I went to jump school in June 1952. From there I went to
"F-Company" of the 187th Airborne RCT "RAKKASANS" in
Teague Korea in July of that year. Our unit moved about to various locations a while. We were sent to the MLR until September of '52 then were detailed to Beppu Japan and stayed there until April 1953. We then returned to Korea and stayed up front until the war ended.
I thought Beppu Japan was a great place to be! It was a fun town for a bunch of young " wet behind the ears" 17-20 year old paratroopers. I was with a great group of guys,I madegood friends and memories that will never be forgotten.
In March of 1954 I was sent back to the States. I was stationed at Ft.Campbell Kentucky. I had requested to be sent there thinking that I would go to the 11th Airborne whereall my buddies were. But I was sent to the 508th AIR, RCT where I stayed until my discharge on September 27th,1954. Everyone who was airborne was either stationed in Ft.Campbell or at Ft.Bragg,North Carolina. Everyone was close, like being a part of a "big family". To have been a part of this family and to have served in the 187th was a tremendous honor for me.
I want to salute all servicmen who served in the Korean War for their courage and dedication to our country. But most of all I want to recognize the POW/MIA's who didn't make the trip home. Let's
always remember them and their families in our hearts and prayers. For they are the reason that we are all free!
~Walter "pete" Peterson
A Proud American Veteran
