Korean War vets remember wartime experiences

(Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) Marvin Nitzschke (right) receives his membership certificate from Korean War Last Man's Club president Don Law at the group's annual meeting Saturday night. [Click to enlarge]

Members of the Korean War Last Man's Club, along with family and friends, gathered in friendship and remembrance for the club's 12th annual banquet Saturday, Nov. 7.

The group honored two members who died since the last meeting. They are Willard Herman, who died Dec. 11, 2008, and Norman Lang, who died July 25, 2009.

"We still have 82 members, including 50 charter members," reported Bud Vander Well, secretary/treasurer. In the 12 years since the Last Man's Club inception, 25 of their fellow veterans have died.

(Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) A model of the "Fallen Soldier Memorial" was displayed at the Korean War Last Man's Club dinner. A bronze memorial will be made for placement at the Plymouth County Veteran's Memorial Park in July. [Click to enlarge]

"Everyone, take care of yourself," Vander Well said.

Throughout the evening, the veterans visited quietly, sometimes sharing memories of their time of service during the Korean Conflict.

"This is a nice organization," said Larry Petersen. "It's nice to get together with the guys."

(Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) Korean War Last Man's Club president Don Law speaks at the group's annual meeting Saturday night. [Click to enlarge]

The Korean War was a tough time, said Petersen, who was stationed in Montgomery, Ala., for his tour of duty. There he processed those who were going overseas or returning home, mainly officers.

"Some of the guys were in some pretty tough situations," Petersen added.

Robert Ahlers was one of those who saw duty in Korea.

(Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) Korean War Last Man's Club members visit during the social time at the group's annual banquet Saturday night. Family and friends also attended the banquet. [Click to enlarge]

"Some call it the forgotten war," Ahlers said.

"I'm glad the group formed the Korean War Last Man's Club," he continued.

Ahlers served in the Marine Corps, and was in the war zone for 1 1/2 years.

"I was infantry first, but then I had some foot problems, so they put me in the First Marine Air Wing," Ahlers said. "That probably saved my life."

He went on to say in the platoon he served with, only six of the men returned home.

He recalled the cold conditions while serving in Korea.

"Our clothes were terrible, we did not have the boots, gloves, and good winter coats we needed," Ahlers said. "The M1 rifle was excellent, but our clothes were not as good as they should have been for the cold weather."

Estill Lang served in the Navy and was stationed on a hospital ship at Korea.

"I didn't get there until the conflict was about over," he said. "We didn't take too many guys on the hospital ship by that time."

He was discharged from military service in 1956.

He also was stationed in Long Beach, Calif., and was there when the hospital ship he served on was decommissioned.

"That's been a long time ago," he added.

Earl Tammes served in the Army.

"Fortunately I was not in Korea. I ended up in Germany," Tammes said. He was drafted into military service because of the Korean War.

He spent about a year in Germany with an artillery unit.

"That was soon after World War II, and we were still protecting Germany," Tammes said.

His service experience included doing maneuvers with the French and English troops.

"Those who ended up in Korea had far more miserable conditions," Tammes said. "When you go as a draftee, they send you where they want you to go."

"I enjoy this gathering," he said of the Last Man's Club.

He noted one member, Don Haas, a former Le Mars resident who lives in western Nebraska, comes each year for the Last Man's Club dinner.

"I think that's just great," he added.

Plymouth County naturalist Victoria DeVos presented the program on animals of the Loess Hills.

She told of how Iowa was once a tall grass prairie and animals such as elk and bison, which no longer roam the state.

She also encouraged everyone to explore the unique features of the Loess Hills of western Plymouth County.

President Don Law pointed to a model of the "Fallen Soldier Memorial" which will be cast in bronze and placed in the Plymouth County Veteran's Memorial Park during the annual July 4th ceremony in 2010.

Plans call for the memorial piece to be placed next to the Gulf War monument in the park.

He also reported a new stone at the Veteran's Park, for Operation Enduring Freedom, will carry the names of two Plymouth County residents who lost their lives in the war: Toby Meister and Chad Groepper.

Law and Vander Well were re-elected to their officer positions, with Larry Petersen elected to the vice president position previously held by Norm Lang.

During his remarks, Law held out a bottle of whiskey, which is a ritual with Last Man's Clubs.

The bottle, to be opened by the last three surviving members of the Last Man's Club, holds a place of honor at the head table. The whiskey bottle is a symbol handed down from the World War I and World War II Last Man's Clubs. Club bylaws state that the bottle will be opened and served at the annual banquet when only three members of the club are living.

Membership in the Korean War Last Man's Club is open to any person, male or female, who is a member of the American Legion or VFW and who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, or was a member of the American Red Cross, during the period of June 25, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955. The only dues is the initial membership fee of $5.

The group encourages new memberships of those who served in the time frame specified.