Short Stories

 "I joined the Air Force because I never wanted to be involved in ground combat but two weeks after my arrival in Korea I found myself in ground combat defending our base.  Our Commanding Officer said our rifles had been in storage since World War Two and some may not fire and if so we should then use our bayonet.  Months later when I left, as a souvenir I brought home my unused bayonet.  I still have it along with my pistol belt steel helmet and fatigues etc. "

Milard Oberlin served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was mainly attached to the 5th infantry regiment, but was also attached to the 503rd airborne and 11th airborne division along with some other infantry divisions. He served from 1950-1953.

Family Request: " My family has little to no info on his time in the Army. I was wondering if anyone maybe had someone that served in these units?"

If you know any details about him, please contact us at contact@kzerofoundation.org

Pantazis Avgoustianos was born in Karytaina, Greece on July 27, 1929. He would be deployed to Japan, Osaka and then to Busan, Korea on June 10, 1953. He was part of the Greek Expedition Forces and was tasked to wield the M9A1 Rocket Launcher during combat. On December 11, 2024, the Korean Embassy in Athens, Greece, honored my him with the medal of the Ambassador for Peace. He was a great soldier and had no fear of going to Korea for liberation and the well-being of the Korean people.

The daughter of Pantazis Avgoustianos shared memories of him and expressed how nice and gentle he. He was a beloved father for her and herbrother. He was a great husband to their mother.

Don Eisenberg, was part of the Corporal US Army, 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Medical Battalion, serving in Korea from 1950 to 195. He was a radio operator. He would tell many interesting stories to his family. For example, while in the front lines, his unit's Jeep broke down. His entire unit left and was told to remain until someone returned to him. However, no one on his unit came back. He was eventually picked up by another unit. He was also an incredibly generous man. He would teach Korean boys how to baseball during the war. 

Cpl. Ivan Edison Utter was under the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Battalion, L Company. His was also referred to as Red (as his hair color was red) or Doc. He would tell stories about events during  December 24, 1952, in Tumyong-Dong, Korea. He recieved a bronze star metal for his bravery during the Korean War. He would get many calls during Memorial day or Veterans day, however, those numbers have decreased to none nowadays. 

Lets us rememeber to always honor our veterans. Even a call is to show support and respect is enough to make veterans happy.  If it were not for the sacrifices and strenght of our veterans, Korea as well as other countries involved would not be as prosperous as they are now.