Armistice to Discharge: by James Jett

The Korean War Armistice were signed, July 27, 1953. Just 17 days before my discharge from the Military in Camp Breckinridge, Ky. At the time of the signing, I was half way between Japan and the USA. The announcement came over the ship’s speakers, just as we crossed the halfway point. After arriving in the States, a Soldier from my Outfit, (187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team) at Camp Chickamauga in Beppu, Japan; but not in the same company, came on the ship behind me and arrived in Camp before I departed for home. Hunter, (the soldier) told me my Company, (Company “L”), returned to the Front Lines and in a fire fight, my Company Commander “Got-It”, meaning he was killed by enemy-fire along with others in Company “L”.

We looked at each other, then both looked, first down at the ground and then toward the Sky. I said a prayer without knowing if he were sure about the information. that’s why I looked Sky-ward. I think, Hunter looked, because the Sun in our eyes, was bothering me. I slowly walked away in one direction and Hunter went in the other, we both knew; not to talk about that any more, I never saw Hunter again.