CHAPTER CHATTER
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
“I shall make that trip. Only in that way could I learn how best to serve the American people in the cause of peace”.
“I Shall go to Korea”.
Dwight D. Eisenhower-1952
For his part, Eisenhower genuinely wanted the war over quickly, and, ironically, it was both the military and political experience he gained in winning WWII that allowed him to end the Korean War, despite formidable opposition.
That opposition began the moment he (as promised) arrived in Korea. South Korea’s president, Syngman Rhee, immediately harangued him with the need to launch one last all-out offensive that would destroy North Korea. For his part, the commander of U.S. forces in South Korea, Gen. Mark Clark, outlined his plan for a large-scale frontal attack against the North Korean army, backed by air and sea operations against the Chinese mainland, which Clark was sure would mean final victory. But Eisenhower, a lifelong military man with an ever-growing understanding of civilian politics, wasn’t so easily cowed. He quickly sized Rhee up as a despot, and he thought Clark’s plan was a gamble not worth taking, so he said no, and the war ended in a stalemate.
COMMANDER’S COMMENTS
Continued from Page 1).
I am amazed by those that have stepped up to take a position or to continue in a position. I hesitate to name persons but I will highlight some position to illustrate my point. Observe if you would the Quartermaster and the Sargent at Arms, they are busy with a multitude of tasks all meeting long, plus a lot of “home work” later. Among the committees are the Members’ Services/Chaplain Committee, the Membership Communication Coordinator, the Activities Coordinator, the Editor of the "Chapter Chatter", the Fund Raising Chairman. The list goes on and on. We are being served well by all these persons that are volunteering many hours, some many hours daily. Some with such vigor I sometime think I might have to tie a cinder block to them to slow them down. Again, sincerely, I am very appreciative.