A View of the

Korean War

 

By: Nicole Lowrance

 

 

The Korean War was from June 1950 - July 1953. The Korean War was between the Republic of Korea (supported primarily by the United States of America) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (supported by the People's Republic of China). The Korean War was the result of the political division of Korea by an agreement of the victorious Allies at the conclusion of the Pacific War at the end of WW11.

 

 

 

 

Gayle DeLoe "G.D." Gamblin was a brave soldier that fought for our country. He entered the Army and was sent to Inchon at the age of 21. He had five brothers, four of which also entered the Army. They were dispersed to other locations such as: El Paso, Ft. Worth, and Germany. The youngest brother was only ten and was left behind with their mother. G.D. was the only one sent to a combat zone. He was a part of the AAA (Anti Aircraft Artillery).

 

 

 

 

G.D. was stationed between Inchon and Seoul high up in the mountains. They had to be as high as they could to avoid ground clutter for the radar units. They used the ocean, as well, for an unobstructed view for the radars. The radars had to be kept running at all times. If they picked up an aircraft they immediately called headquarters and told them the location of the plane. Then orders would be sent back to shoot or hold fire. You couldn't shoot at anything without proper clearance from headquarters.

 

 

 

 

 

It was extremely cold but never knew how cold it really was because they didn't have a thermometer or anything to gauge the temperature. His unit was always in an isolated area. The only contact they had was with the Airforce headquarters in Teague.

 

 

 

A main concern for them was to keep the generators up and running. The radars were essential for the war effort. They had to build up their bunkers and safe areas with tons of sandbags. Most of the sandbags were carried from other places they had been because the ground was so rocky.

 

 

 

 

They were always short on men. Their unit should have had sixteen men but sometime had as few as six. Security was a problem due to lack of men, so they were constantly having to relocate. Having to rebuild the bunkers with sandbags and find new heights for the radars.

 

 

 

 

When Mr. Gamblin turned in his radar and was waiting for his orders to be sent home, he was suddenly sent to the front line! The ROK (Republic of Korea) Division broke and North Korea over ran them, and the ROK retreated. They were now desperate for food, vehicles and equipment. G.D. was sent to Seoul and put in a new vehicle, armed with U.S. M 3 .45 caliber sub-machine gun or "grease gun."

The 38th Parallel was the last sign he saw as he forged ahead. The 38th Parallel was the division between North and South Korea. He headed into fire and conflict where people needed food and equipment, where they were fighting head strong. Artillery barrels were so hot from firing into the enemy that some would blow up and kill their own men. G.D. had no idea where he was located, except that he was still with friendlies.

G.D. was in a bunker awaiting orders to be sent out of the front line because his MOS (Military Occupation Specialties) wasn't combat infantry. He wasn't equipped for battle, he was sent there in a truck with a "grease gun." He can't remember how long he was there or when he got to come back, but he made it back to Inchon headquarters. He was sent home shortly after that. Today, G.D. Gamblin lives with his wife in Sulphur Springs, Tx.

 

 

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