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FROM MY SERVICE IN KOREA, I LEARNED… PFC David Erbstoesser

I walked into the Recruiting Office in Bismarck, ND, and signed up for a 3-year enlistment from 12 June 1962 to 11 June 1965 and then Standby Reserve to the final 11 June 1968. My Army Enlistment started June 12, 1962, and I took Basic Training at Ft Leonard Wood MO until August 17, 1962. I came home on leave and then proceeded to FT Bliss Texas on August 31, 1962-October 26, 1962.

I had orders for Germany, left for Ft Dix, NJ, and arrived there on October 29, 1962. I stayed at Ft Dix, NJ for about 2 weeks and got my orders changed to Korea. I flew to Oakland Army Terminal in California, after a few days to Travis AFB, and on to Hawaii, Wake Island, and Japan. I landed in Korea on November 28, 1962, and was assigned to Battery C, 7th Msl, Bn, 2nd Artillery Air Defense “Hawk Missile Site West of Suwon near the Yellow Sea.

My MOS was 176 Hawk Missile and while there I walked A lot of guards inside the Perimeter Fence as we and infiltrators tried to enter. I did Short Patrols when not on the tactical site and filled sandbags for the MG Emplacement. I Spent 13 Months in Korea. On August 31, 1963, IO was on a short routine patrol, when a land mine was tripped and landed on by another GI, I severely injured my left Ankle. I was forced to march on this foot for about 1 mile in terrible pain, as the Lt in charge said you “SOB there is nothing wrong with you, get up and move”.  I did as ordered. I was 19 years old.

The next day, I was at the 121st Evac Hospital where I got a walking cast. When it was time to take it off, I reported back to the 121st and was turned down as I was 1 day early for my Appointment. Remember I got a ride that was possible and that was at least an hour or more trip, so I went. Well, I did get the cast off after 5 to 6 weeks after I told an SP4 that I wanted to talk to someone with rank other than you or I would go back to the motor pool and cut the cast off myself!!!

I did my duty there and on December 7, 1963, I boarded the USS General William Mitchell for a 17-day trip to San Francisco, CA.

I went back to Ft Bliss, Texas for the rest of my enlistment and was assigned to Battery B, 6th Msl BN 56th Artillery. To Discharge, June 11, 1965.

As an SP-4, I volunteered for Vietnam, and I had the option not to go, but I have the orders in my file on hand today which confirm that I would accompany my unit if deployed. They placed me in a unit from Korea.

I learned a lot in Korea and did my duty under some stressful times. I learned to take orders and respect the service and all those who served and are now serving.

Today the VA takes care of me I am 100% DAV now and enjoying retirement in my 15th year. I am a life Member of these Veterans Organizations: DAV, Amvets, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America.

I have held office as Commander for the Amvets DAV and VFW. I will be married to my wife for 59 years on June 18, 2025, I have two children, a son and Daughter, 3 grandkids, and 2 great-grandkids.

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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