Sadly and with condolences to his family, I must announce Vern's passing on March 10, 2006 at approximately 7:00 a.m. I never got a chance to personally meet him but we did share jokes occasionally. He will be missed by

his numerous friends as well as his family.

stories 8

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First of all, the main character in the story

is Vern Lloyd, a Korean War ASA Veteran.

After basic training at Fort Dix, NJ in 1949, he was trained at Camp Gordon, Georgia as a teletype operator, cryptographer and radio  operator. In 1950, he went to Arlington Hall, VA,

then on to Vint Hill Farms, VA in the 53rd

Signal Service Co. In 1951, he traveled cross

country by train with the 304th Comm Recon

BN and 501st C/R Group. Eventually, he stopped over in Yokohama, Japan before ending up in Pusan, Korea.

More moves of Vern put him in Chunchon. Vern then became the assistant team chief of an LLCVI  ( low level Chinese voice intercept ) team at Hongchon. The Army found out that

Vern's brother had been killed in WW2 when serving as a navigator on a B-24 bomber. As

Vern was a sole surviving son, the Army wanted to pull him out of harm's way in Korea.

Vern signed a waiver to stay in Korea at his front line job. The LLCVI team moved to Inje and on to Hwachon where now Sergeant

Lloyd was the team chief. In December 51, to

June 52, the team operated in the Chorwan

Valley, mostly on hill 552 in the Kumwha area.

`In June of 52, Vern rotated back to Battalion HQ. He had 30 days leave coming and with some friendly persuasion to his superiors, got to serve out his 30 days at HQ where he could do whatever he pleased. In November 52, Vern got to the old familiar Fort Lewis, WA and to a Flying Tiger Airlines trip to Philadelphia, then a trip to  his old haunts in PA. After discharge from the service, Vern worked at a local steel mill for 42 years.

            Vern and  MP, Michael Hilty,

                       back from Iraq.

       Photo by Vern's daughter, Amy.

Amy, loving daughter that she is, took it upon

herself a few years previous, to travel around a large area of Pennsylvania to photograph

every Veteran Memorial site she could find. That Veterans Day, she gave a surprise party

for Vern, presenting to him the photos she had

collected. She also gave a verbal tribute to her father. Vern said the experience touched his heart. After being praised, Vern rekindled

communication with his war buddies from long ago.

Amy is very proud of her father's military service. She and Vern make it a point to visit the nearby Armory whenever troops return from their overseas duty to welcome them home. Two companies have been stationed at the Armory. An engineering company and an MP company. Vern also makes frequent trips to the Armory where he gets a Red Carpet treatment as the personnel there know that Vern is a Korean War vet. 

                  A Hero   (12-20-03)

             I picked up Dad one Saturday

                  And drove to the Armory,

       We parked the car across the street,

                 Awaiting a big bus to see.

                By and by, the lot filled up

          With people, balloons and signs.

            Each one looking for that bus-

             Waiting, watching at all times.

           Families, friends, even the vets,

          And cameras from Channel Two

         All crowded around for a glimpse

            When that bus came into view.

 Our hearts were warm with love and cheer

               On that cold December day.

           Suddenly sirens pierced the still;

              All could hear them far away.

         Then came a parade of firetrucks;

            Police cars escorted them, too.

       The troops were safely home again!

             This was too good to be true!

            Tired bodies came off the bus

            And stepped into waiting arms

That hugged and kissed the soldiers there,

          At last, they were safe from harm!

    Smiles beamed and cameras snapped;

       The tears flowed while flags waved;

          Hands shook-the whole crowds'

              Emotions for this day saved.

         Dad came home alone from battle.

             No one to greet him anymore.

          Welcome back! You are my hero

      Marching home from the Korean War!

                           Amy L. Russel

             Proud Daughter of a Veteran

The picture of Vern and the MP, typifies the scene at all bases with returning veterans.

Vern was happily surprised as the MP gave such recognition to him as they embraced.

Vern was awarded a commendation ribbon with pendant for his meritorious service near the front lines in Korea. With his sense of humor, Vern jokingly tells people that they can shoot his dog, steal his guns, and run off with his wife, but don't even think about touching his flag. He is super proud of his flagpole and flag as we all should be.