is excited to announce a majorcontribution to the production from OPHSA memberBob Baker that has literally saved the Outpost Harry

documentary film from cancellation. The film’sproducers, Christos and Michael Epperson and Mike

Pagomenos have been struggling since last January tokeep the Outpost Harry project alive after a majorfunding commitment fell through at the last minute.Since that time, the producers have been fundingOutpost Harry entirely through their own savings as astopgap measure until further funding could be secured.

The project was met with great enthusiasm fromseveral Greek cultural foundations, including the StavrosNiarchos Foundation and the Onassis Foundation. Butthe funding process through these foundations wouldhave taken too long to keep the Outpost Harry projectviable in the interim.

Just when it seemed that Outpost Harry was goingto be put aside for another fully funded film project thatwas offered to the company in August, OPHSA’s ownBob Baker made a generous gift to the production tokeep it going from September through Decemberinitially—and if all goes well, to final completion in thesummer of 2008. Mr. Baker’s generous help saved twoyears of work from being shelved: All the interviewmaterial of both American and Greek OP Harry vets hadbeen completed, as well as a great deal of research andpre-publicity. The film had been endorsed by the U.S.Army, officers of the Pentagon, the CIA, the UN, andthe Greek Embassy and the Greek Ambassador to SouthKorea. And ISS Props (the largest prop weaponscompany in Hollywood) had made a major donation ofprop weapons for the re-enactment scenes. So Mr.Baker’s help to the production has allowed the producersto keep all these invaluable benefits in place. It has alsoallowed the producers to continue to connect Outpost

Harry with Archangel Film’s previous project, theWorld War II documentary film The 11th Day and all the

publicity it is continuing to receive. (Among otherachievements, it has been named November’s “DVD ofThe Month” at the History Channel UK). Currently,every DVD of The 11th Day sold all over the worldcontains a full color insert advertising the Outpost Harry

film.

Principal re-enactment photography for Outpost

Harry is scheduled for May-June 2008 in Red Bluff,California, and the producers will be organizing a VIPset visit for OPHSA members. More information will beannounced later this year.

The relevance of the Outpost Harry project toAmerican history and culture is two-fold: First, itprovides perspectives on warfare from the soldier’s pointof view, which is crucial at a time when our nation is atwar and only a small subset of the population isimmediately affected. The first-hand interviews ofOutpost Harry survivors, both U.S. and Greek veterans,will provide Americans without immediate involvementin our current war crucial insight into the reality ofwarfare, and the real potential of multinational forcecooperation. Second, it will provide an importanthistorical record of this battle—especially importantnow, since its surviving veterans are elderly. Since thisbattle has never been thoroughly documented, as thesurviving veterans pass away, so too will our ability toproperly document this unique chapter in Americanhistory.

The film’s producers fervently believe Outpost Harry isa story that needs to be told, especially in today’sclimate. Their belief has always been that the veteransneed to tell their own stories, and in a format wherepeople will listen. Major thanks to Bob Baker forhelping to make that happen for all the veterans ofOutpost Harry.

[Michael Epperson is the writer/producer for the OP

Harry documentary for Archangel Films.]

More information about the filming of the

reenactment scenes near Red Bluff,CA in May 2008 will

be detailed in forthcoming issues of the “Survivor”.(Ed.)

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MINUTES OF THE JUNE2007 BUSINESS MEETING

By E. Douglas Jones

President Jerry opened the meeting with abang…or it could have been…we simply have to gethim a gavel…Jerry then introduced the officers…Thiswas not too complicated as there are only three of us….

Mini Treasurer’s Report [that’s me]…we haveover $16,000 on hand however all of the big bills haveyet to paid…It was moved and 2nd that these be paid…I am delighted because I have already written thechecks…Not too concerned though because everythingis covered by our fearless reunion chairman’s creditcard…Good old Jerry…Wewill end up with a balance ofover $6000...Jerry has cutthe costs of the reunion tothe members as well asincreasing the services..Much of this is due to theg e n e r o s i t y o f B o bBaker….Complete financialstatement after December….

Bob Baker suggestedthat Associate members beinvited to the businessmeetings, seconded andapproved.

Appreciation expressed for the presence of Lt. ColTimothy Stoy and retired Capt Monika….This is the firsttime I have seen an army Capt outrank a LtCol

Jerry C emphasized the need for early commitmentof members that plan to attend our nextreunion…Arrangements for hotel rooms, food , busesand tours have to be committed early on…It wasapproved to have a $10 late fee for all applications afterMay 15.…

It was suggested that a reserve fund be formed toassist some members who financially are unable toattend…Jerry C said that this was tried in the late 90’sbut no one responded…

The suggestion of Dues was mentioned howeverthe membership showed very little interest…I [treasurerthat is] noted that donations were very generous..

Pulitzer Jim displayed a wall hanging Lydia madefor the raffle….He also requested the need formembership input for the Survivor…

Jerry C [a man of few words, well not really] wouldlike to see the President and the Vice President serve twoconsecutive terms. _It would be a big help to maintain abetter continuity._ Moved, seconded and passed. _SorryMr. President, you’re still at bat for another year. _JohnFerrara was voted to continue as VP._

Brad, our web site Guru stated that our web site is trulyan outreach medium to the entire world…He also saidthat he could put it on a CD….

Now where do we go next year? Jerry never tells us inadvance…But Lo, this time he said Seattle!…Nottrusting him completely I asked “you mean SeattleWashington?” …..I am delighted, I only have to drive75 miles.

New Business and Old Business went back and forthseveral times..I tried to catch up but I’m tired….

WE ADJOURN

E. Douglas Jones, Secretary/Treasurer

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By Jerry Lang

Fall has officially arrived. This is perhaps thebest time of year here in New England. There is agreat deal of color in the air with the fall foliage aswell as regional excitement over our football andbaseball teams.

I would like to takethis opportunity to thankretired Captain MonikaStoy for sending anewspaper article to meexplaining the effortstaking place throughoutthe country to assists e v e r e l y w o u n d e dVeterans retuning fromIraq and Afghanistan.

As Veterans Daydraws near, let us continue to honor and rememberall living and deceased Veterans from all past andpresent conflicts. Our country continues to remaingreat as a result of the many sacrifices anddedication of past and present generations of menand women.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let us alsoremember to give thanks for our families, friendsand freedom. May good days be ahead for all ofyou and your loved ones and May God BlessAmerica.

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CHAPLAIN HAD MANY

DUTIES WITH 15TH

INFANTRY

Chaplain Lt. Harvey Kochner was a catholicpriest assigned to the 15th Infantry in Korea. He had avery busy and variable schedule. Charlie Scott wasassigned to the Hq Co of the 15th in Korea and becamethe driver for the chaplain so most of the informationabout Chaplain Kochner has come to us from him.

Originally from St Louis, Chaplain Kochnerrecognized his calling early in life and entered aFranciscan monastery to study for the priesthood.Entering the Army he was commissioned a Lt. andassigned to the 15th Infantry.

The Chaplain said Mass each day for groups ofsoldiers who were free to attend, many in areas justbehind the MLR. Visits to aid stations and MASH unitswere another part of his duty.

Chaplain Harvey Kochner says Mass for a group of 15th

Infantry soldiers just behind the MLR

In the Photo at left

Chaplin Kochner is

distributing Holy

Communion to a

soldier during a Mass.

It was just outside a battalion aid station that youreditor found himself one morning on a photo assignmentwhen the Chaplain came roaring up in his jeep. The

Chaplain sprinted into the aid station. Speaking to hisdriver (Charlie Scott) we discovered that a man had beenseverely wounded by Chinese artillery and was beingprepared for helicopter evacuation. The originalassignment was delayed as we prepared to photographthe chopper evacuation.

In a very short time the wounded man, PFC VictorPeterson of George Co., was brought to the landing padfirst in an ambulance and then gently carried to a spot toawait the arrival of the helicopter. Chaplain Kochnerwas at this side the whole time. The helicopter arrivedin minutes and PFC Peterson was quickly but carefullyloaded onto one of the choppers two litter mounts.

Colonel Russell Ackers, Commander of the 15th

Regiment, watches PFC Victor Peterson being secured to

the chopper for evacuation

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Chaplain Kotchner and the chopper pilot make a last

check of Peterson’s readiness for the flight

The chopper takes off for the short flight to the MASH

Chaplain Lt. Harvey Kochner served during theKorean War and with the Army in Germany during theCold War with a total of fifteen years military service.After leaving the Army he went back to the life of aparish priest in Chicago. He then moved on to a churchfacility that helped the homeless and poor people ofChicago.

Charlie Scott, kept in touch with Father Kochnerover many years until, in the late 70’s, Charlie called andfound that this kind and dedicated man had died of asudden heart attack in July of 1978 while walking on astreet in Chicago.

He is buried near St. Louis. May God rest his Soul.

Association Officers

2007 - 2008

For members non-commercial use only!

President 617-387-1130

Jerry Lang glangopharry@comcast.net

52 Woodlawn St

Everett, MA 02149-5040

Vice President 802-744-2771

John Ferrara

2023 North Hill Road

Westfield, VT 05874-9766

Secretary/Treasurer 360-446-1945

E. Douglas Jones karkelko@wavecable.com

14614 Channel Drive

LaConner, WA 98257-4732

Chaplain 508-224-8434

Edward Hanrahan Jr.

10 Halifax Rd. PO Box 698

Manomet, MA 02345-0698

Sergeant-At-Arms 304-263-8513

Paul E. Gregory adpaulgregory@juno.com

162 Spreading Oaks Drive

Martinsburg, WV 25404-3963

Historian 440-942-9258

Richard Martinet martinetopharry@msn.com

10045 Gardenside Drive

Waite Hill, OH 44094-6952

Reunion Chairman 803-783-4491

Jerry Cunningham jerryccolumbus@aol.com

501 Chilhowie Road

Columbia, SC 29209-5506

Webmaster 650-494-6049

Freeman Bradford brad002@btainc.com

875 Meadow Drive

Palo Alto, CA 94303-4441

Editor 626-358-7834

James F. Jarboe jarboejnl@charter.net

903 Crestfield Drive

Duarte, CA 91010-2131

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1952 PAPARAZZI?

We think of the Paparazzi as being a relatively newphenomenon created by the popularity of the scandalmagazine rags that hire photographers to chasecelebrities and get as many shots as they can.

1952 was an election year in the USA, and ofcourse the presidential candidates were targets for thephotographers of the day----But in a War Zone??

General Dwight Eisenhower was a candidate thatyear and in November was elected our new President.One of his campaign promises was, if elected, he wouldgo to Korea to assess the military and political situationfor himself, and so he did, as President Elect. OnDecember 4, 1952 he appeared at the 15th InfantryRegiment of the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea.

Naturally the press wanted to send reporters andphotographers to cover the event. The Division PIO wasinterested in the event with at least two photographersbeing assigned from the Signal Company to cover theevent. This appeared on the surface to be a relativelycontrollable event that after private conferences therewould be a picture opportunity when the general wasserved lunch and also engaged in a lot of handshaking.

George Pruette, one of our new OPHSA members,was a PIO reporter assigned to escort media reportersand photographers. Many soldiers carried a personalcamera in those days and George was no exception.

General of the Army Omar Bradley accompaniedthe President Elect. When the picture taking began thepress and Army photographers went to work. Most ofthe amateurs were not used to some of the unspokenrules the pros worked by and had a tough time gettingsome pictures.

Oops! George was set for a nice shot when an Army

photographer with a large Speed Graphic stepped in front

of him. That’s Eisenhower at the far left.

For another picture opportunity the General sat withsome infantrymen for a bit of lunch

The General (3rd

from left) must have been hungry.

Gen. Omar Bradley was a tougher subject to reachbut George Pruette tried his best. He was apparently ina crush of Paparazzi when he tried this one.

General Bradley is in the far lower left.

Eisenhower shakes hands with Cpl Joseph Sterns of the 1st

Bn. 15th

Infantry Regt. US Army Photo by PFC MarioRotondi

(The editor joined the 3rd Sig Photo Section in Jan 1953

and was Rotondi’s replacement when he rotated)

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George Pruette, when searching for the pictures ofEisenhower on the previous page, was embarrassed torecall that his memory about his presence on OP Harryduring the June battles was somewhat faulty. We’ve allexperienced these “senior moments”, George. Here is anexcerpt from George’s letter that accompanied thepictures.

“While looking through all my stuff searching for

these photographs it became evident that I gave you the

wrong information about the date I was on Harry. A few

months ago after looking at the dates of the Chinese

siege I concluded I was there on the 16th, because there

was nothing going on up there on the 16th and I knew

that the night I was there nothing was happening. As

you may remember, before the major Chinese attacks on

Harry there was less intense combat taking place almost

nightly. And if I remember correctly there was one night

when the Chinese actually took the hill and our forces

took it back the following night. I say that because my

fuzzy memory tells me that this happened the night

following the night I was there and at the time I reflected

on my good luck in not being there a day later.

The fact is that on the 15th I boarded a ship at

Inchon for the trip home. It took 31 days, therefore I

was unaware or have forgotten hearing about the details

of the major fight (June) on OP Harry. We did hear

about the end of hostilities. A few months ago when I

read the details on the 3ID website I mistakenly

concluded that I was there at that time when I was

actually up there during the earlier period.”

You’re forgiven, George. We survivors are allliving in the same glass house of memories and we arereluctant to throw a stone. Thanks for your input and theopportunity to see photographs that we have never seenbefore.

Walden Storie, a past president of OPHSA, is

seen here addressing a crowd at the end of the

Springboro, Ohio Memorial Day Parade, of which he

was also Grand Marshall. The proud lady at the left

is Mrs. Cora Storie,

Notes from the ChaplainBy Ed Hanrahan

This Summer flew by and here we are alreadyheading for the holidays. We sent out a total of eightmemorial plaque pictures, received many thank you

notes from the families,however one was returned.[Apparently we do not have theaddress for the family ofSerefino Garcia from Hemet,California].

Sympathy cards and notes ofcondolences were sent out to thefamilies of the followingmembers:

Gilbert Conner, passed away March 4, 2007. Gil’sKorea service was with Co B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3ID.

Arthur Lee, passed away June 20, 2007. Arthur servedwith Co. C, 15th Infantry Regiment, His wife Ruth Lee

called to express her thanks and hopes to attend thereunion in Seattle, WA June 2008.

Daniel Conner, son of Gilbert Conner, sent ussome photos and information on his Dad as well as anice warm letter. Thanks Dan.

Once again this Thanksgiving Day we will enjoybeing with our families and loved ones. I know thatdeep inside of us we survivors look around, think of thepast and say “Thank you so very much Lord” forallowing me to be here.

May the good Lord allow our military to soon enjoytheir Thanksgivings with their families as we have doneon this Thanksgiving Day.

Please stay well,

P.S.: Happy Veterans Day!

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OUTPOST HARRYSURVIVORS ASSOCIATION17TH Annual Reunion June 12 to 15, 2008

Holiday Inn Seattle-RentonOne South Grady Way,

Renton, WA 98057Tel: (425) 226-7700/(425)-254-

7207/Fax: (425) 271-2315www.holidayinn.com/rentonwa

The following represents an agreement betweenthe Holiday Inn Seattle-Renton and OutpostHarry Survivors Association reunion plannerand outlines specific conditions and services tobe provided

ROOM BLOCK-RATE: Forty (40) GuestroomsBlocked and Reserved.

Special Group RATE: $109.00 pernight not including state and occupancytaxes. They are currently twelve point fourpercent (12.4%) and subject to change withoutnotice.

May 22, 2008. Is the final date to register andreceive the Special Group Rate

Rates offered, based on availability, to our group2 days prior and after the above reunion dates.Hospitality Room will be provided on acomplimentary basis for the duration of thereunion, excluding any earlier arrivals ordeparture dates.

It is the member’s responsibility to maketheir own hotel room reservations.

Reunion Schedule

Thursday, June 12, 2008

CHECK-IN/ TIME: 3:00P.M. CHECK-OUT TIME: 12:00 P.M.Check in with OPHSA Registration deskin Hotel Lobby to receive yourregistration package.RECEPTION DINNER: 7:00 P.M.

Friday, June 13, 2008

CITY TOUR: See Boeing Airplanes Designand Assembly Factory / Lunch at the BoeingFactory. *Children under four (4) Feet Tallnot allowed

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Memorial Service, Recollections of OPHarry and Business Meeting to includeLadies Meeting, Banquet Dinner.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Normal Sunday Morning FarewellBreakfast and End of the 2008 Reunion

Please Note: Due to the new menu 2008rates, the Reunion Registration fees can notbe posted at this time. The January 2008“Survivor” will have the ReunionRegistration fee published along with theregistration form to send with the fee to ourtreasurer.

At this time, the Hotel is accepting roomreservations. This will be a good time tomake your room reservation. Those fortyrooms will not last long. Hotel room ratesin the Seattle, Washington area average:$170.00 and up per night

On behalf of my family and myself: We,wish everyone good cheer during theHoliday Season. “WE HELD”

Best Regards,

Jerry CunninghamReunion Chairman

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THEN AND NOWBy Jim Jarboe

Lydia and I had the pleasure of a guided tour inSeptember of the Seoul, Panmumjon and Suwon areas in

South Korea hosted by theKorean Veterans Association.

We could not believe themodern city of Seoul! It hadbeen battled over four timesduring the Korean War. It wasa shambles with the peoplescratching out a living anyway they could. I spent amonth in Seoul in August,1953 and found littleresemblance to the city “Then”

and the City “Now”.

Seoul, Korea in August 1953. The photo was taken

during the month following the signing of the truce.

Rubble was removed from the streets but collapsed

buildings stayed there for a long time

Many buildings looked intact but, upon closerinspection most were empty shells that had burned outduring the fierce combat that occurred several timesduring the War. The autos on the streets were either USmilitary vehicles or old rattletraps and even horse drawnwagons.

Traffic in central Seoul, 1953

Afternoon traffic in Seoul South of the Han River.

2007

Shanty town, Seoul, 1953

Residential apartment buildings, large marketing

center and a modern six-lane freeway in the

foreground. 2007

The Korean people are proud of what they haveaccomplished, as they should be. They have built a free,modern, prosperous country, -AND- they HAVE NOT

FORGOTTEN who helped them get there!

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Against All OddsBob Baker, during our reunion in Columbus, Ga.,offered to make his book, ”Against All Odds”, available,

FREE, to any OPHSAmember who wanted acopy. We have madearrangements to take ordersfrom members and sendthe books for just the costof packaging and postage.

Here is a note fromBob concerning his fouryear project of writing hislife story. “The book was

written for distribution to

my family, friends,

colleagues and employees,

and not intended to be

sold. I hope you will find enjoyment and take

inspiration from my story”.

The book tells of Bob’s Lebanese immigrantgrandparents who arrived at Ellis Island in 1907. Theysettled in Los Angeles where Bob was born in 1931. Adifficult childhood led Bob to join the Army in 1951 andtrain as a paratrooper. Sent to Korea in March 1953 hefound himself with the 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd

Infantry Division. The major turning point of his lifecame at a place called OP Harry.

Bob survived Korea, went to college, married, andhas been very successful in his business enterprises.

To request a copy of the book mail your request and$4.00 (Check or Money Order) made out to Jim Jarboe.Allow ten days for the book to arrive.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSIt is a pleasure to welcome two new members to the

Outpost Harry Survivors Association:

Leonard A. Spirito and spouse Vickie live inCarlisle, PA. Leonard served in Korea with the 15th

Infantry heavy tank Co. Those tanks provided supportfor OP Harry during the crucial battles of June 1953.

Len was a career soldier and served in Korea andVietnam. He retired with the rank of Colonel.

Frank W. Harris and spouse Helen live in Bolivar,OH. Frank served two tours in Korea, the first in theearly days of the War with the 1st Cavalry Division fromPusan up the west side to near the Yalu River when theChinese entered he War.

His second tour was with the 15th InfantryRegiment, Easy company. In the battle the night of June10 his company reinforced embattled K Company on OPHarry and remembers seeing the napalm explode in thefaces of Chinese attacking the OP through their ownartillery fire!

A t t h ereunion at FtBenning, it wasplanned to awardWarren Sessler

a p l a q u erecognizing hiss e r v i c e t oOPHSA.Warren was inChina at the timeof the reunionand was unableto attend thereunion. He

stopped to visit with Martin Markley in SouthernCalifornia, who took the opportunity to make thepresentation and have a photo made of the event.

Thanks to DonorsSince it’s inception the Association has avoided

collecting dues from the membership. Donations andthe work of volunteers keeps us on our fiscal feet. Thefollowing people sent donations during the last fewmonths.

John Balek, P.J. Carbone, Don Chase, Frank

Harris, Charles Herch, Joseph Kolgat Jr., Brock

Lippitt, Norman Maulbeck, Joseph Zipprich.

Thank you all for your generous donations!

If you want a copy of our current membership list, mail a stamped self addressed # 10 envelope to

James F. Jarboe

903 Crestfield Dr

Duarte, CA 91010-2131

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The Enemy Wanted This Hill------

With Courage, Tenacity and Faith.....

WE HELD!

OP HARRY SURVIVORS ASSOCIATIONJames F. Jarboe, Editor903 Crestfield DriveDuarte, CA 91010-2131