For grandpa Bill

[Thunderw]

I didn't know where to post this, so I'll put it here. If it doesn't belong here I'm sorry.

I had to write a paper about a person who changed American history after 1865. Most people did the usual historical figures so I decided to write it about my grandpa. Here is the paper for your viewing. I have removed all personal information and also sources. Please forgive any mistakes I might have made.




With the end of World War Two came the transition of the world to peacetime. Yet while the Allies had won the war, much of the military stayed behind and maintained order while new governments were put in place in the devastated countries. A largely overlooked part of American history is the occupation of countries that had once been our enemies after World War Two. The Cold War was on the horizon, calling forth new trials and tensions. Occupation was lonely and often dangerous work in a time between two eras, but it helped secure unstable countries and obtain new allies for the unknown world that lay ahead.
One of the soldiers who assisted in the occupation of liberated lands was William, affectionately called “Bill” and “Mode”. Born on July 12, 1926, and weighing 8 pounds, he was a healthy baby. Growing up during the Great Depression in the small town of Boone, Iowa, he enjoyed exploring nature and drawing dogs and other animals. The hand-drawn pictures are quite good for his age. Eventually, after the Great Depression, he became an avid golfer and was a natural. He won multiple tournaments, including a tournament on September 7, 1943 where he placed first out of 27 competitors. A note he wrote stated: “Mom, I got either championship flight or in 2nd flight. I don’t know whether or not I won. Wish me luck. Billy”. Such a promising high school golfing career eventually led Bill to the state competition where he won, becoming the Iowa State Golf Champion. But a war was on and Billy was coming of draft age. Golf had to wait; the survival of America was at risk.
On February 16, 1945 at 5:30 P.M., William reported to the Selective Service Local Board Office in Boone, Iowa, and was found healthy. He, along with fifteen others from Boone, was accepted for military service. But the military would have to wait for them until they graduated in the spring of 1945. By then the Germans had surrendered; the war in Europe was over. The war in the Pacific was still raging and this is where Bill and his buddies would eventually go. Taken to Camp Wolters at Mineral Wells, Texas, he tried to be a medic but was turned down. Whether he could stomach the medic job we’ll never know. He instead became an infantryman, learning how to care for his M-1 rifle, employ flamethrowers, disable tanks with Molotov Cocktails, the use of mines, navigation and other skills that were needed in combat. “Hell’s Bottom” was the name of the final test area at Camp Wolters, where troops had to crawl under barbed wire with live rounds being fired several feet above them. An obstacle course also waited the newly trained soldiers, where teamwork was the only path to success. Several faded photographs show Bill and two friends, one of whom is smoking a cigarette, holding their rifles at Hell’s Bottom. Standing 6 feet tall and wearing leggings with wool trousers and shirt, he stands above the others. The scattered, dry-looking trees in the background attest to the hot Texas climate, yet every photograph shows Bill and his friends happily smiling despite the conditions they were in. One photograph shows him in his summer uniform and garrison cap standing next to his golf clubs, which his parents sent down to him. While on leave in August of 1945, Bill was able to go golfing in Mineral Wells, where he bought a bracelet and ring for his mother and a pair of shoes for his father. By September he was making $4.29 a month, a meager wage for the job he was trained to do but it was enough for him, having lived through the depression. He entered into active service on October 31, 1945, and was assigned to the 63rd Infantry Regiment of the “Sightseeing” 6th Infantry Division, though the war was already over.
At home, the end of the war came as a relief for Bill’s parents and future wife. They knew that he would probably be sent overseas but it would not be as dangerous since the war in the Pacific was finally over. On August 14, 1945 Audrey, his future wife and member of the highly regarded Petersen family, wrote a letter to Bill:

"Dearest,
It is now 5:05 and the news of the Jap surrender is expected soon. Within a few hours. Oh I hope it will all be over soon. I hope too that you won’t have to go overseas or if you do I wish you would get home first…mother went to a bridge party at the C.C. and Bud went swimming. I have to go to work tonight. I will finish this then so so long for now.
Mode, it is now about 8:30. At 6:05 the news of Japan’s surrender came over the radio. The town went wild. First they just blew horns and whistles. Then some kids started a fire on 8th and Story. They got big vinegar barrels from the Fareway and huge tractor tires from somewhere. The fire department eventually put it out. The theater closed VE day but we have to stay open tonight and tomorrow…the Scottish Drum Corp is out now. Mr. Fangman was trying to get up a street dance with records for music but I don’t know if it worked or not. Boy the town is sure wild tonight. Everyone at the theater is mad because we have to work but its orders from headquarters-not Mr. Fangman.
When I first heard the news I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t even have any feeling. After it had soaked in a few minutes the inside of me seemed like it would burst. At last the world is at peace. Peace. That seems like a strange word. I wish the time would come when war would seem like a strange word. Enough of my rambling. I’ll close now.
Love, Audrey."

For many, including Audrey, this was the first time in their lives when there was not large scale struggle of the Depression or war. Bill’s father joined Audrey in expressing a feeling of relief that the war was finally over as he also wrote a letter to Bill on August 14, 1945:

"Dear Bill,
Well honey the war is fianly (sic) over so that will take a great worry off our minds as we know if you do have to go over it won’t be so bad…we sure hope you don’t have to go over but they will probably let you have a furlough before you go now as they will not be in such a hurry…Mother sure loves her ring and bracelet, that was nice of you to send them and I sure enjoy my shoes; it is about 9 P.M. and not much celebration but lots of whistles blowed (sic) at 6 P.M., so well, write later and good luck…
Love, Dad."

Yet with the surrender coming within a few hours, people went on as usual. Audrey went to work, her mother went to a bridge party and her brother went swimming. Unlike VE day the movie theater was kept open. Business went on as usual, that is until the Japanese surrender was announced. Then celebration broke out. Like many towns and cities across the country, Boone celebrated with music, dancing, fireworks, and even a large bonfire in the middle of town. The bloodiest war in history was now over and people could go back, or adjust, to normal life. Like on VE Day, the world celebrated the end of the long conflict with large and often alcoholic celebrations.
During World War Two, the 6th Infantry Division saw much combat in the Pacific theater. Fighting in New Guinea and at Luzon in the Philippines, the “Sightseeing” 6th beat back the Japanese but with heavy loss of life. The 63rd Infantry Regiment, which Bill was assigned to, had a total of 333 men killed and 1,206 wounded while fighting during World War Two . 2 Distinguished Service Crosses, 160 Silver Stars, and 762 Bronze Stars were awarded to men of the 63rd Infantry Regiment . This regiment fought against tough Japanese units during its time in the Pacific and the victory cry “Mabuhay!” was spontaneously adopted while fighting along side of the Filipino Guerrillas during the Luzon Campaign . Mabuhay is a Tagalog word that means “long live” . In the unit’s crest is a tiger that symbolizes the regiment’s hardest fight against the Japanese 14th Army . Known as the “Tiger of Malaya”, the Japanese 14th Army was engaged and defeated by the 63rd Infantry Regiment and other units of the 6th Infantry Division . On July 12 1945, after a 30 day push, the 63rd Infantry Regiment captured Kiangan, the last enemy stronghold on Luzon to fall . To that end, the twelfth day of July was designated as Regimental Day .
When Japan was defeated, many of the territories it had taken during the 1930’s and the 1940’s needed to be occupied to ensure peace. Korea was a major area of occupation. At the Yalta Conference in February 1945, Stalin and Roosevelt had talked about the occupation of Korea once the war had ended . Both agreed that the Koreans could not govern themselves immediately after such a long occupation under the Japanese. Roosevelt suggested an occupation force made up of American, Russian, and Chinese representation and Stalin also suggested that Britain be a part of the occupation force . Yet in August 1945, America and Russia again discussed the occupation of Korea . The decision was that Korea should be split in two by a temporary boundary running approximately along the 38th Parallel. This was the same boundary that had been proposed in 1904 between the Japanese and the Russians after the Russo-Japanese War . General MacArthur’s General Order No. 1 put the separation of Korea in two into affect. American troops under General John Hodge landed at Inchon on September 4, 1945 .
Bill served a short time in Washington State before he was sent overseas. On August 29, 1945 he began the long journey to Korea as part of the 6th Infantry Division. Leaving from San Francisco, he described the scene:

"Dear Mom this is just a short diary.
August 29,
We boarded Army river boat at about 09:00, the “Catalina”, was the name of the boat, it was a pretty nice boat, plenty of room, music, and scenery was very nice, except we were at last heading for the Pacific.
At 10:30 we were given a sack lunch, which we ate on (the) top deck, while eating we would throw bread and other bits of food to the sea-gulls.
This trip down the river only lasted about 4 and ½ hours, then we came into San Francisco Bay. There in the distance we could see the Golden Gate Bridge, it was long and high, but nothing like I expected, but still looked pretty. We also passed Alcatraz, it’s just a small island in the middle of the bay, without a soul in site.
As we pulled into the bay we saw L.S.T. carriers, destroyers, cruisers, and all little ships imaginable.
We pulled into the dock at about 2:15 unloaded onto the pier, there was an Army band and the Red Cross there, while waiting to board our last ship before hitting the high seas the Red Cross gave us doughnuts and coffee, then we walked to the gang-plank and up onto the ship, and there we were signed to beds, then we went onto the deck before leaving.
Nothing to do but just look around until the time to pull out, we threw pennies and cigs out to the men along the pier, it was fun.
Then at about 10:30 we left the bay, I stayed long enough to see the Golden Gate Bridge go down in the dark, then we went leaving the U. S. which I never dreamed of ever doing."

Since the war had ended several days before, the mood around the docks was one of excitement. The men were still heading overseas, but their chances of seeing any kind of combat had decreased significantly. A military band played on the pier, raising soldier’s spirits. The Red Cross waited for men who were returning and departing and gave them refreshments. To see the powerful demonstration of ships and men, coupled with the Japanese surrender, must have been comforting to everyone in the bay. Like many young men who grew up during the Depression, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and leaving the country was something they had only dreamed of. As the letter continues, it is found that the entertainment, accommodations and food aboard the transport ship was not fancy but served the purpose.

"August 31,
We were payed (sic) today, but I don’t know what good it is to us, a few gamble it away, but in the long run we all have plenty.
At 6:30 this morning I came on deck and at starboard was to (sic) ships, which way they were headed is beyond me, it was about 4 hours before they were completely out of site, so I’d make a guess we were headed the same way.
They have a P.X. on the ship which we can get a limited supply of candy, cookies and peanuts.
When we were payed (sic) today we got 2 packs of cigs and a Red Cross package which had a book, comb, candy, stationary, soap, sewing kit, shoe strings, cigs, razor blades, etc; it was sure nice.
The men organized a band on the ship, it keeps us a little more interested in something besides the sea.
Last night I came on deck for the first time at night, just to see the stars and the phosphorous from the ship’s waves, it sure lights the water up, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.
At sunset we sighted another ship most likely full of troops heading back to the states after a hard time of battle, we lost site (sic) of it in an hour."

As can be seen in this section of the letter the transport ship, the AP-154 U.S.S. General Leroy Eltinge, was somewhat small and lacked any sophisticated facilities. The men had to come up with their own entertainment, which included a band, though a P.X. was provided where they could buy candy, magazines and other assorted items. He also received a certificate that proclaimed “Ruler of the 180th Meridian” and a ceremony for those who crossed the 180th Meridian for the first time. A large dragon is emblazoned along the top of the paper, which is falling apart where Bill folded it to fit in his pocket. The letter continues:

"September 1,
I came to breakfast for the first time on the voyage, it was just fair. As usual I saw the sea just as I left it two nights before, and I suppose it will be the same for days to come. So far I haven’t got sea-sick but that doesn’t mean a thing, a few fellows have got pretty sick. I saw another school of fish about an hour ago, but no more ships."

The letter abruptly ends here; Bill may have been too busy to finish it or continued on another page that is now lost. Whatever the reason for the abrupt ending, the letter was sent home on September 16, 1945.
While in Korea, Bill served with the Headquarters Company of the 63rd Infantry Regiment, 967th Anti-aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion. He was a private and a switchboard operator for several months until he promoted to sergeant and became the communication chief. Bill’s duties as communication chief included telephone and radio communication, drawing supplies and keeping equipment in working order. It was not an easy job. Though the war was over, guerilla activity continued. Bill once wrote that one night there was an explosion not far from the base. Whether this explosion was the result of guerilla activity is unknown. During the occupation the 63 Infantry Regiment was to disarm and evacuate Japanese Army and Naval forces in the area . The 150th and 160th Japanese Infantry Divisions were disarmed and evacuated back to Japan . The vast stockpiles of Japanese supplies and equipment then needed to be guarded and destroyed. Once this mission was complete by December 1945, the Regiment was reassigned to help establish the Military Government . The 63rd Infantry Regiment helped the Korean people eventually set up their own government.
While the occupation of South Korea by the U.S. military was taking place, the Russians had moved into the northern half of Korea. The 38th parallel had been meant to be a temporary border, but the Russians were treating it as if it was permanent by not letting traffic cross unless express permission was given . This increased tensions between the U. S. and Russia. While this was happening in Korea, other events around the world also increased tensions. Russia had blockaded the western half of Berlin in June 1948, forcing American transport aircraft to constantly fly in with supplies . NATO was established in April 1949 and the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb in September 1949 . The Cold War was under way; in less than four years war would come to the Korean peninsula. Both Russia and America would withdraw from Korea . The Russians left a well armed North Korean force, though supplies and equipment came in to the country from other nations. The Americans left a small poorly trained South Korean force. The foundations of the Korean War were in place.
Several artifacts from Bill’s short time in the military have been found. For example, his M1944 ‘Ike’ dress jacket, which was actually meant to be worn in combat, attests to the unit he was assigned to . On the left shoulder is the 6th Infantry Division patch; on the right is an anti-aircraft crewman patch. In the breast pocket was found three campaign bars. His bars represent the Occupation Army, the Pacific-Asian Campaign, and the American Campaign, all of which he took part in. Along with his letters and uniform, several captured items were brought back from Korea. These include an officer’s samurai sword, a large photo album with several formal photographs of Japanese soldiers, Japanese money, and a small Japanese flag. Bill once wrote he found these items in an abandoned Japanese barracks.
After a harsh winter and intolerably hot summer Bill returned home. He was given an honorable discharge on December 9, 1946 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He would marry Boone’s 1945 homecoming queen Audrey in 1949 and have two children. Continuing to golf, Bill also found other hobbies, such as fishing, hunting, arrowhead hunting, and model airplane building. He sold cars for his father-in-law for many years before his father-in-law retired and sold the business. Bill then created his own real estate business. Leading a successful life, he prematurely passed away on October 2, 1978 from lung cancer after a life of smoking. His death left a hole in the family and also in the community.
Bill and those who were part of the occupation forces affected the world by the job they did. They were the ones who stabilized the world directly after the war before the Cold War swung into full force. Millions of men and women took part in this action, building strong allies for the upcoming storm of the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the major conflict of the Cold War. Yet Bill affected not just the world but also his hometown, Boone, Iowa. Being a state golf champion helped put Boone on the map. He, along with hundreds of others from Boone, filled the military ranks during a time of struggle throughout the world. The marriage of Bill and Audrey was a big event in Boone, as her parents were community leaders at the time. Without his life and so many others like him the Cold War could have turned differently for the U. S. The impact that William had on his community and the world is immeasurable.
(end)





I didn't know him but I think this paper helped me understand him and his life. I think we would have gotten along well. He is on the left in the picture below.

[SherryGrace]

Originally Posted by Thunderw

I didn't know where to post this, so I'll put it here. If it doesn't belong here I'm sorry.

I had to write a paper about a person who changed American history after 1865. Most people did the usual historical figures so I decided to write it about my grandpa. Here is the paper for your viewing. I have removed all personal information and also sources. Please forgive any mistakes I might have made.

<snip>

I didn't know him but I think this paper helped me understand him and his life. I think we would have gotten along well.

Incredible. Thank you for sharing that. I agree...your grandpa made a huge impact on the world. Very impressive.

[Woodmonkey]

Originally Posted by Thunderw

I didn't know where to post this, so I'll put it here. If it doesn't belong here I'm sorry.

This is the perfect place for your story about your Grandfather. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[filthybeast]

Dont worry Son this is the right place thank you for sharing.

[conlor]

Great story, Will! I find it amazing that you have so much informatin. These stories should be told to the younger generations.

[Thunderw]

Thank you all for the kind comments. I hope to continue this story and expand it, maybe even turn it into a short historical book. The younger generations definitely need to learn about these men and women.

Cheers