From My Service in Korea, I learned…
David Benbow
My service in Korea with Charlie Company, 3/23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division, Feb 1968 to June 1969 taught me to love the Republic of Korea and its citizens. The 12-15 KATUSAs I served with in my company were outstanding soldiers. The people of the Republic of Korea were industrious and hard working. I am proud of the huge economic growth of the Republic of Korea since 1953. They love their country and so do I. I have formed life-long bonds with my brother DMZ vets and with some of the family members of Michael Rymarczuk, killed July 30, 1968 on DMZ night ambush. Everywhere I go, I carry the memories of my fellow 3rd platoon buddy, Michael Rynmarczuk and my 3rd platoon foxhole buddy, KATUSA Pvt. Kwan, who was killed in the DMZ on night ambush in August 1968.
Army Signalman, Mike Reynolds, who was killed in my company area of the DMZ while stringing wire to our Guardpost Gladys, September 27, 1968 and new 2LT James Weeks, killed on his first patrol into the DMZ on July 20, 1968, both had family members reach out to me and we have become friends. I found Michael Rymarczuk’s mother, brother and daughter in Philadelphia and we became friends. I told Michael’s daughter, Micki, that her father was my DMZ Brother. She calls me and several of her father’s other Charlie Company, 3rd platoon buddies, her “uncles”, because her father, who was killed before he could hold his baby girl, was our brother. Earl Jeffery, WIA July 30, 1968 , also in my 3rd platoon, was flown home after being wounded and we never heard from him again. I found his daughter several months ago in Dennison, Texas. She told me, her father had just died last year and that even though he had survived his multiple wounds from that long night, he had limped all his life and had nightmares. I wish I had been able to find Earl before he died. I carry my DMZ brothers’ memories with me every day. I am proud we helped defend the people of the Republic of Korea from North Korean aggression. Whenever I have to make a public speech, or try a jury case in court, or have a serious doctor’s appointment, I carry my Imjin Scout patch, which I removed from my fatigue shirt, in my pocket. I would not trade that 55 year old faded green cloth patch for any other medal or military award. It says that I served in dangerous situations with some of the best men I have ever met. David Benbow, Statesville, NC (formerly Sgt (E-5) David Benbow, Charlie Company, 3/23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division.
What did you learn from serving in Korea? Let us know –
Sharing your experiences from serving in Korea can be a powerful way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. By sharing your story, you may be able to help others who are currently serving in Korea or who are preparing to do so. You can share insights about the culture, the people, and the challenges you faced while serving. Your story can also help to shed light on the sacrifices that service members and their families make in order to protect our freedoms. So, if you have a story to share, we encourage you to take the time to put it down in writing and send it to KDVA.MyServiceInKorea@gmail.com along with any photos that help to tell your story.
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