War in the Land of Morning Calm: A Korean War Novel

by Robert Riggs

Overview

Summer of 1950, Marine Reservists go to war in Korea and find love along the way. Marine operations include the Pusan Perimeter battles, the Inchon Landing, and the Chosin Reservoir campaign.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781456763350
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	06/22/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	437 KB

Read an Excerpt

War in the Land of Morning Calm

A Korean War Novel

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By Robert Riggs

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Robert Riggs
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-6334-3

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Chapter One

Bottlecap Inn 27 June 1950

Jack turned toward Bernie and Bobby as they followed him outside through the wide double doors of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Training Center. "Carson's Heroes, listen up," he shouted, skipping down the concrete steps. "I want you boot one-stripers to know, it's a time-honored Marine Corps custom. You pay."

They called themselves "Carson's Heroes" because Jack Carson was older by a few months, a college student and, they had reasoned, someone had to be in charge. Until tonight's drill meeting he had been the only private first class, the others slick-sleeve privates. Even though they were now all the same rank, there was no question that Jack was still the senior PFC. Jack was the tallest of the three, with Bobby and Bernie an inch or two shorter. Both Jack and Bernie were slim and wiry, while Bobby was built like the proverbial fire plug, and all muscle.

The Bottlecap Inn on Adams Avenue in Huntington, West Virginia, was a favorite place to meet after Tuesday night drill meetings. Each available inch of wall space in the bar was covered with bottle caps of what they believed was every beer, foreign and domestic, in the world. The caps from beers produced overseas gave the bar an international feel.

They sat in their favorite booth, far from the door so they could see who entered, and ordered. Their conversation immediately turned to the Korean War and the likelihood that they would be sent to fight in Korea. The war had begun only two days earlier, on Sunday. All they knew about what was happening in Korea was what they read in the local newspaper, The Huntington Advertiser, and what their commanding officer, Major Reynolds, had announced less than an hour earlier.

"You heard what the Skipper said?" Bobby asked.

"About being called up?" Jack answered. "Told us we'd better make preparations."

"When he said we should put our personal affairs in order, he got my attention," Bernie said. "Bobby, that means you gotta get guys for all your girlfriends so they won't feel neglected while you're gone." Bobby punched him on the shoulder.

"There's Harry," Jack said, looking toward the door. "Harry, c'mon over. These guys are paying." The boys squeezed together to make room just as their beer arrived. Jack ordered another for Harry as he sat beside them in the booth.

Sergeant Harry Sawyer was another World War II veteran who wanted to keep ties to the Marine Corps after his discharge. So he, along with many other former active duty Marines living in Huntington, joined the 14th Engineer Company, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. These veteran Marines, referred to by the younger reservists as "old salts," could feel the pride of being a Marine again, wear the uniform at two-hour weekly drill sessions, and reminisce. Or, as they called it, tell "sea stories." It seemed to Jack that their sea stories became more elaborate each time he heard them.

Sawyer was always helpful. During breaks he often gave junior men tips on how to make their lives easier, followed by the admonition, "No need to practice being miserable. We'll get enough of that without asking for it." Harry was a good NCO, one who always took care of his troops. One of the good guys, Jack thought.

"By the way, congratulations," Harry said, raising his bottle of Budweiser. "Your first stripe. Who knows, you'll likely outrank me one of these days." Bernie and Bobby grinned, enjoying a compliment from an old salt.

"I heard some Staff NCOs talking." Jack leaned toward Harry. "Said there's no way we'll go to Korea. The Corps is too short-handed."

"Well, they've got a point. We're supposed to have three Marine Divisions. Got two, both way under strength. The third doesn't exist except on paper. President Truman keeps cutting the Corps' budget. Looks to me like he's tryin' to do away with us."

"No. Can't be," Jack said. "Okinawa was just five years ago, and Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Tarawa, well, they weren't cake walks. You know how it was. You were on Iwo. It was the Marines who won the war in the Pacific."

"Old Harry S. Truman. Ex-Army officer, right?" said Bernie. He lifted his bottle of West Virginia Pilsner, a local beer that was his favorite, and took a long draw.

"If the Corps is so short handed," Bobby said, "they'll need the Reserves if we go to Korea."

"Hell," Bernie said, putting down his bottle. "Everything we've got is too old. We're still wearing World War Two uniforms, and all our rifles, machine guns and everything else is what's left over from the war."

"They worked well then; they'll be just fine now," Bobby said. "That M-1 Rifle felt good when we fired for record at Camp Lejeune."

"Says Bobby-the-expert-rifleman. I bet it did," Bernie said. "But I sure liked seeing how surprised those regulars were that you, a low-life reservist—who had never been to boot camp, by the way—could shoot high expert. Well, I'll tell you right now. If the Corps needs me, I'm ready."

Jack lifted his Heineken, tried to look older than his years, and added, "No point in getting all excited. If there's no money the Corps can't call us up. And you can bet Truman and the Army will try to keep it that way."

They sat for a moment, staring at the bubbles floating upward in their beer, lost in thought. Bobby looked up and smiled as he stared at the front door. A couple walked in. She was a pretty blonde wearing a short-sleeved fuzzy sweater and a skirt with an outline of a poodle sewed on its front. She was obviously accustomed to being noticed.

Bernie saw what had captured Bobby's attention. "Doggone it Bobby, if there's a pretty girl within ten miles you'll know exactly who she is and where to find her."

"Hey Jack," Bobby said, changing the subject. "Did you notice Bernie in front of the formation tonight? When he saluted Major Reynolds he jiggled. He's gained some weight. Better get in shape if he's going to war."

"Don't you believe it, Jarhead," Bernie retorted. "Step outside. I'll show you who's out of shape!" They all laughed.

Bobby turned to Harry. "What was it like on Iwo? Will it be the same in Korea?"

"Never been to Korea, so I can only guess. What I do know is that the guy who said war is hell damned sure knew what he was talking about. It'll be no picnic, you can bet on that. Just check the headlines. The Army is getting pounded." He lifted his bottle and took another sip.

"Harry?" Jack asked. "You talk to Lieutenant Sommers a lot. Did you know him during the war?" Sawyer and Lieutenant Sommers, the company Executive Officer, were often together, sometimes laughing, always appearing friendlier than most buck sergeants and lieutenants. Sommers also wore five rows of campaign ribbons, several with battle stars, along with the Silver Star Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Good Conduct ribbon that can be awarded only to enlisted men.

"We've known each other for a while. Knew him when he was a Gunnery Sergeant on Iwo Jima. We were in the same company. It's a long story, but he should've gotten the Navy Cross for what he did." The boys looked at each other, obviously impressed, and then turned to Harry, who continued.

"His company commander, a rear-echelon pogue who was out of his league in an infantry company, made some dumb decisions that cost Marines' lives. Sommers tried to tell him but that stupid captain wouldn't listen. Sommers was close to punching him out. I wish he had. I would have. Anyway, he was almost killed trying to straighten out what that captain fouled up. Saved some guys' lives doing it, too."

Harry paused. The others were quiet, engrossed in Harry's story. Sommers was obviously another of the good guys.

"Anyway, the battalion commander knew what had really happened and made a compromise. The captain would be transferred and no Navy Cross for Sommers, but he'd get a battlefield commission. Sommers is a good man, don't ever forget it. And he had already gotten the Silver Star."

They nodded and were quiet for a moment.

"Hey, you guys. In case we're called up, I'll tell you how to get by real easy," Bernie said.

"Let us know, smart guy." Bobby said.

"Volunteer for motor transport. Be a truck driver. Then you ride, not walk. No trucks in infantry line companies, trucks are always in the rear. Do it and Korea will be a piece of cake."

"Yeah, Mr. Gung Ho. We know better. You'll be the first to try to get into a front line company," Bobby said.

"I'll bet he does," Jack said. "You know, I've thought about volunteering for active duty myself. Why wait to be ordered up? It'll probably happen pretty soon, anyway. Of course, Mom and Dad say get an education first. Hard to argue with that. So, I'm at Marshall College."

"Jack, they signed your papers when you were seventeen so you could join the Reserves, so they can't be too hard over about it," Bernie said. "Besides, you'd be in an elite outfit, the best there is, the United States Marine Corps."

"Can't argue with that. But Mom and Dad, especially Mom, wish they'd never signed those papers. Every time they read bad news in the newspaper, no matter where it happens, they start worrying that we'll be called up. I tell them not to worry, but it doesn't do much good. They still remember World War Two. They're really worried now about Korea."

After another pause, Harry said, "Guess I might as well tell you guys. During a break at drill tonight, I saw the First Sergeant. I've put in my papers to go on active duty."

"Harry. Why in the world would you do that?" Jack asked.

"Top said I could keep my stripes. Buck sergeant's a good rank, and that's a good deal. My request, according to him, will surely be approved now that there's all this talk about another war. He also said he can get me orders to the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade at Camp Pendleton. The Brigade will be the first outfit to ship out if we do go to Korea. Anyway, I should be leaving for California in the next few days."

"Why volunteer?" Bernie asked. "You old salts told us to never volunteer."

"Connie gave my ring back." Harry breathed a long sigh and lowered his head. "She wants to go to Marshall, get a degree, and teach school. Says she's too young to get tied down now." Connie had been Harry's fiancée and the center of his world. He looked at the others and continued. "So, it looks like everything's falling into place. Don't want to stay in Huntington if I can't be with her, and since my folks are gone there's nothing for me back in Logan County. And, as I said, I can go back in and keep my stripes."

Theirs had been a tenuous relationship for the past year, at least on Connie's part. Harry was older and more ready to settle down. Connie had just graduated from Huntington High School, the cross-town rival of Huntington East High, the school Jack, Bobby, and Bernie had attended.

"That's what you get. Those Huntington Central girls are totally unreliable," Bobby said. The boys always referred to Huntington High as "Central," emphasizing that there were two Huntington High Schools in town, Central, and their Huntington East. The other school, Vinson, was in the Westmoreland area of Huntington, the section of town where Jack's girl, Sally, lived.

"Aw, come on Bobby," Bernie said. "You manage to fall in love with every girl you meet no matter what school they're from." Bernie obviously hoped to lighten the conversation after Harry's announcement about Connie and going to Pendleton, perhaps to Korea.

The boys were silent. They may have been talking about Huntington girls but their thoughts never strayed from the new war in Korea. Jack took a long pull on his Heineken and noticed the bar had become quiet. It even seemed cooler somehow, especially when he noticed that the cute girl and her date had gone. He looked at his buddies. What would happen to them in Korea? Would they all come home?

"Are you guys going to Camden Park for the July Fourth fireworks?" Jack asked, breaking the silence. Bernie and Bobby said they were. Harry would be too busy getting ready for Camp Pendleton.

"Bernie, I'm going to ask Sally if she'll see Sands of Iwo Jima with me at the Keith-Albee on the Fourth. That's better than Camden Park. Been there too many times. Why don't you and Judy go with us? You could drive your Dad's big Dodge. Sally and I could sit in the back seat."

"You should be so lucky," Bernie said. "You take your Dad's Chevy. Maybe sitting in the front seat will keep you honest. Sally's a swell girl. Treat her right."

"Can't argue with that," Jack said.

"Now Bobby, he's different," Bernie said, looking across the table. "He always sits in the back seat with his girls. And who knows what happens back there."

"Hey, watch your mouth. I only go with nice girls," Bobby exclaimed with an offended look on his face. The others laughed.

Chapter Two

Iwo Jima and Gobblers Knob 4 July 1950

Jack did get his Dad's 1948 Chevy coupe, but only after the usual warnings about irresponsible drivers, jackrabbit starts, and other similar precautions Jack should take. But in the end his Dad said, as always, "Have a good time, son."

Before leaving home he put on his favorite trousers, the World War II uniform cotton khakis without back pockets, and a red and white checked short-sleeved shirt. It didn't take long to drive through town to Sally's house in Huntington's Westmoreland area. As he approached the curb, he watched her bounce down the steps of the wide front porch of her house, her long brown hair falling about the shoulders of her pink short-sleeved sweater, and walk briskly toward him. After parking, he ran around the car to the passenger side and opened the door for her, a feeling of pride sweeping over him. Sally was the prettiest girl he had ever known.

The Chevy had a bench front seat and Sally sat in the middle near Jack as he drove to the Keith-Albee movie theater. Her feet rested on the raised center portion of the floorboard, but she was careful to keep her skirt covering her knees. Jack noticed, but said nothing.

"Aren't Bernie and Judy going to join us? You never said. And what about Bobby and his date?" Sally asked.

Jack told her that his "Carson's Heroes" were going to Camden Park instead of the movie. More exciting they said. Besides, they wanted to ride the newly refurbished Mighty Rocket Roller Coaster, one that supposedly went even higher and faster than the one at River Park in Cincinnati. They also wanted to watch the big fireworks. What Jack didn't say was that he had made no effort to change their minds. He wanted some time alone with Sally.

"Honey," Jack added. "I don't know Bobby's date. He never goes with the same girl twice. Hard to keep track."

"Now Jack, be nice. Bobby's a nice guy and I like him." She smiled as she looked up at him.

"Hah! Looks like he's got you fooled, too!" Sally playfully punched him in the ribs as they drove on.

"Have you seen Harry? I heard that he and Connie broke up. I always thought they were a good looking couple."

"They did. And it's too bad." Jack braked to a stop at a traffic light, looked down at her, and said, "Harry's really down in the dumps. He left town last week for Camp Pendleton. Volunteered. He's supposed to report in today. I'd bet that before long he'll be in Korea and in the middle of the war."

"Oh, poor Harry," Sally answered.

"Yes, really tough. Sure hope Connie will at least write to him." As the light changed, Jack shifted gears, smoothly released the clutch, and pulled the Chevy ahead into traffic.

"What about you? Will you have to go to Korea, too?" He felt her shudder against him as she inched closer.

"If I get orders, I'll have no choice. No one knows anything yet. Our commanding officer is waiting to hear from Washington. Guess the politicians will have to decide," Jack answered. "By the way," he said, deliberately changing the subject. "This movie is supposed to be great, and I really like John Wayne."

"I swear, Jack. I do believe you've seen every Marine Corps movie there is. Anyway, I just hope there aren't too many war scenes in this movie. They worry me. Makes me think about Korea." She looked up at him. "I don't want you to go." She paused for a moment, and then said, "But John Wayne is a good looking man, just like you."

Jack smiled and sat a little straighter.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from War in the Land of Morning Calm by Robert Riggs Copyright © 2011 by Robert Riggs. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Prologue War....................xi
1 Bottlecap Inn....................1
2 Iwo Jima and Gobblers Knob....................7
3 Trumpet Serenade....................13
4 Pusan, South Korea....................20
5 The Fire Brigade....................31
6 First Time at the Naktong....................44
7 Camp Pendleton, California....................50
8 Bean Patch....................74
9 Second Time at the Naktong....................88
10 Destination Inchon....................105
11 Inchon Landing....................116
12 Road to Seoul....................129
13 Seoul Falls....................149
14 Operation Yo-Yo....................169
15 Enter the Dragon....................181
16 Chosin Reservoir....................202
17 Yudam-ni....................219
18 Toktong Pass....................240
19 Yudam-ni....................263
20 Hagaru-ri and East Hill....................284
21 Hamhung....................306