PFC Martin E Conlon
US 51 213 731
Co. D 34th INF. REGT. APO. 24
c/o P.M. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
January 10, 1953
Inchon, Korea
Dear Dot & Bill:
I haven’t had a chance to write before now because we have been on the move the past few days. This time we came back up north to Inchon and I guess we will be handling prisoners if they decide to release them on schedule. We have three possible jobs that could be given to us. We could transport them from Panmunjon to here, or we could guard them here, or else we could be guards on the L.S.T.’s that bring them to Formosa. I myself would like to do the last job because it would be a great opportunity to see more of the Far East. This makes the eighth time that we have moved since we arrived in Korea and I guess that it’s beginning to be a habit with this outfit to move every time we get settled down.
The living quarters here are great. In fact they are the best I have been in since I came in the army. We are living in Quonset huts that are well insulated and they have three nice heaters in them plus a wooden floor. Right at the present time we have two Koreans that do the work such as filling the heaters and keeping the place clean. I don’t know if they will let us keep them or not, but I sure hope so. We also have a nice shower about fifteen feet from our building with both hot and cold water and a place to shave. The mess hall, movie theater, snack bar, PX, and church are all very handy to us. When the American P.W.’s were waiting to go home, they stayed here and that is why the place is so nice. This is also the place where the troops came into and leave Korea from.
Since the weather is a lot colder than Pusan they issued us some more winter equipment. We received pile caps, hoods parkas and thermal boots Those boots are wonderful and they aren’t too heavy. You only have to wear one pair of socks in them and they keep your feet as warm as you could want them.
The other day our platoon Sergeant got his orders to go home, so there was a few changes made. I was promoted from Assist. gunner to 1st Gunner and sqd. leader. It is a good break for me and with any luck I should make corporal as soon as I get time in grade as a PFC.
I received the pictures of the baby and the one in that folder that you sent. They sure are wonderful and I am anxious to get home and see him for myself in real life. How was the weather back home? Have you had any snow as yet? I guess it hasn’t been too bad in Whitman because they have had a lot of grass fires, which is quite unusual. Richard asked me to get him a fishing pole and send it to him. I don’t know a thing about them, but I ordered one and had it sent. I hope it is what he wants. I may not have a chance to write so if you see him, tell him the order has been placed and it should be on the way shortly.
Well, this is a pretty short letter, but I’ve got quite a few more to write so I will have to close for now. Take it easy and give my regards to everyone.
Love
Eddie
PS.
I received a card from Time magazine saying the subscription had been placed. Thanks again, it’s a wonderful gift.
