![]() The weather was cold and windy, a precursor of what he would endure in Korea. Landing in the Aleutians for a layover, the troops disembarked the aircraft and were directed to a mess hall. Like many who served long ago, Bob remembers the lighter moments. He took a train to Seattle, then flew to Tokyo via Alaska. He reported back for duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, then completed refresher training at Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky. When President Truman committed American forces to defend South Korea in the summer of 1950, Bob was recalled to active duty and faithfully honored his commitment. Upon completion of his year in Texas, Bob enrolled at Tufts University, just outside Boston. While stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Bob volunteered for medic training, by his own admission, to avoid assignment to the motor pool. Rather than take the chance of being drafted for three years of active duty, at the advice of his father, Bob enlisted in the Army under a program for 18-year old men he would spend one year on active duty followed by six years in the reserves. ![]() The son of a Cape Cod physician, the 20-year old medic was serving with the 7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division. On November 17, 1950, Private Bob Grandfield debarked the troop transport in Wonsan. I will forever be amazed by the strength and perseverance that my father, the American Korean war veterans, the Korean people, and the Korean service members have when they served.ĭoctoral Candidate Community Counseling Read more There are many lessons he taught me, but I am reminded of the time he saw a picture of me at Camp Casey in a picture, and the first thing he said was, “There are trees?” Because during his time, there were no trees, and he was amazed or amused by the fact that Korea had trees now. ![]() What he told me was that he served, came back home, and started his career working at the post office because that’s what is dad did, and he just wanted to get to work to earn money. ![]() He then told me his experiences, for which I am grateful for his stories. My father never talked about his service or being in the Korean War until I joined the army in July of 1990 and was heading to the First Gulf war. I am honored for his service and the love he has shown me throughout my short life. My father, Gordon Durkee, served in Korea from 1053-54, stationed at Camp Casey and Uijonbu as a 11B radio man. ![]()
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