Marine Corps veteran strengthened by service

(Above) United States Marine Corps Veteran Eldon Vine shared his experiences in the Korean War to a large audience gathered at the V.F.W. Sunday.-Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.

by Marianne Gasaway

Eldon Vine treasurers a small wooden replica of a Corsair plane which he became all too familiar with during his service during the Korean War.

“I never flew one, but I loved them dearly,” said the former Clear Lake High School teacher and proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  “They came down at a most crucial time and dropped a thousand pounds of TNT.  The enemy was gone and we made it through the night.”

Vine detailed stories from his service, ranging from somber to lighthearted, during special programming held Sunday at Clear Lake V.F.W. Post 4868.  Educator

[wlm_nonmember]To read more of this article, please login or sign up for our E-Edition[/wlm_nonmember][wlm_ismember]

and Clear Lake City Councilman Bennett Smith facilitated the North Iowa Area Community College Lifelong Learning Institute program.

Vine reported to Des Moines to be inducted into the military on Jan. 22, 1952.  He recalls stepping forward when his group was asked for volunteers to serve in the Marine Corps.  It’s a decision he remains proud of.

“Daily life was not a Boy Scout Camp.  It was a very primitive lifestyle,” said Vine, noting he spent 320 days and nights living on mountain top ridges.  “There were no kitchens or bathrooms.  We lived in dug out hillsides.  Winters were very tough and the summers were warm.  We could take our shirts off, but never our body armor.  The ridge lines were bare.  It was a stark environment.  Everything was tan until it rained, and then it was red.  We were always dirty.”

As difficult as it was on the troops, Vine said he always felt compassion for the civilian population.  Although he rarely mingled with the population, the separation of families in Korea was difficult for him to comprehend.  To this day he said he is also bothered by the 8,000 Americans who are Missing in Action from the conflict.

“It was a little war compared to World War II, but it was very real,” Vine said.

Thankfully, there are still light moments Vine can recall.  With a smile he shared the story of being in a position to tell a one star General that he could not provide the light he was requesting for a photo.

“It was scary for me as a little guy from Iowa, denying a one star General.  That was fun.”

The troops also enjoyed the music Chinese troops would regale the Americans with as psychological warfare, including hearing radio reports from “Seoul City Sue.”  The American did not, however, like the nighttime attacks.

“I have always believed that if life doesn’t kill you, it strengthens you,” said Vine.  “I’d like to think it strengthened me.”

[/wlm_ismember]