CHAPTER CHATTER Page 4
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
Volume 14, Issue 04
Paul E. Bombardier, Editor
April, 2021
Member Bio – John DePollo
(Editor’s Note: This Bio reprinted for newer members from the Oct 2009 issue and edited to fit this space).
John DePollo was a 1949 graduate at Thomas High school in Thomas, WV.
After graduation he enrolled in College at the University of West Virginia in Morgantown, WV. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in business management and finance.
While attending WVU, he joined an Army Reserve unit and was active in summer camps at Camp Breckenridge, KY. He attended regular meetings, and acquired the rank of Staff Sergeant
After graduating from college, John applied for active duty as a reservist
and was assigned to Fort Benning, GA. For further training. Following his training period, he received orders for duty in Korea. Upon arrival in Korea, he was assigned to the 3rd Medium Tank Battalion, 40th Armored, 1st Cavalry Division, 50 miles north of Seoul near the DMZ.
After settling in, he reported to the Hq. & Hq. Co, where he became NCO in charge of the Battalion Finance Section, supervising various types of Military pay order transactions.
In an attempt to pass some leisure time, John located an old accordion in the supply room and began playing in his off duty hours.
When the Battalion Commander found out, he approached John about starting a small combo to entertain Red Cross gals and officers at various social functions. John recruited several other musicians, and after much practice, a combo was formed. They were known as the “Village Vagabonds”. The highlight of this entertaining was performing in a USO show in Seoul.
After his tour of duty in Korea, John returned to Fort Lewis, WA. Via a luxury cruise ship for a 13 day cruise with 2,500 other returnees.
( Cont. on Page 5).