In the third week of March, 1951, G Company was on reserve and needing to replenish itself back into a whole fighting unit for the next attack. I was one of the forty-five replacements that joined G Company on the 23rd and 27th. They are listed alphabetically:
Anderson Stanley G US55007078 Pvt2
Argott James W RA12338774 Pvt2
Armstrong John T US53025990 Pvt2
Arsenault Chester E RA11201436 Pvt2
Blake Errol M RA11162771 Pvt2
Blue Charles W RA28131169 Pvt2
Brown Claude S RA13451202 Pvt2
Campbell David O US17173981 Pvt2
Calanna Angelo F US51062893 Pvt2
Canodi Claude E RA24295275 Pvt2
Conner Jimmie R RA17279883 Pfc
DiBello John Jr RA13334692 Pfc
DeRiso Joseph M US51062800 Pvt2
Earley Robert L RA15431268 Pvt2
Feragen Elmer L US55015401 Pvt2
Fitz George P US57157394 Pvt2
Franz Edwin F US55031026 Pvt2
Groves Robert W US52037447 Pvt2
Gruener Jacob - US55019697 Pvt2
Hale William R US56080579 Pvt2
Healy Martin F US55050596 Pvt2
Hill James L RA14339534 Pvt2
Hunter Eugene - US55030959 Pvt2
Iezzoni Mario - RA13353191 Pvt2
Kilgore Kenneth G US55007110 Pvt2
Kinoshita Charles S RA10104729 Pvt2
LeClair Bruce P RA11189768 Pvt2
Monaghan Edward P RA13248643 Pvt2
Myers Melvin L RA17240700 Pvt2
Odle Alva S US55007149 Pvt2
Oldson Albert H RA15298612 Pvt2
Phillips Wallace A RA14319777 Pfc
Posey Wesley L US52018439 Pvt2
Price James A US52034492 Pvt2
Riehle Joseph N RA16276058 Pvt2
Robison Johnny A US44188467 Pvt2
Schaffer Leon - US52039247 Pvt2
Schanzmeyer Bernard A US55028480 Pvt2
Schramm Thomas A RA14354466 Pvt2
Secoges Joseph J US52039106 Pvt2
Spurlin Edwin E US15232382 Pvt2
Stockwell Edward H RA14147141 Cpl
Swaen John A RA12340791 Pfc
Williams Edward D RA13297914 Pfc
Wold Dauglas C US55034468 Pvt2
Above 45 EM jd 23/27 Mar 51
After being assigned to our platoon, squad or section, the replacements went on to train with their respective platoon. I was assigned as an ammo bearer #2 in the 60mm mortar section of the 4th Platoon with Sfc Balingit Aniceto (Gabby) Leader, Sfc Alley Thane as section leader, Sgt Coleman Ellis gunner, Pfc McMinn Clark assistant gunner, Miranda Jose ammo bearer #1. We all trained as a gunner and assistant gunner. Our training was conducted using live ammo to hit a given target. We had to set up the mortar as fast as possible, and faster, zero in on the target and put it out of action by firing multy rounds for effect. We repeated this over and over, to a point where we wished we were in actual combat.
On our way back from training, the 4th platoon sang, ‘Pees-onia’, ‘Lee-onia’, or whistled the tune to the Bridge on the River Kwai. After one long and hard day training, my section leader asked me if I was tired, knowing full well that I was, he still wanted me to answer.
He kept asking until I said, “Yes.”
Then he replied, “You’ll be able to sleep tonight.”
It took me six weeks to realize the meaning of his answer. In battle, you attack, dig in, defend your position when attacked and rotate guarding hourly the most sleep you get is nothing but a Cat Nap. Sleeping is a luxury you can only afford when you are on reserve, and, only if you are not on guard duty that night.
After my first attack, 11 Apr 51, I had one day on reserve out of 55 consecutive days on line or attack.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Attack The 3604ft Mountain on 38th Parallel 2nd Day
In each attack, you’re faced with situations that may take your life. The attack for Mae-bong, a 3604 ft mountain on the 38° parallel, lasted five days 20 - 24 of May 1951. My first experience came, I think, the second day, while standing in line waiting for the assault platoon working on it’s objective.
I saw an enemy soldier laying on a big boulder about twenty-five feet above me, his rifle and fully extended bayonet aimed directly at me. I quickly dropped down on my left side and pulled my pistol and stared at each other for a long time. I fired once and he rolled towards me, off the rock dead. Why he didn't fire first, I don't know...Maybe he new that others would get to him.
Sgt. Alley did not believe ‘one shot Iezzoni’. Weeks later, he bet me $50 that I couldn’t hit a good size tree to our front – I missed all eight times. He did not take the money when I offered it to him. So, it could be that someone else saw and at that enemy at the same time I fired my pistol or the Guardian Angel was with me.
The objective taken, we moved up a quarter mile where the mortar was set up to fire. Shortly after, the BARman next to us on the line was hit. Over an hour later, a squad of enemy soldiers appeared on the ridge just eight feet away from us. Before they could fire, two of our new US ammo bearers opened fire and killed at least six of them. Counter-attack was called and we all ran back a half mile, down the ridge and started digging in.
That night we were attacked five or six times.
We continued our attack in the morning and retook our objective and more. On the way past our old position, I counted the 5 dead enemy out loud to Sgt. Alley and added one more 6th on the other side of the ridge.
I saw an enemy soldier laying on a big boulder about twenty-five feet above me, his rifle and fully extended bayonet aimed directly at me. I quickly dropped down on my left side and pulled my pistol and stared at each other for a long time. I fired once and he rolled towards me, off the rock dead. Why he didn't fire first, I don't know...Maybe he new that others would get to him.
Sgt. Alley did not believe ‘one shot Iezzoni’. Weeks later, he bet me $50 that I couldn’t hit a good size tree to our front – I missed all eight times. He did not take the money when I offered it to him. So, it could be that someone else saw and at that enemy at the same time I fired my pistol or the Guardian Angel was with me.
The objective taken, we moved up a quarter mile where the mortar was set up to fire. Shortly after, the BARman next to us on the line was hit. Over an hour later, a squad of enemy soldiers appeared on the ridge just eight feet away from us. Before they could fire, two of our new US ammo bearers opened fire and killed at least six of them. Counter-attack was called and we all ran back a half mile, down the ridge and started digging in.
That night we were attacked five or six times.
We continued our attack in the morning and retook our objective and more. On the way past our old position, I counted the 5 dead enemy out loud to Sgt. Alley and added one more 6th on the other side of the ridge.
Attack The 3604ft Mountain on 38th Parallel 4th Day
The fourth day on the attack, we reached the top of the mountain, altitude: 3604 feet. It was littered with bloated decomposing enemy bodies from an earlier air strike. The stench was so strong a reason for the missing enemy, we thought . As the 3rd platoon diceded to clear the area the enemy opened fire on us. When Automatic fire came my way I hit the ground with the mortar tube and base plate on my side shielded only by tall weeds.
Sgt. Alley called me to set up the mortar. As I moved the weeds moved and the enemy's automatic fire came just overhead. Alley kept calling for the mortar. As I responded, so, too, did the enemy. This went on until automatic fire hit me on the pistol belt and the ground just around me! He had me zeroed in, I knew that I could not move again. So, I played dead let the enemy think he got me that time. Even Sgt. Alley stopped calling.
As I played dead, I began to believe that the enemy had stopped firing at me but I felt obligated to set up my mortar. I could let someone else be the first to move, I thought, so I pretended to be ready for a ‘fire mission’. My body deep still to the ground, I started calling for ammo to fire.
“Ammo, ammo, Ammo” I yelled, “get that ammo here.”
As I figured, no one else was about to move, either. Thanks to God.
A squad of the 3rd platoon worked their way around the right flank placing the enmy in a crossfire and running them off.
I don’t remember how long we lay there, in the prone position, but I knew that I was not going to be the first to move. That was just too close. What if I’d gotten hit? How would that have been going down a 3604ft mountain, for me or for my carriers? Would I have been carried on a stretcher or would I have had to make the walk down on my own? No matter how bad I think I may have preferred the hard walk down to the stretcher for it was too steep and too far down to the bottom.
The bullet had put a deep gash on the flap of my Pistol Holster for everyone to see and comment, how I hated when I had to turn in my Pistol and my badge of Honor.
Sgt. Alley called me to set up the mortar. As I moved the weeds moved and the enemy's automatic fire came just overhead. Alley kept calling for the mortar. As I responded, so, too, did the enemy. This went on until automatic fire hit me on the pistol belt and the ground just around me! He had me zeroed in, I knew that I could not move again. So, I played dead let the enemy think he got me that time. Even Sgt. Alley stopped calling.
As I played dead, I began to believe that the enemy had stopped firing at me but I felt obligated to set up my mortar. I could let someone else be the first to move, I thought, so I pretended to be ready for a ‘fire mission’. My body deep still to the ground, I started calling for ammo to fire.
“Ammo, ammo, Ammo” I yelled, “get that ammo here.”
As I figured, no one else was about to move, either. Thanks to God.
A squad of the 3rd platoon worked their way around the right flank placing the enmy in a crossfire and running them off.
I don’t remember how long we lay there, in the prone position, but I knew that I was not going to be the first to move. That was just too close. What if I’d gotten hit? How would that have been going down a 3604ft mountain, for me or for my carriers? Would I have been carried on a stretcher or would I have had to make the walk down on my own? No matter how bad I think I may have preferred the hard walk down to the stretcher for it was too steep and too far down to the bottom.
The bullet had put a deep gash on the flap of my Pistol Holster for everyone to see and comment, how I hated when I had to turn in my Pistol and my badge of Honor.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
After 58 Years I Find the Family of John J Earley 11 April 1951-2009
Merry, you made an OLD soldier and the families of a soldier that Gave It All finally close their wondering of that happened long ago.
Tom, that picture of Kelly, Valletta, you and the article on the 24th IDA got me going.
Bernie, your Morning Reports sure helps
"Thanks You All"
THE LETTER
Dear Jimmy & Jackie
How are you boys? I wanted to write you before but boys I haven't been able to do much writing more than I have. I have some spare time today so I'm writing to you and Aunt Ann. We have been moving a lot in the last week so I have been pretty busy the only chance we have to write is daytime as atnight there is a blackout no lights, fires just blackness.
I know that you both are praying for your Uncle John to come home safely please keep on praying as God will surely listen to your prayers. War is really tough and with God's help it will be over soon. Have your Sister (Nun) at school pray for my buddies (John Kelly, Bill Valletta) and me we allneed your prayers as they mean more to us than anything else.
You two boys are fortunate that you live in America where there is everything at your disposal home, clothes, food and education. Here in the Far East in Korea boys your age have a completely different life and have never seen anything but poverty starvation and the majority of them are diseased. Well boys you in America have a great deal to be thankful for.
The weather here is still cold and very windy climbing these rugged mountain is something. It's not like back home flat land or some mountains. Here boys in Korea is one continuous mountain after an other. And all are very high.
They have no radios, cars, television sets or any modern convenience here. The country is the same it was 3000 years ago the homes are made of mud and straws a few homes are made of wood.
Actually there are no cities like back home here there is just small villages scattered here and there.
I know you boys would like to know about the chinese soldiers. They are tough and fight mostly in the nighttime. Most of their weapons are american made given to them by us years before.
Well boys I'll close for now hoping you'll pray for me and write me. Give my love to Kathy also to your Mom and Dad
Love from Uncle John
Tell Mommy I haven't had (?) mail from home yet!
Give my love to Ganlea! (?)
1.
10/19/2009 5:06PM
Email Via The Korean War Project Remembrance Entries
From: Jim Dolan
Email: jcdubliner@aol.com
Subject: John J. Earley
Mr. Iezzoni,
I am the great-nephew of John J. Earley, who was from Waterbury, CT.
Since childhood I was told the stories of my uncle, especially from his sister Kathy, who was my Grandmother, as well as stories from my father. It was a devistating blow to the Dolan family when he was killed in Korea, one that I believe my Grandmother never fully recovered from, however, his short life has served as inspiration to all of us.
I've often wondered what actually happened that fateful day in Korea and your posting has certainly given us insight.
I do hope all is well with you. I thank you for your service to our great country and your heroic attempt to save my uncle. May God Bless you and your family.
Should you have the time, I would love to speak with you again, either by e-mail or telephone.
Coincidently, I was born April 11, 1968, some 17 years to the day that John Earley died.
Respectfully,
Jim Dolan Southington, CT
2.
10/20/2009 1:04:12 P.M.
Ciao Jim,
You gave me CHILLS ALL OVER w/ this e-mail.
I must ask if your family knows the name of John Kelly, from NY City and Ireland, a good friend of John J Early. I met them on the ship going over and became a trio w/ them. I was assigned to G Co and they to E Co. on the 23rd of march 51.
It was our 1st attack, 11 Apr 51, I carried John J Early to the Aid station that day.
I have this address for:
John Kelly
32 Av of the Americas Ste N 338
NY NY 10013-2513
917 237 9558
I wanted to locate the family of John J Early but I was not able to locate John Kelly (who new the real name of the other "Irishman" I called "U.S. Kelley").
I remember that day he was wounded well (11 Apr 51), even now.
Ciao for now
Pace e Bene da mario
3.
10/20/09 4:06PM
Mr. Iezzoni,
Thank you so much for responding!
I related your posting to my father and he told me how he vividly remembers the last time
he saw his uncle, John Earley alive. He was walking home from school for lunch and saw his uncle
as a passenger in a car being driven to the train station in New Haven after being home for leave. He recalls his uncle waiving at him. Perhaps he was waiving goodbye.
Do you know if there are any morning reports or other documentation available with regards to 11 Apr 1951? My father and I would be curious to read them.
I will report back to you with an update on John Kelly, hopefully as soon as tomorrow.
Thank you again Mr. Iezzoni,
-Jim
4.
Hi Jim,
I waited too long to pass on Earley John J's last hrs-please give me time to remember and pass it.
I was not in his company Co E and don't have E's morning reports but I have - us being assigned to Company E, F, G, H. and scanned it here as attchmnt.
MR Rec of Events for G Co my company for that day Attchd and a photo of E Co. men John Kelly, Tom Thiel, Valletta Bill.
Tom J Thiel of "E" Co. lives in FL and may have Morn. Report of E Co...
I can also give you info on getting your own MR from ST Louis, MO.
Tom J. Thiel, Taro Leaf Editor
19147 Park Place Blvd
Eustis, Florida 32736
352-357-3943
thetaroleaf@gmail.com
5.Mario,
Thank you for the attachments. The paper work and photograph are truly historic. I will be sending a form to St. Louis in hope of retrieving some of John Earley's Army file. Also, since I did not make it today, I will try to check the Waterbury address for John Kelly.
6.
Mario,
I received the packet of information last evening when I arrived home from work that you mailed me .
Wow. Simply...wow.
I can't begin to thank you for all of your life's work. I telephoned my father this morning on my way to the troop and told him of what I read. He was waiting for me to return home so he, too, could put his hands on your words and work and witness and feel his uncle once more. As I write I'm sure he's sleeping and having a pleasant connection to his past.
I went to the now Former St. Andrew's Health Center in Waterbury today and they have no record of a John Kelly ever living there. They checked computer records as well as hard bound books for me. Now on to our next address.
Tis' not the hour but the days events that bring me solace.
Thank you again Mario.
I'll talk with you soon.
God Bless,
Jim
7.
Mario,
We're working on things from our end. My father is ecstatic. As I am. He's been to the Waterbury Paper to recover the history of John Earley. Certainly, he was your friend.
We have found remembrances. All thanks to you, Mario.
Hugs,
Jim Dolan
ps- more to come!
8.
Hello Mario,
Here is our progress so far.
My father has sifted through his files and found dates and one picture. We think my aunt has another and, possibly, letters home or, the notification telegram.
The local news paper, the Waterbury Republican, has John Earley's obit and picture. My father has them ordered.
I will pass everything along to you as soon as it's available.
John's family was small. Since he never married he had no children of his own. The only family left is my father, his brother and sister, and one cousin as far as I know.
Another odd coincidence is, as I mentioned before, I was born on April 11, 1968. He was waked on November 10, 1951. That is the Marine Corps Birthday and my wedding anniversary.
Peace Mario,
Jim
9.
In a message dated 11/14/2009 8:58:18 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, mario8@ptd.net writes:
Ciao Jim,
Please keep me informed of your finds?
For 50+ yrs I had his first and last name confused and thanks to Merry Helm for her help in getting me straight (and, a couple of sleep recalls of my inability to Say EARLY - HEarly and settled calling him Kelley).
Where is he buried?
I don't remember him having a family??
Do you have any photos of him?
Ciao for now Pace e Bene da mario
10.
In a message dated 11/14/2009 10:20:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mario8@ptd.net writes:
Hi Jim,
I can't believe all of this coming to an end. I would like to visit his grave if possible on the 11th of April.
I'm looking forward to any clips or photos but take your time and don't rush anything.
mario
11.
Mario,
Absolutely. My father and I were discussing how we'd like to meet you in person.
We'll make it happen and the 11th of April would be fitting.
I'll get to work on it.
I'm just in from working a midnight shift so I'm off to bed.
I'll talk with you soon,
-Jim
12.
Mario!
I received your booklet this afternoon. My golden retriever was barking at the front window and I saw that the mail man had stopped by earlier than usual. Then it struck me peculiar that it wasn't our usual mail man but a fill in, a reserve as the Army would call it. And it was a female. She had a package amongst my bills and I greeted her in my driveway. (Maybe she's the one Williams and Fritz were looking for).
What a surprise! I could not put the book down. I think I've memorized each line, each picture, imagined each moment from poignant description. Thank you so much.
I happened to be home early today because I had to drop my father off at the airport so he could fly to Florida and visit my mother for a spell. You see, she's a snow-bird and he can't stop working. What a pleasure being handed such a piece of history.
We're looking forward to April 11th and finally meeting you! We'll work out the logistics after the holiest of holy days-- St. Patrick's.
Peace,
Your friend,
-Jim
13.
Mario,
Wonderful! We have a graveside service scheduled for 1030 hours on 04-Apr-2010.
My brother, Father Michael Dolan, will officiate. He found his notebook! It must be a sign!
My father, James J. Dolan, will take all to a Waterbury lunch, which I promise you will love.
We're all looking forward to your arrival.
Give me your details and request when you can.
Peace
Jim
Tom, that picture of Kelly, Valletta, you and the article on the 24th IDA got me going.
Bernie, your Morning Reports sure helps
THE LETTER
Dear Jimmy & Jackie
How are you boys? I wanted to write you before but boys I haven't been able to do much writing more than I have. I have some spare time today so I'm writing to you and Aunt Ann. We have been moving a lot in the last week so I have been pretty busy the only chance we have to write is daytime as atnight there is a blackout no lights, fires just blackness.
I know that you both are praying for your Uncle John to come home safely please keep on praying as God will surely listen to your prayers. War is really tough and with God's help it will be over soon. Have your Sister (Nun) at school pray for my buddies (John Kelly, Bill Valletta) and me we allneed your prayers as they mean more to us than anything else.
You two boys are fortunate that you live in America where there is everything at your disposal home, clothes, food and education. Here in the Far East in Korea boys your age have a completely different life and have never seen anything but poverty starvation and the majority of them are diseased. Well boys you in America have a great deal to be thankful for.
The weather here is still cold and very windy climbing these rugged mountain is something. It's not like back home flat land or some mountains. Here boys in Korea is one continuous mountain after an other. And all are very high.
They have no radios, cars, television sets or any modern convenience here. The country is the same it was 3000 years ago the homes are made of mud and straws a few homes are made of wood.
Actually there are no cities like back home here there is just small villages scattered here and there.
I know you boys would like to know about the chinese soldiers. They are tough and fight mostly in the nighttime. Most of their weapons are american made given to them by us years before.
Well boys I'll close for now hoping you'll pray for me and write me. Give my love to Kathy also to your Mom and Dad
Love from Uncle John
Tell Mommy I haven't had (?) mail from home yet!
Give my love to Ganlea! (?)
1.
10/19/2009 5:06PM
Email Via The Korean War Project Remembrance Entries
From: Jim Dolan
Email: jcdubliner@aol.com
Subject: John J. Earley
Mr. Iezzoni,
I am the great-nephew of John J. Earley, who was from Waterbury, CT.
Since childhood I was told the stories of my uncle, especially from his sister Kathy, who was my Grandmother, as well as stories from my father. It was a devistating blow to the Dolan family when he was killed in Korea, one that I believe my Grandmother never fully recovered from, however, his short life has served as inspiration to all of us.
I've often wondered what actually happened that fateful day in Korea and your posting has certainly given us insight.
I do hope all is well with you. I thank you for your service to our great country and your heroic attempt to save my uncle. May God Bless you and your family.
Should you have the time, I would love to speak with you again, either by e-mail or telephone.
Coincidently, I was born April 11, 1968, some 17 years to the day that John Earley died.
Respectfully,
Jim Dolan Southington, CT
2.
10/20/2009 1:04:12 P.M.
Ciao Jim,
You gave me CHILLS ALL OVER w/ this e-mail.
I must ask if your family knows the name of John Kelly, from NY City and Ireland, a good friend of John J Early. I met them on the ship going over and became a trio w/ them. I was assigned to G Co and they to E Co. on the 23rd of march 51.
It was our 1st attack, 11 Apr 51, I carried John J Early to the Aid station that day.
I have this address for:
John Kelly
32 Av of the Americas Ste N 338
NY NY 10013-2513
917 237 9558
I wanted to locate the family of John J Early but I was not able to locate John Kelly (who new the real name of the other "Irishman" I called "U.S. Kelley").
I remember that day he was wounded well (11 Apr 51), even now.
Ciao for now
Pace e Bene da mario
3.
10/20/09 4:06PM
Mr. Iezzoni,
Thank you so much for responding!
I related your posting to my father and he told me how he vividly remembers the last time
he saw his uncle, John Earley alive. He was walking home from school for lunch and saw his uncle
as a passenger in a car being driven to the train station in New Haven after being home for leave. He recalls his uncle waiving at him. Perhaps he was waiving goodbye.
Do you know if there are any morning reports or other documentation available with regards to 11 Apr 1951? My father and I would be curious to read them.
I will report back to you with an update on John Kelly, hopefully as soon as tomorrow.
Thank you again Mr. Iezzoni,
-Jim
4.
Hi Jim,
I waited too long to pass on Earley John J's last hrs-please give me time to remember and pass it.
I was not in his company Co E and don't have E's morning reports but I have - us being assigned to Company E, F, G, H. and scanned it here as attchmnt.
MR Rec of Events for G Co my company for that day Attchd and a photo of E Co. men John Kelly, Tom Thiel, Valletta Bill.
Tom J Thiel of "E" Co. lives in FL and may have Morn. Report of E Co...
I can also give you info on getting your own MR from ST Louis, MO.
Tom J. Thiel, Taro Leaf Editor
19147 Park Place Blvd
Eustis, Florida 32736
352-357-3943
thetaroleaf@gmail.com
5.Mario,
Thank you for the attachments. The paper work and photograph are truly historic. I will be sending a form to St. Louis in hope of retrieving some of John Earley's Army file. Also, since I did not make it today, I will try to check the Waterbury address for John Kelly.
6.
Mario,
I received the packet of information last evening when I arrived home from work that you mailed me .
Wow. Simply...wow.
I can't begin to thank you for all of your life's work. I telephoned my father this morning on my way to the troop and told him of what I read. He was waiting for me to return home so he, too, could put his hands on your words and work and witness and feel his uncle once more. As I write I'm sure he's sleeping and having a pleasant connection to his past.
I went to the now Former St. Andrew's Health Center in Waterbury today and they have no record of a John Kelly ever living there. They checked computer records as well as hard bound books for me. Now on to our next address.
Tis' not the hour but the days events that bring me solace.
Thank you again Mario.
I'll talk with you soon.
God Bless,
Jim
7.
Mario,
We're working on things from our end. My father is ecstatic. As I am. He's been to the Waterbury Paper to recover the history of John Earley. Certainly, he was your friend.
We have found remembrances. All thanks to you, Mario.
Hugs,
Jim Dolan
ps- more to come!
8.
Hello Mario,
Here is our progress so far.
My father has sifted through his files and found dates and one picture. We think my aunt has another and, possibly, letters home or, the notification telegram.
The local news paper, the Waterbury Republican, has John Earley's obit and picture. My father has them ordered.
I will pass everything along to you as soon as it's available.
John's family was small. Since he never married he had no children of his own. The only family left is my father, his brother and sister, and one cousin as far as I know.
Another odd coincidence is, as I mentioned before, I was born on April 11, 1968. He was waked on November 10, 1951. That is the Marine Corps Birthday and my wedding anniversary.
Peace Mario,
Jim
9.
In a message dated 11/14/2009 8:58:18 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, mario8@ptd.net writes:
Ciao Jim,
Please keep me informed of your finds?
For 50+ yrs I had his first and last name confused and thanks to Merry Helm for her help in getting me straight (and, a couple of sleep recalls of my inability to Say EARLY - HEarly and settled calling him Kelley).
Where is he buried?
I don't remember him having a family??
Do you have any photos of him?
Ciao for now Pace e Bene da mario
10.
In a message dated 11/14/2009 10:20:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mario8@ptd.net writes:
Hi Jim,
I can't believe all of this coming to an end. I would like to visit his grave if possible on the 11th of April.
I'm looking forward to any clips or photos but take your time and don't rush anything.
mario
11.
Mario,
Absolutely. My father and I were discussing how we'd like to meet you in person.
We'll make it happen and the 11th of April would be fitting.
I'll get to work on it.
I'm just in from working a midnight shift so I'm off to bed.
I'll talk with you soon,
-Jim
12.
Mario!
I received your booklet this afternoon. My golden retriever was barking at the front window and I saw that the mail man had stopped by earlier than usual. Then it struck me peculiar that it wasn't our usual mail man but a fill in, a reserve as the Army would call it. And it was a female. She had a package amongst my bills and I greeted her in my driveway. (Maybe she's the one Williams and Fritz were looking for).
What a surprise! I could not put the book down. I think I've memorized each line, each picture, imagined each moment from poignant description. Thank you so much.
I happened to be home early today because I had to drop my father off at the airport so he could fly to Florida and visit my mother for a spell. You see, she's a snow-bird and he can't stop working. What a pleasure being handed such a piece of history.
We're looking forward to April 11th and finally meeting you! We'll work out the logistics after the holiest of holy days-- St. Patrick's.
Peace,
Your friend,
-Jim
13.
Mario,
Wonderful! We have a graveside service scheduled for 1030 hours on 04-Apr-2010.
My brother, Father Michael Dolan, will officiate. He found his notebook! It must be a sign!
My father, James J. Dolan, will take all to a Waterbury lunch, which I promise you will love.
We're all looking forward to your arrival.
Give me your details and request when you can.
Peace
Jim
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Chief's Medal of Honor Ceremony
mms://a753.v5913f.c5913.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/753/5913/v0001/whitehouse.download.akamai.com/5913/2008/03/20080303-3.v.wmv
bush remarks
President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Woodrow Wilson Keeble - March 3, 2008
President Bush on Monday said, "The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor a President can bestow, and I'm honored recipients of the Medal of Honor have joined us. Thank you for coming. During my time in office, I've had the privilege of performing this duty on nine separate occasions. Every ceremony has been inspiring. Many have been joyful. Some have been poignant. But I'm not sure I can remember many ceremonies quite like this one."
bush remarks
President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Woodrow Wilson Keeble - March 3, 2008
President Bush on Monday said, "The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor a President can bestow, and I'm honored recipients of the Medal of Honor have joined us. Thank you for coming. During my time in office, I've had the privilege of performing this duty on nine separate occasions. Every ceremony has been inspiring. Many have been joyful. Some have been poignant. But I'm not sure I can remember many ceremonies quite like this one."
Monday, November 28, 2011
Earley John J 11 April 1951
- Mario, I hope I'm not pushing my limits here, but I suspect you would be too bashful to post the decoration you received for saving John J. Earley. So as historian for the 24th ID Association, I'll provide it here: By direction of the President, Private First Class Mario Iezzoni (the Private), RA13353191, (then Private), Infantry, U.S. Army, a member of Company G, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, is awarded the BRONZE STAR MEDAL with V device for heroic achievement near Chipo-ri, Korea, on 11 April 1951. His company was attacked by numerically superior enemy hordes and was forced to withdraw. Private Iezzoni volunteered to remain behind with several others to help evacuate the wounded. The small group worked furiously, in the face of the rapidly advancing enemy mass, to assemble the wounded, place them on litters and carry them out under a murderous hail of enemy fire. Having gone only a short distance, Private Iezzoni discovered another wounded man. Although he knew he would have to carry him by himself and that he would be dangerously slowed down, he unhesitatingly picked up the soldier and proceeded to carry him down the hill. He was so delayed that the rest of the group was soon out of sight. Several times the enemy approached close enough to place him under heavy automatic weapons and sniper fire but, with complete disregard tor his personal safety, he relentlessly continued on. The task became so laborious that he was forced to rest frequently although the enemy was nearly upon him. For three hours, he plodded on with his human burden over extremely rough and treacherous terrain, always keeping just ahead of his pursuers. His strength nearly lost, only his determined will kept him going. He finally reached friendly lines and, turning over the wounded man to medical aidmen, collapsed from exhaustion. Private Iezzoni’s heroic action, selfless devotion to a wounded comrade and unswerving determination reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry. Entered nilitary service from Langsford, Pennsylvania. (24th Div GO 707, 1 Nov 1951)
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