오산기지1975-79 이시우 2006/05/10 1082

http://kalaniosullivan.com/OsanAB/OsanSongtanb1.html

1975
The following are photos of a trip to Seoul on the tollway by Ken Shallenbarger posted to the Osan Retired Activities Office. Of note is the construction that is going on in Seoul with high-rise apartments going up. The Miracle of the Han was starting with increased affluence. Factories were being built and the economy was booming. The ROK government established a protectionist system where by it exported, but limited imports. This would be a bone of contention well into the 1990s when it entered the World Trade Organization (WTO) after its signing of the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT). Prior to the transformation to an export economy, the ROK relied of foreign currency from the remittances of its labor force overseas. Now it took its construction industry that had built cities in Saudi Arabia, Libya and elsewhere and turned it onto the local economy. With government subsidized housing, small apartments (15 pyong) sprouted everywhere to house the lower classes. Unfortunately, it was also during this period that the Chaebols (family-owned businesses protected by the government) started gaining extreme wealth and power — but kept in check by the iron-fist of President Park Chung-hee. There still was an absence of cars on the highways. The explosion of Korean cars on the highways was not until the mid-1980s-early 1990s when the newly-emerged Korean middle class would start owning their own cars. Then the infrastructure weakness in roads was heightened with massive traffic jams — especially during holiday seasons.

Osan Main Gate (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Kyongbu Expressway Osan Toll Gate (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Lake near Suwon seen from the Kyongbu Expressway (NOTE: On left heading to Seoul. It is now hidden by buildings. Note house boats to lower right.) (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Lake near Suwon seen from Kyongbu Expressway (NOTE: Popular fishing site.) (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Kyongbu Expressway (Notice that it was only a four-lane highway then.) (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Seoul Tollgate (Notice how small the tollgate is.) (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Construction boom evident as one enters Seoul (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Seoul Construction boom (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Kyongbu Express Bus Terminal (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Han River Bridge heading towards Yongsan (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

National Assembly Building heading towards Kimpo (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

Korean Police Car in traffic (1975) (Ken Shallenbarger)

——————————————————————————–

Songtan outside Main Gate around 1975 after renovations were made to the streets and buildings in the Shinjang area. Notice the introduction of street lamps to the area. (Pyeongtaek City) (Source: Pyeongtaek History (CD), Pyeongtaek Si Sa) (NOTE: Kasey Lee’s (Yi Kyung Chu) Tailor Shop is in same location)
Songtan Area: ROK Self-Help Programs under President Park Chung-hee and his administration were deonstrably following planned courses of action designed to build national fiber, bolster cultural pride and promote self-reliance. A primary viehicle for this purpose continued to be the community development program (Saemaul Undong) designed to help the rural population attain economic self-sufficiency. During 1977 all villages completed the programs’s first pahse as average annual rural income rose to 1.5 million won ($2,887), exceeding average urban earnings. In Sep, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced plans to release $1.08 billion to improve living conditions and the overall environment in the less developed rural villages in order to achieve more balanced economic growth, facilitate the nation’s modernization process at the grass roots level, and help curb rural migration to the cities.

Accomplishments of the program since its inception include improvement of 42,060 kilometers of local roads, completion of irrigation and flood control projects for 2.5 million acres of rice paddy, electrification of 85 percent of the nation’s 17,633 administrative districts (ri and dong) and continuing replacement of thatched roofs with tile in Korea’s 12,000 villages.

Although initially conceived as a rural self-help program, the Saemaul movement has recently been extended to Seoul and other urban centers as a means of aiding low income residents. The focus of the urban Samaul drive includes urban renewal projects in commercial and slum areas, a conservation campaign to reduce waste of oil, electricity, water and other materials in government offices and buisness firms, and initiation of compulsory monthly neighborhood meetings with community leaders to discuss urban problems and formulate new Saemaul programs. (Source: 1975 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History.)

In the 1970s, the Songtan Catholic Church up on the hill was a landmark that was easily seen as all the construction was mostly low one-two story buildings. The Shinjang House Office at that time was located near to the Church. Though there was a population of 60,000 in the area, most Americans thought of “Songtan” as meaning only the Shinjang-dong area — without considering the Jinsan-dong nor Songbuk-dong areas. In the area, there was the Songbuk-dong, Pokchong and Kumgak Elementary Schools — as well as the Twaegwang Middle School and High School. At the time, the Seojong-ni area was a distinct entity that was not associated with the Songtan area.

Kalani O’Sullivan was with the 610 MASS out of Yokota AB, Japan (1972-1976) and used to fly into Osan TDY sometimes. Kalani stated in March 2005:

This was over thirty years ago so the memories are rather fuzzy. I remember in mid-1970s when the Songtan area was really very small. There was the bar row/tailor shops (GQ Tailor comes to mind) and the main strip went up to the railroad tracks at the end of the strip. There were bargains to be had in leather coats and such — but it was still buyer beware. There were some brass shops too, but when you are on a multi-stop TDY hauling the heavy junk around gets to be a pain unless you can lock it up on the aircraft. Also at the time, everyone had to have “eel-skin” wallets or purses to send as gifts. The bad thing was they used cheap thread for the stitching which gave out long before the eel skin did.

Don’t remember much of the bars except that they were really sleazy dives. Typically a minimum of one girl was behind the bar (the cashier). The bar was located on the far side away from the door. Once you sat down and ordered a beer, girls would immediately hustle you for drinks if you were good-looking or looked like you had money — thus they usually bypassed me. The side streets in this area were what we called “Psst-psst” Alley where at night you’d hear “psst-psst” from the really ancient hookers still plying their trade.

The old two-block long open market (Shinjang Marketplace) was in the same place as it is today. This is where we used to go to find fried foods. Eating anything fresh downtown was not considered safe at the time because “night soil” (human excrement) was used as fertilizer — and was a sure way to get the “runs.” However, during one of my visits, I do have a vague memory of sitting on the curb eating greasy fried mandu (yaki mandu) off of a newspaper and admiring the “beautiful” mass-produced velvet painting of Admiral Yi Su-shin I’d bought from the peddlers that come into the bars. It’s amazing what you buy when you’re drunk.

There was a martial law curfew in effect since 1973 because of the student riots protesting the Yushin Constitution. We had to be in the hotel by 11 pm because they locked the door at midnight. Unlike the Philippine curfew, in Korea you could get shot so we made sure we were in the hotel before lockup. Then the only place to continue drinking was the hotel bar or restaurant until 1 am. Korean TV was a really boring affair as it was only black-and-white and it came on at 10 am and went off at 10 pm.

There was an off-limits sign posted at the railroad tracks at the end of the bar row — but I was never one who could read well so we used to explore a lot. There was an old trinket vendor who had a cart just over the tracks that I used to buy old Korean stamps and old Korean money from — all of which I lost in my travels. The road wound around to the left and up to the Catholic church on a low hill — still there but now surrounded by buildings.

The residential areas for the Shinjang area spread out around the base of Hill 180 — north towards the back gate and south towards Pyeongtaek and then east. The houses were mostly low structures accessible by very narrow winding alleyways. The houses seemed to be mostly cinderblock and stucco construction with Korean-style tile roofs and crammed uncomfortably close together. Though we were used to the cramped streets of Japan, the difference in Korea dealt with the sanitation level. The Japanese streets for the most part were spotless, while the streets of Songtan smelled like every wall had been used as a urinal.

If you went across the railroad tracks, this was the “old city” where there were small businesses and shops. There was not much in the way of what one would call a “business district” that I recall besides small shops. Nothing struck me as particularly noteworthy in the area.

Didn’t do much sight-seeing further away from base because there just didn’t seem to be anything worth seeing. Everything turned into rice fields — that reeked about as bad as the Japanese rice fields of the time. I also remember the impression that there didn’t seem to be many trees around. Flying into Osan, the hills looked bare and denuded of all trees. It was not a pleasant landscape. In comparison, the landscape around K-2 (Taegu) appeared lusher and more inviting than the Songtan area.

The bus terminal was simply a dusty bus stop along a dirt road. You would see old “harabojis” (grandfathers) walking around in white shirt and vest with baggy white pants. Some had the traditional buffalo-hair hats, but most wore wide-brimmed 1950s-style felt hats. The women walked along in traditional hanbok with heavy loads balanced on their heads padded by a donut shaped device.

I don’t remember seeing any paved roads off the main drag — only dirt roads that were oil-soaked to keep the dust down. I remember worrying that the oil would ruin my tailor-made boots from Thailand and white pants that were the fashion of that time. Someone told me that out the back gate of Osan, the farmers would rip up the macadam for winter fuel as fast as the Air Force would lay it down. The Miracle of the Han had not arrived at that time and Korea in general was still poverty stricken.

However, when I returned in the 1987, the place was all changed. Everything was more modern and shopping better. It seemed the areas around had enveloped the base. I couldn’t recognize a thing — not even the front gate of the base. (SOURCE: Kalani O’Sullivan, oral recollection, April 2005)

——————————————————————————–

MOH winner Col Lewis L. Millet with Col Richard Phillips, 51st FW Commander (6 Oct 1975) (Stars and Stripes)

MOH Winner Visits Osan AB Reflecting on what he saw and heard during those observances, Millett said, “you have to stop and think of the price we paid, but one thing about it, the people here have done something amazing with the bloodshed that happened here 25 years ago. “They’ve proven that we were right in coming over here and helping them retain their independence,” he continued. “I was surprised, I never expected it,” he said of winning the nation’s top award for heroism in combat. “Of course, a lot of real fine people had to die so that a few might get decorated. There’s an awful lot of men who lie buried over here, and the only recognition they received was the purple heart.” (See 13 Oct 1975 Stars and Stripes article for writeup.)
——————————————————————————–

611th MASS Moves to Osan AB On 15 January 1975, the 611th was moved to Osan AB, Korea. On 1 January 1972, it became a direct reporting unit under the 61 MASW upon deactivation of the 65 MASG. In October 1978, for reasons of geographical proximity, the 611 MASS became a subordinate of the newly established 316th Tactical Airlift Group (TAG) at Yokota AB. It was the only one of the four MASSs in the Pacific not to be aligned under the also newly established 834th Air Lift Division (ALD) located at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. On 1 November 1983, the 611th realigned under the 834 ALD, where it remained until 1 April 1992, at which time the 834 ALD was deactivated. The 611th would then report directly to Headquarters, 22nd Air Force at Travis AFB California. On 1 June 1992, when the Military Airlift Command reorganized and became the Air Mobility Command, the 611th was re-designated as the 611th Air Lift Support Squadron and placed under the 603d Air Lift Support Group at Kadena AB. At this same time, the 611th Aerial Port Squadron was deactivated.

On 1 July 1994 the 611th was re-designated as the 631st Air Mobility Support Squadron. With this name change came the realignment of the unit under the 615th Air Mobility Support Group tying us once again to Hickam AFB, Hawaii as it was in the beginning, over 40 years ago…

On 15 Mar 2001, the 631st was re-designated as the 731st Air Mobility Squadron. Along with this change, the 615th changed it’s name to the 715th Air Mobility Operations Group. (Source: Osan AB Public Affairs)
——————————————————————————–

Osan tidbits: Osan AB was judged the most improved base in the Pacific during FY75, is the first recipient of the newly established PACAF Commander’s Award.

The USFK places all Korean drugstores and pharmacies off-limits to reduce availability of unauthorized or harmful medication which is frequently dispensed locally without prescription.

In Mar 1975 the 100th SRW with its U-2s were ordered to deploy to Osan AB, Korea. (See 1976)

——————————————————————————–

Prostitution in Camptowns Praised for Bringing in Foreign Exchange At the time, Korea was desparately poor. President Park issued Emergency Measure 9 which banned all acts opposing the 1972 Yushin Constitution and strengthened his presidential authority, but it also limited the outflow of capital from the country.

Because of the severe shortage of foreign currency reserves, the prostitutes who worked the camptowns were praised for their “patriotism” in earning much needed foreign exchange. At an extreme, government officials have enthusiastically supported prostitution as a way to increase foreign exchange earnings for the Korean government. In 1973, Min Kwangsik, the then Minister of Education, created a stir in the press and antagonized women’s groups in Korea and Japan by stating during a visit to Tokyo,”The sincerity of girls who have contributed (with their c–ts) to their fatherland’s economic development is indeed praiseworthy.” There were accusations that the Korean International Tourism Association (KITA) licensed and “trained” women to work as prostitutes for foreign men. (Source: Sex Among Allies: Military Prostitution in U.S./Korea Relations, by Katharine H.S. Moon.)

Given that the U.S. bases have served as the major source of legitimate (e.g., clerks, translators, janitors) and illegitimate employment, the majority of Koreans residing in camptowns became almost exclusively dependent on the military for their economic survival. For example, an estimated 60% of the Korean population of Uijongbu in the early 1960s were engaged in some form of business catering to the U.S. military. (Source: Tonga Ilbo, July 22, 1962 (EUSA translation).)

In Songt’an, by the late 1970s, 80% of its 60,000 residents, including approximately 2,500 prostitutes, lived on income earned from U.S. military personnel. (Source: Yangk’i ko hom, pp. 76-77.)
——————————————————————————–

554th CESHR Squadron “Red Horse” The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA
Detachment #1
554th CESHR Squadron
RED HORSE was rapidly approaching an advancing construction peak, however, due to the 1975-76 class rotation replacement gains of fully qualified and trained personnel were not arriving from stateside Base Civil Engineering Squadrons most had only minor maintenance skills. Therefore, the approved extensions of a small cadre of qualified senior NCO enlisted leaders were essential for the local training and management so the old timers were the most valuable of the squadron’s personnel assets. Most RED HORSE Commanders recognized this but only one Commander didn’t get it but even so a few senior NCOs were able to acquire assignments back to Korea; in spite of the one Commander, and the others having the foresight for historically not changing out an entire class yearly.

Having the methodology retained within cadre added insurance that someone or persons unknown would be there when adversity was encountered and would then advance an idea, or a mode and method for solving an equation when having some difficulty. Like the project for construction a facility funded at $31,000, a unique method of constructing a building over an existing Quonset hut Communications facility and then removing the older structure from within the newer one once it was erected, closed in, insulated, and with roof and sidewalls skinned. The method used was required due to the need for reducing the down time of a critical Korean Defense Communications asset. During the initial construction phases, until a final completion of the vertical structural facility, no down time was ever necessary as the crew even poured the expanded floor slab right up to the edge of the electrical service boards and gear attached to a remaining very small floor area left undisturbed. A remarkable achievement only possible through constant outstanding daily efforts and the leadership qualifications contributing factors in maintaining the quality standards expected from RED HORSE personnel.

The Detachment personnel had applied extensive job knowledge, experience, and managerial capabilities in such a manner as to reflect the most capable and viable RED HORSE spirit in support of the Korean Defense. Not only was this undertaken at Osan Air Base, but elsewhere like the construction project for Headquarters, 8th U.S. Army Garrison, located at Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea. This important RED HORSE project funded at $42,000 consisted of the construction, erection, and repair of a 30-foot by 120-foot PASCO preengineered metal building for use as a Department of Defense Dependent School Classroom facility. Due to the highly outstanding supervisory abilities and demonstrated astute job accomplishments the crew showed initiative and self-discipline it was always apparent from the beginning to the successful completion of the ninety-day construction period. Working with a strictly military crew, a total of sixteen personnel, this undertaking is but another example of the willingness to achieve highly successful results no matter the challenge, resources available or the conditions under which the tasks are performed.

Added to that are the facts; it can be said also, no matter how high up the agency is when tasking RED HORSE expertise. In October 1975 personnel built a RED HORSE covered storage building funded at $67,000 dollars. Each project completed had an active supervisory role that contributed to the, wealth and depth, efforts for training needs of all crafts persons assigned to this unique Air Force Construction Team. Concrete crews personally assisted in placing, screeding and finishing 10,000 square feet of concrete floor slabs. Their work and skills were abundant as were the carpentry steel erection crews working on projects having the perfect training opportunities.
The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

554th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON HEAVY REPAIR UNIT HISTORY
Written By: CMSgt Wayland Davis

YEAR 1975

The 554th Civil Engineering Squadron Heavy Repair was constituted and activated on October 11, 1965. It was assigned to 13th Air Force and received its orders through the Deputy Chief of Staff/Civil Engineering, 13th Air Force, Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines. The year began and set the stage for project wrap up and phase down for Red Horse activities in Thailand. A team was deployed to NKP to dismantle modular dormitories and provide supervision for the retrieval for large quantities of AM-2 matting. With that success the squadron expedited the completion of those projects underway at U-Tapao while simultaneously canceling unneeded projects. As the Sept-Oct class change began command started shifting manning, building up the two 50 man detachments to approximately 100 men each. The shift of the heavy construction vehicle fleet began too as vehicles were shipped to Korea and the Philippines under the surveillance of our own guards and with retaining convoy control. Then a detachment was deployed to Kadena having vehicles for accomplishing foundation demolition, fencing, road construction and building a new fire training facility.

The Osan, Korea detachment accomplished a “first” when it deployed a team into an Army base at Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea to build a classroom building for the DOD school. The Kunsan detachment developed a new concept by abutting two modular dorms together to form a single structure, far superior for the winter climate of Korea. The Clark detachment performed unique projects in support of the satellite communications systems.

In December 1975, Headquarters, United States Air Force issued the Movement Order to move 554th headquarters to Osan, Korea and the final exodus from U-Tapao began. The headquarters was established at Osan, on January 5, 1976. Another significant series of “firsts” began on January 16, 1976 when a detachment was deployed by KC-135 an air force plane to Guam. This was the first time the 554th was put into action on US soil, and the first time a PACAF RED HORSE Unit provided mission support for a SAC air base.

——————————————————————————–
36th TFS Developments 14 Jul 1975 F-4Es participated in the Sin Gal Highway Airstrip Landing Exercise, the first of its kind in South Korea during Team Spirit 75. Several highways in South Korea are designed for emergency use as landing strips. (Source: 36th Fiends History.)
——————————————————————————–

USFK Developments A variety of joint-exercises were instituted. On March 17, 1975, a small array of exercises, which had been carried out since 1961 were incorporated into the Doksuri (Foal Eagle) Exercise. On May 5 the Ulchi Exercise (ROK) and the Focus-Lens Exercise (the ROK and the US) were combined to become the Ulchi Focus-Lens Exercise.

The tensions on the peninsula increased. On March 19 Tunnel No. 2 was discovered. As a result, the ROK took measures to bolster their defense posture. On June 30 the ROK Combat Reserve Forces was created. On Sept. 22, the Civil Defense Corps was created.

Internationally, on April 23, 1975, the ROK signed the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.

On 20 Jun 1975, Secretary of Defense Schlesinger acknowledged that the US had tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Korea. He warned that America “cannot foreclose any option” infending aginst a NK invasion, but adds that nuclear weapons would be used only as a last resort. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p187, Command Historian’s Office, USFK/EUSA)

On 25 Jul 1975 a DOD spokesman announced that the USAF fighter squadrons at Osan and Kunsan area at their normal 18-20 aircraft strength. Units had been operating at the 13-178 level during the Vietnam era. USFK manning increased from 38,000 back to 42,000 levels. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p187, Command Historian’s Office, USFK/EUSA)

The UNC flag is removed from most US military installations in Korea on 9 Sep 1975 This action, begun on 16 August, leaves the flag at sites where approximately 300 US forces are directly connected with UNC functions and lowers it at those bases where American personnel are serving under the 1954 US-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. AP reports the move is designed to counter the Communists’ 11 August demand that US troops serving under the UN flag in Korea be withdrawn. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p189, Command Historian’s Office, USFK/EUSA)
——————————————————————————–

ROK Developments On 9 Apr 1975 some 3,000 youths from five universities clash with police in a “demand for restoration of democracy.”

President Park issued Emergency Measures 8 and 9. The former withdraws troops from and reopened Korea University which was closed on 8 Aprl due to student demonstrations. The latter banned all acts opposing the 1972 Yushin Constitution which strengthened presidential authority. It also limited the outflow of capital from the country.

——————————————————————————–

Tensions over Human Rights Violations There was growing criticism of the Americans against human rights violations by the Korean government. In 1975, Jimmy Carter in running for President told the Washington Post that he saw no reason for American troops to be stationed in South Korea and that, if elected, he would pull them out along with the nuclear weapons stationed there. In the 1992 publication, Kim Young-Sam and the The New Korea (p99) it states, “Carter apparently wanted to removed the “trip-wire” U.S. force to avoid any possibility of an American entanglement in a future land war in Asia. But Carter also appeared to be motivated by his and his advisers’ deep antagonism to the authoritarian government in South Korea and its violations of human rights. It appears that they were also heavily influenced by the so-called Koreagate scandal of 1971 involving a lobbyist for South Korea, Tong-sun Park, with ties to the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.” Koreagate involved the dispersal of between $500,000 to $1 million annually in cash gifts and campaign contributions. President Jimmy Carter’s plan to withdraw the ground troops of the US from South Korea caused grave concerns for the national security. The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff warned of the superiority of the North Korean forces, but did recommend a scaling down of the American forces.

——————————————————————————–

1976

Songbuk Elementary School (1976) (Songbuk Elementary School) (NOTE: The soil embankment at the front of school has been replaced with concrete bleachers.)

——————————————————————————–

The Jaeil Theater was a fixture in since the 1960s. However, by the 1976 there was also the Seojung (later Jungang) Theater that was at the top of the Milwal Road as well. According to local residents, this theater could seat about 200, but never had more than 30 people at a time. The Jaeil Theater was up the street from the “Y” intersection leading to Shinjang Mall Road. (NOTE: Across the street from the Kyungmin Bank is the Woori Bank. Up the block at the florist, turn right and there is an empty area across from the Jungang Sauna. This is where the Jaeil Movie Theater was located.)

(L) Jaeil Theater (Circa late 1970s) (51st FW Archives) (R) Jaeil Theater (1976) (Harry Tezlaf)

(L) Old Jaeil Theater location (2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan) (Notice the house in the background of old photo and the house in this photo.) (R) Old Jaeil Theater location (2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan)

Tanhyeon Road (MSR-1) at the old intersection to the Shinjang Mall Road. (2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan) (The road is heading up the ridgeline. The Kyungmin Bank is on the left. Behind the bank was where the bus depot was. One block up to the right behind the Woori Bank was where the Jaeil Theater was.)

——————————————————————————–

Construction on Shinjang Road Overpass Started Construction on the overpass officially started on 29 Sep 1976. The Milwal Road expansion had taken place with the left side (heading up the hill) being cut back about fifteen feet and the right side cut back about 7 feet. The Shinjang Road was straightened so that it went straight ahead to the Main Gate. Then the road was cut to the overpass. The people who lost their homes were compensated with money — not land — but the monetary sum didn’t cover the personal losses. The majority of the people affected were the North Korean refugees who had resettled in the Milwal area.
——————————————————————————–

Seoul, South Korea, April 8, 1976: “One if by sea, two if by Greyhound” might be the battle cry as three members of the U.N. Command Honor Guard, wearing Revolutionary War uniforms, board a bus at Yongsan Garrison. The retro garb and specially-decorated bus were in honor of America’s Bicentennial; the musket-toting servicemembers were, left to right, Spec. 4 Elmer Jones of Port Orchard, Wash.; Pfc. David Anderson of Decatur, Ill.; and E4 Jeff Mabus of Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. (8 Apr 1976) (Stars and Stripes)

——————————————————————————–

U-2 Detachment Established at Osan: Det 2, 100th SRW The U-2 program remained under the reigns of the CIA from 1954 until 1974 when it was turned over to the United States Air Force. In February 1976, personnel from the 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing(SRW) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base(AFB), Arizona and the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron(SRS) at operating location UA, U-Tapao Airfield Thailand, deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK), to establish a 90 day test program.

The first Temporary Duty(TDY) Commander was Colonel L. M. Kidder who was replaced in late March 1976 by Lieutenant Colonel R.B. Birkett. In April of that year the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed the 99th SRS to move from U-Tapao to Osan.

In mid-May 1976, Lieutenant Colonel David G. Young arrived with the last contingent from U-Tapao and replaced Lieutenant Colonel Birkett. Shortly after his arrival, Lieutenant Colonel Young established the “Blackcat” as the Operating Location(OL) nickname. In 1976, Detachment 2, 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (later the 5th RS, 9th RW) began monitoring and intelligence-gathering duties. In July 1976, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry C. Sinclair arrived as the first Permanent Change of Station(PCS) Commander. In September 1976, the 100th SRW was inactivated and OL-AO became Detachment 2 of the 9th SRW of Beale AFB, CA. (Source: GlobalSecurity.org, Blackcats.net and TaiwanAirpower.org: U-2.)

——————————————————————————–

554th CESHR Squadron “Red Horse” The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA
Headquarters, 554th CESHR Squadron
Written By: CMSgt Wayland Davis

On January 5, 1976, with that date Air Force Orders established 554th Headquarters at Osan Air Base, Korea. RED HORSE personnel moved into Liberty Hall that year and off the flight line billeting that had served as a barracks up until that period. The construction and cost of a $295,000 dollar Osan Air Base Recreation Center, a 17,900 square foot building; appropriately called the Mustang Recreation Center, was underway also was the renovation of the 20,000 square foot Base Dinning Hall project. Through outstanding management, pre-planning, and direct supervision outstanding results were achieved on both projects.

With the selection of a Project Manager construction of a funded cost of $48,000 dollars a 2,400 square foot Base Procurement Office and a funded $67,000 dollar 2,800 square foot Civilian Personnel Office buildings, and a Fire Training Facility began. Both buildings were constructed of cement masonry blocks, wooden trusses, and having corrugated asbestos roofing material. By using the employed and unique methods well developed to control the requirement for constant heating controls the laying of masonry unit blocks and pouring of the concrete floor slabs during sub-freezing weather was made possible using heaters and plastic covering.

A Vehicle Operations building funded at $47,000 dollars was also begun with the foundation slab and footings poured using these same methods RED HORSE was making use of the many H-1 portable aircraft heaters from the Aircraft Ground Equipment Section. These four vertical construction projects were well funded in excess of $162,000 dollars. There were many future projects in the RED HORSE construction program having a total estimated cost in excess of $1,500,000 dollars.

Approximately 1,000 cubic yards of concrete was used in the construction of numerous projects during the period. Extra labor and man-hours were necessary while cold weather construction continued especially to obtain an acceptable finished product. All personnel showed an outstanding attitude thoroughly understanding the necessity for the extra effort and that extra effort aided in accomplishing a viable construction program year around in Korea. The exterior painting and joint finishing of interior walls and ceilings by the paint shop for all completed and current projects were costing approximately $750,000 most of the retrograde metal buildings required extensive protective coatings and finished in specially applied paints. Newly installed wallboard required joint taping and sanding. Surfaces used inside on wooden wall framed offices and shop maintenance spaces required near perfection as workmanship was sought and demanded by upper management.

Professional quality and quantity was achieved by working harder and longer for meeting deadlines. Construction of a 4,500 square foot building for a tenant organization flying the U-2 aircraft was worked on by a twelve-hour shift, seven days per week. The entire facility was renovated, painted, and occupied within ten calendar days.

Shop supervisors and work leaders mostly young Staff Sergeants and those below in rank resulted in making such an effort possible due to their outstanding combined joint efforts but this was the expected norm for the 554th RED HORSE enlisted personnel. A project manger is usually assigned to only one project, however, the more experienced mid-level managers are sometime asked to take responsibility for two $70,000 dollar projects, since they had demonstrated the capacity to manage the projects simultaneously achieving outstanding results on each. This takes a very mature person having a solid based responsible attitude rarely observed in most but not as unusual as it might seem. RED HORSE personnel were well trained by the time this event occurred and management expected more from the very special naturally high achievers.

But working in a shop, as a craftsman, or in an Administrative office they all contributed greatly to the completed picture of a highly functional organization. Others like the Cost Accountants and Operations Center also helped to keep, command and management alike, on the right tract and having a solid footing for cost expenditures so as not to exceed the project뭩 funded cost approvals set by PACAF, Headquarters, by the establishment of local cost procedures, and reporting monthly cost data first to Headquarters 554th CESHR and then to PACAF. Accurate cost summaries of all funded and unfounded cost were closely tracked for remaining strictly on target. Mandatory reporting was always rendered in a timely manner and was error free. Comprehensive and auditable ledgers were achieved through project initiatives and the development of local forms to summarize cost daily on each project. A resources manager could better tract his cost more frequently just by a daily glancing at the available local forms. Commended by the Headquarters, PACAF Civil Engineering Management Evaluation Team for establishing an excellent program. A necessary tool required for preventing or not exceeding the approved funded cost on each project. The Cost Accountants were the first line of defense to avoid a cost overrun and they did a superb and challenging job under pressure and sometimes delayed reporting of data but always being highly informed individuals capable of the increased responsibilities.

Sometimes some projects rise in importance and when called upon RED HORSE personnel would meet or exceed any challenge by providing the management and technical skills necessary to construct a Department of Defense Dependent School Classroom facility. This was yet another opportunity for RED HORSE to demonstrate versatility for accepting any and all construction project just because it was well known that the project could be and would be finished on time, within budget, and a quality product produced. The completed school facility was completed in time for a fall opening. Squadron members maintained high self-imposed standards for maintaining quality construction and demonstrated outstanding managerial abilities and leadership even from the young Airman and NCOs assigned to the squadron who could be totally relied upon to accomplish great responsibilities, under pressure, cost constraints, and manpower. All of these performed without daily direct supervision.

Project Manger for the renovation of the Osan Base Dinning Hall, consisting of a complete rehabilitation of the 40,000 square feet of floor space, dinning and kitchen areas were funded at $418,000. The project was necessary for maintaining acceptable Air Force Environmental and Dinning standards. The challenge was accepted willingly and through constant managerial alertness and technical knowledge this would expedited the completion of the single most important project since the feeding of the troops was essential to the morale and well being of all personnel assigned to Osan Air Base. By using efficient scheduling methods and uncanny approaches towards supply management remarkable results were achieved.

A few of the problems encountered were in the supporting utilities systems that had to be repaired or replaced as discovery of the deteriorated conditions were made known but those could not have been planned for since they were hidden utilities within walls or floor slabs. However, the ability to schedule such additions to the total work necessary on the jobsite when such potential delays were encountered were resolved quickly and the construction was unparalleled in the manner in which it was managed and supported.

The supply and material control sections effectively and efficiently procured local resources of available materials and supplies. Effective scheduling of manpower resources and capable leadership were shown while working towards an established deadline of July 1, 1976 the project was completed prior to that scheduled date.

The construction of the Canine뭩 Kennel was noteworthy due to freezing weather conditions and the scope of this project for an early completion date requested requiring many hours of additional off-duty time. In the month of December 1976, the crew worked in snow and freezing rains erecting a temporary building shell to protect the project so work could continue throughout the winter months so that the concrete footings and floor could be poured. By erecting this protective shell the project was completed far ahead of schedule. This was the technique of choice most used on all projects during the winter months in Korea.

It was a natural and normal effort to keep all our workforces gainfully employed and to demonstrate a year-round capability of the, 밐ORSE,?to go anywhere and accomplish anything asked of the squadron. The structural concrete crew poured 285 cubic yards of concrete and steel toweled floor slabs to a uniform finish on the many structural projects during this period of construction.

On November 1976 to November 1977, a major effort was underway for the construction, erection, and repair of eleven modular dormitories erected at Osan Air Base. Eight of the buildings were joined together; a new technique developed by a Kunsan Air Base NCO in Detachment 1, 554th CESHR, to make four individual two-story dormitories consisting of 16,800 square feet of living areas, latrines, dayrooms and a laundry room. Each facility had forty-eight two men rooms providing a modern living environment for ninety-six enlisted personnel. Each new completed dormitory was outfitted with new and decorative furnishings, central heat and air conditioning system, and spacious dayrooms. The total project cost exceeded $2,000,000 dollars and provided for two single officer and one visiting officers?dormitories, as well as the four airman dormitories. In the time specified, four of the facilities were completed with the three remaining buildings to be completed by December 31, 1977. Some of the very best people worked on this massive vertical structural construction effort and being a top priority the project received the required manpower, equipment and resources of both materials and supplies.

Colonel Billy Reaves, Commander, inspecting Modular Dormitory (1974)

Officers Modular Dormitory (1978)

As well, a competent daily management team maintained outstanding progression on the completed four of these dormitories with the remaining under various stages of completion reflecting the most capable and consistently professional results while exposed to adverse weather conditions, had limited manpower and sometimes experienced constant material delays. Although, those were factors to be managed, being always on the minds of each and every member within the squadron, in some ways each of them were playing a huge part also in the construction effort. Having the foresight to take precautions whenever required in doing so during the winter months to preclude job stoppages and to gain full utilization from the workforce, assignments held steady at fifty military and Korean Nationals with some additional special requirements backfilled when ever heavy equipment and an operator were necessary during the foundation footings and erection phases were underway.

In addition, most of the personnel worked numerous overtime hours finishing concrete to achieve an acceptable end product and to ensure protection of the freshly poured concrete by providing a heating capability as has been further explained therein. One Project Manager of a project site was often seen working on his project even during the normal lunch periods taking the absolute minimum time off necessary for him to eat but also working very late into the night toweling concrete and even before a completed building was inspected for acceptance always doing a final clean-up and touch-up as required for maintaining a better finished product. This type of dedication was not an exception but was the rule since RED HORSE personnel of the 554th CESHR daily showed their own devotion to duty and it was well known to all involved in the program and to the Commanders of Osan Air Base and the 314th Air Division Commanding General. These visual acts and distinctive accomplishments and actions reflected self-motivation and organizational pride.

The Project Mangers carried a tremendous workload upon their shoulders each of them charged with the responsibility for the workmanship, time accountability, resources management, and the scheduling of equipment; in the process had to utilize badly deteriorated modulux modules, bent frame sections having damaged roofs now each having been used within two other countries previously, i.e., Vietnam and Thailand assets, and finally in Korea. Expected to construct a quality livable facility to ease the critical housing shortage on Osan and Kunsan Air Bases. The challenges would be met and exceeded with the completion of an outstanding real property asset to the base occupants and the 51st COMPOSITE Wing and the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. The completed dormitories met the scrutiny of base officials, PACAF Headquarters, the Chief of Staff, Air Force and Department of Defense their comments given were all highly favorable and received due to the combined efforts of all assigned personnel during the period. Again, as much effort was undertaken in all other assignments working simultaneously on other important RED HORSE projects.
The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

554th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON HEAVY REPAIR UNIT HISTORY
Written By: CMSgt Wayland Davis

YEAR 1976

April, 1976 was a milestone month for the squadron as it moved into a new dormitory at Osan, Korea, withdrew the successful detachment from Guam, temporarily deactivated the detachment at Kadena, initiated mobility/contingency training in Korea, and deployed a detachment to CCK, Taiwan. By mid- May 1976, Headquarters received word that PACAF had approved the conversion of the TDY detachment at Clark AB to a PCS detachment starting October 1, 1976. At the end of May the TDY team at U-Tapao, Thailand had completed it’s job of dismantling modular dorms and metal buildings and withdrew for that Southeast Asian country. These were the last RED HORSEMEN to depart Southeast Asia and a chapter in the 554th CESHR Squadron history was closed.

By June to the year ending 1976, the many pavement projects at Clark AB were finished prior to the rainy season, the new RED HORSE compounds at Osan and Kunsan air bases were well underway and the 554th CESHR was preparing for the $10.0 million construction program ahead. The dedicated professional men that carried on with the CAN DO-WILL DO traditions and legends of the RED HORSE spirit made this list of outstanding accomplishments possible. You can be proud of your tour with serving the HORSE. 554th CESHR,

Joe G. Winslow,
Colonel, USAF, Commander.

——————————————————————————–
Det 1 19 TASS at Camp Casey Detachment: 1, 19th TASS operated at Camp Casey, ROK frp, 15 Apr 1976 to 8 Jan 1980.
——————————————————————————–

Jimmy Carter takes office Jimmy Carter was elected President (1976-1980). Carter made little effort to conceal his contempt for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He believed that as few as 200 atomic nuclear devices would be sufficient to deter the Soviet Union. This brought him nose-to-nose with the military whose philosophy was to maintain overwhelming fire-power. Carter believed in nuclear disarmament — and killed the B-1 program, substituting the air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) project instead. (The secret B-2 program was also a factor in cancelling the B-1.) The ALCM had its origins in the AGM-86 SCA (subsonic cruise armed decoy) and, at the time of Carter’s announcement, was planned as a bargaining chip to be given away at the armament limitartion talks. Carter worked aout a deal for the approval of the MX (later named the Peacekeepter) in exchange for military backing on the disarmament talks (SAL) in progress with the Soviet Union. (Source: Beyond the Wild Blue, Walter J. Boyne, pp248-249)
——————————————————————————–

First Team Spirit: On June 7, 1976. the Team Spirit Exercise was first carried out. This type of exercise had been carried out for years in Korea testing the forces from Japan, Okinawa and stateside. However, this was the first time they were tied together into an all-encompassing scenario that tasked various units in the war skills that they would be expected to perform in the event of an invasion by North Korea. Instantly, North Korea rattled its sabre threatening violence. It continued to rattle its sabre for the entire time that Team Spirit was in existence. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p194, Command Historian’s Office, USFK/EUSA)
——————————————————————————–

Tree Cutting Incident: On Aug. 18, 1976, two U.S. Army officers attempting to cut down a tree in the demilitarized zone were attacked and killed by North Korean border guards. Known as the “tree-cutting incident,” it triggered a quick build-up of forces as tensions with North Korea increased. All units on the peninsula — including the aircraft at Kunsan and Osan — were placed on alert.

The Tree-cutting incident is described at the VFW Post 7591 Site has a description of the incident.

The Attack Begins

On Wednesday 18 August 1976 at 1040 hours in the morning, a United Nations Command (UNC) work force of five Korean Service Corps (KSC) personnel accompanied by and UNC security force, including the Joint Security Force (JSF) Commander, Captain (P) Arthur G. Bonifas of Newburgh, New York, First Lieutenant Mark T. Barrett of Columbia, South Carolina, and one Republic of (South) Korean Army (ROKA) officer started to prune a large tree in the vicinity of UNC Check Point #3. This tree partially obscured the view between UNC Check Point #3 and UNC Check Point #5. In addition the unpruned tree was also blocking the view of the “Bridge of No Return” from “Freedom House.” Shortly after the KSC work force arrived at the tree and began to cut it back, (North) Korean People’s Army (KPA) personnel appeared at the work site. For a short time, the KPA security force observed the pruning without apparent concern. Suddenly, the KPA security force commander demanded that the JSF commander cease pruning or there would be trouble. Captain Bonifas did not order the operation stopped. Senior Lieutenant Pak Chul of the KPA, seeing that he was losing control, took off his wristwatch, wrapped it in his handkerchief and put it in his pocket. Another North Korean rolled up his sleeves. Lieutenant Pak then shouted “MI KUN UL CHU KI GI CHA.” Translated, it means, “Kill the U.S. Aggressors.”; the UNC security force was attacked by a superior force of 30 KPA guards wielding pick handles, knives, clubs, and axes. Senior Lieutenant Pak jumped on Captain Bonifas from the back forcing him to the ground where Bonifas was beaten to death. 1LT Barrett was also attacked. The KPA soldiers used the mattox and axes the tree trimming detail was using prune the tree as weapons. The North Korean attack was broken up when a UNC soldier drove his 2 1/2 ton truck into the fight and over Captain Bonifas to protect him. The UNC Security Force then withdrew but not before two American Army Officers were murdered and, a ROKA officer, three Korean Augmentees to the US Army (KATUSA) and four US enlisted men were wounded.
Later on Aug 21, a force of Americans — without ROKs — entered the area unannounced with a truck and a number of American soldiers armed with mattocks (axe handles as weapons are not authorized in the DMZ). From Operation Paul Bunyon, Gary Travis stated, “Engineers would cut down the poplar tree near the south end of The Bridge of No Return and Checkpoint Three. The bridge was site of POW exchanges in 1953 as well as the return of the surviving crew of the USS Pueblo, which was captured in 1968. Our battalion would have other companies in orbiting Hueys and our own Alpha co. would be near the worksite to provide immediate backup in case of any interference from the North Koreans.” He continued, “Lest we cause an international incident, our people had axe handles and if necessary would use riot-control tactics. The rifles were on a stripped-down truck atop sandbags. The sandbags were used to deaden any mine explosion…the truck would be to the rear of the troops. The NK’s had automatic weapons and would be able to inflict heavy casualties before our people got to their weapons. Thanks a lot, Kissinger.” The tree was cut down and the troops left the area. The North Koreans took no action. (NOTE: Camp Bonifas was renamed for Capt. Art Bonifas.)

Most significant, but not often mentioned was that the hotline between Seoul and Pyongyang was cutoff in August 1976 as a result of the Tree-cutting Incident. This hotline would not be resumed until 1995 after a nuclear standoff brought North Korea to the brink of being attacked. President Kim Yong-sam requested that the hotline be reestablished to prevent a future disaster.

(See Operation Paul Bunyon

——————————————————————————–

1977

Outside Main Gate to Access Highway (9 June 1977) (36th Fiends Site)

Shinjang Road Overpass Completed Construction on the overpass officially started on 29 Sep 1976 and was completed on 10 May 1977. It was constructed by the Kaelim Construction Company. The overpass was 15 feet wide and 180 feet long. Max carrying load was 54 tons. (Source: Marker on Shinjang Overpass Bridge)

Marker on Shinjang Overpass (Sep 2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan)

Shinjang Overpass Toward Main Gate (2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan)
In conjunction with this overpass construction, there was massive reconstruction of roads in the area. The first phase was the straightening and expansion of Shinjang Road and the Milwal Road. Then the Taegwang School Road was built to Seojong and the roads in the Shinjang 2-dong area was laid out in a grid pattern. (NOTE: Shinjang 2-dong had not been established at the time.) Within the Jungang Market area, the Fashion Road was expanded and the Jungang Market Road cut through the area.

Afterwards, the Mokcheon Rail crossing was eliminated and a barricade fence installed. The barricade actually went up in about 1976. Kalani O’Sullivan then with the 610th MASS from Yokota remembers that the barricade was up in 1976 when he came TDY to Osan. Across from the Shinjang Railspur there was an off-limits sign for after-hours, but he couldn’t read well and used to buy old Korean money, stamps and coins from a cart peddler down near the barricade everytime he came in TDY. The Mokcheon Underpass — a 100 feet down from the old Mokcheon Railway Crossing — was constructed between 2000-2004, at about the same time as the Mokcheon Pedestrian Underpass at the old Mokcheon Railway Crossing.

——————————————————————————–

Nuclear Weapons Storage at Osan Deactivated During the mid-1970s, US nuclear weapons storage sites in South Korea included Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, Kwang Ju Air Base, Camp Ames, Camp Colbern, and Batteries A-F of the 44th Air Defense Artillery’s 2nd Battalion. The nuclear weapons storage site at Osan was deactivated late in 1977. (Source: Camp Ames.)
——————————————————————————–

U.S. Nuclear Reorganization in the Pacific; Nuclear Weapons Storage Closed at Osan (S/FRD) The physical security of stored nuclear weapons and other munitions was a matter of continuing study and interest. From 5 to 11 February and IG team visited the U.S. Naval Magazine at Guam. From 6 to 10 June another team, this time supplemented by an officer from CINCPAC’s Operations Directorate, inspected the physical security of nuclear weapons stored in Korea at Camp Ames and Kunsan and Osan Air Bases. (As noted in the Operations chapter of this history, the nuclear weapons storage site at Osan was deactivated later in the year.) A third visit, again with Operations Directorate support, was made to two branch facilities of the Naval Magazine at Lualualei, Hawaii, the West Loch and Waikele branches, on Oahu. From 30 October through 3 November an IG team, again with Operations Directorate support, conducted an inspection of the Physical security of nuclear weapons stored at the U.S. Naval Magazine at Adak, Alaska.” (Source: Nautilus.org.) (NOTE: Nuclear Weapons storage shifted to Camp Ames at Waegan near Taegu.)
——————————————————————————–

554th CESHR Squadron “Red Horse” The addition of 26 aircraft shelters and revetments anticipating the arrival of F-111, F-15, and A-10 aircraft were completed between 1977-1979. The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

554th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON HEAVY REPAIR UNIT HISTORY
Written By: CMSgt Wayland Davis

YEAR 1977-1978

With the establishment of the 554th CESHR Squadron at Osan Air Base in 1976 it was reassigned to Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and received its orders through the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Engineering and Services, Pacific Air Forces. A majority of the squadron personnel were stationed at the home base at Osan. A PCS detachment was in operation at Kunsan Air Base, Korea but the Clark AB, 554th detachment had been phased out in December 1977. During the year ending, Headquarters had deployed TDY teams again to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan and in Korea at Taegu Air Base, Kwang-Ju Air Base, Saechon ROK Air Force Base, Kim-Hae Air Force Base, Suwon ROK Air Base, and Kooni Range. The expanded mission of the 554th CESHR was to provide a combat engineer element to the tactical forces in the field by providing a rapid response capability within the US Air Force to augment base civil engineering forces in the event of heavy bomb damage or disaster; for accomplishing major repairs and to provide expeditionary airfields and austere cantonment facilities to support the initial air operations; and to upgrade and expand those facilities into a sustaining posture on a priority basis to insure continuity or air operations in accordance with the tasks assigned by the Deputy Chief of Staff/Civil Engineering and Services, Pacific Air Forces. The 554th CESHR Squadron during this latter period, 92 projects were completed with a funded cost of $7, 061,200 and a total estimated cost of $9, 858,300. This feat represents the highest level of construction ever attained by a RED HORSE unit. The men who were assigned to the HORSE doing the year have every right to be proud of their accomplishments. When leaving Korea, look around you and notice all of the changes that have been made to Osan and Kunsan air bases and other bases in Korea as well as throughout PACAF, and take pride in the fact that you made most of these changes. 554th CESHR, Arthur J. Hartmann, Colonel, USAF, Commander.

——————————————————————————–
Murder in Anjung-ni According to the Pyeongtaek History, on 12 Nov 1977, John Slaw (?) murdered Yu Eu-hae after she refused to have sex with him by strangling her. The murder occurred in Pyongson-myeon, Anjong-ni indicating the individual was most likely from Camp Humphreys. Outcome of this incident unknown. However, because it was a serious crime, the ROK police would have retained jurisdiction — though the individual would have remained in US custody until a final verdict by the Korean courts was reached. (Source: Pyeongtaek City History CD, “Pyeongtaek Si Sa.”)
——————————————————————————–

Grassroot US Movement to Disengage from Korea: Along with the U.S. assistance to upgrade the Korean military hardware, there was a move to disengage from Korea. On 9 Jan 1977 controvery continued over President-elect Carter’s plan to gradually withdraw US ground troops from Korea. Voicing caution were the New York Times which said such reduction would not only alarm Seoul and Tokyo, but also Peking which is concerned with growing Soviet strength in Eastern Siberia; the Association of the US Army which outlinesthe risks and has tehm entered in the Congressional Record; and DOD position papaers on Korea which point out that “the presence of US troops shows resolve, deters aggression and is no more expensive than basing the forces in CONUS.” Additional, General Vessey, CINCUNC, notes in a Washington Post interview that “NK has tow powerful allies less than 500 miles from Seoul, while the only country committed to the ROK’s defense is 8,000 miles away.”

On May 11, 1977, the ROK-US started the talks on the reduction of the USFK. In the U.S., there was a grass-roots movement to bring the American troops home — a fallout from the stinging defeat in Vietnam and bitter memories of that war. President Jimmy Carter had made this a campaign promise during his run for the Presidency.

The fall of South Vietnam, the growing criticism of the Americans against human rights violations by the Korean government, and President Carters withdrawal plan caused grave concerns in Korea with respect to national security. US-Korean relations became strained in connection with the kidnapping of Kim Dae-Jung in August 1973 by the Korean CIA (KCIA), coupled with Congressional investigation of activities of Korean officials and businessmen in the United States in what became known as the Koreagate affair with investigations of Korean businessman, Park Tong-son.
——————————————————————————–

36th TFS F-4E Painting (36th Fiends Site)

——————————————————————————–

Change in 36th TFS Mission On 1 Jan 1977, the mission of the 36th changed. The mission of the 36th was primarily air superiority, with air to ground being secondary. (Source: 36th Fiends History.)

This change reflects the increase in the ROKAF and ROK Army capabilities to handle the ground support role. Army AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and A-37s transferred after the fall of Vietnam were felt to be better suited for close air support (CAS) in the mountainous terrain of Korea. (NOTE: The Cobra was supplanted by the Apache AH-64A in the 1980s and later the Apache Longbow AH-64D in June 2003. However, the Cobra still represents a major leap forward in the evolution of rotary aircraft. The Cobra is outfitted with a 20mm minigun, 40mm grenade launcher, and from 7 to 19 rocket pods that each carry a 2.75 inch caliber air to surface missile.) But the truth was the aging F-4E was not really designed for a CAS role as would be required in the mountainous terrain of the DMZ in case of an North Korean invasion.

Highway landing Team Spirit 77 (1977) (36th Fiends Site)
Highway landing Team Spirit 77 (1977) (36th Fiends Site)

Col Sandrock inspects jets after Sin Gal Highway strip landing, Team Spirit 77 (1977) (36th Fiends Site)
Take off from Sin Gal Highway Team Spirit 77 (1977) (36th Fiends Site)

Taxi out at Sin Gal Highway strip landing, Team Spirit 77 (1977) (36th Fiends Site)
1977 Flyin’ Fiends (1977) (36th Fiends Site)

Trans-Korea Pipeline (TKP) Operations Requirement for petroleum pipeline delivery was recognized early in the Korean War when assault pipelines were used to augment the totally inadequate rail and highway delivery systems. Studies in 1968 revealed that the petroleum distribution system in Korea could not support wartime requirements for a sufficient period to allow construction of facilities stated in contingency plans. Therefore, constructionof the 258-mile underground high pressure TKP, completed in 1970, was justified solely as a contingency requirement. Since peacetime delivery requirements are less than the throughput capacity of 40,000 barrels (barrel=31.5 gallons) per day from Pohang to Seoul, two domestic companies (Honam Oil and Korea Oil Corporations) signed agreements with the US Government in mid-1971 to lease portions of this excess. By Sep 72 the latter had constructed a pipeline goining its refinery in Ulsan to the TKP, the two pipelines intersecting at Taegu. Previously, products had been transported by tanker from the refinery to Pohan and then pumped into the TKP.

During 1977 the pipeline moved 2,513.8 thousand barrels (MBBLS) of petroleum for military use and 7,941.6 MBBLS of commercially owned product. (Amounts moved in CY 76 were 2,413.3 and 6,251.6 MBBLS respectively.) Revenue for commercial throughput agreements totalled approximately $1.3 million.

——————————————————————————–

1978

Heading towards Main Gate area (1978) (Thomas Utts) (NOTE: Construction at Main Gate indicates the time period to be near 1978 when the Shinjang Road was being expanded. Note the stairs coming down at the Main Gate. Most of the shops have changed.)

Heading down Shinjang Mall Road (1978) (Thomas Utts) (NOTE: Most of shops in the photo are changed. Mike’s sign on right is Mikes Tailor Shop (now defunct) run by Mr. Chae. Aragon Club to the right. The Shinjang Mall Road turns right at the Victoria Hotel (with VFW sign) as it nears the rail spur.)

Jungang Open Market (1978) (Thomas Utts) (NOTE: Shot taken towards Fashion Alley (Myongdong Road). The Seoul Glass (window) shop Is now the Power Shop and the shop in the right foreground is now the Pyramid Shop.)

2005: (L) Jungang Open Market looking towards Shinjang Road (2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan) (NOTE: The Power Shop is in the location of the Seoul Glass Shop in 1978.) (R) Jungang Open Market looking towards Fashion Alley (Myongdong Road) (2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan) (NOTE: The Pyramid Shop is in the location of the shop in the right foreground with the awning in 1978. The owner of the Pyramid Shop in picture pointing out the shops in the 1978 photo.)

——————————————————————————–

Chunil Hotel Opens On Dec 1978 the Chunil Hotel opens with 33 beds. In 1979, the Chunil Hotel signed an Accommodation Services Contract with Osan Air Base. In 1997 Asia Hotel Opened. In 2004, the Chunil Hotel merged with the Asia Hotel. In Sep 2004 the hotel expanded to 88 room. In Dec 2004, it was registered as the Asia Tourist Hotel. (See Asia Hotel for details of hotel. This site features an exceptional map of the area.)

(R) Mr. Kim Jae-won, owner of the Asia Hotel, in front of the Asia Hotel. (Sep 2005) (Kalani O’Sullivan) (L) Asia Hotel (Jan 2006) (Kalani O’Sullivan)

——————————————————————————–

The following are photos by Harry Tezlaf were posted to the Osan Retired Activities Office. The vehicle overpass of the train tracks has been completed and the construction of new buildings in Songtan continued. The periodic flooding of low-lying areas continued as flood-control projects for the Chinwi River Floodplain was another 15 years away. The Seojongni area developed into a distinctly different area — strictly Korean — and not associated with the Americans except that it had the train station. The Americans clustered in the Songtan area and housing was spreading out around the base of Hill 180 in the Shinjang dong area. MSR-1 (Rte 1) from Osan-ni still ran along the base of the hill near the overpass past the Express Bus Terminal continued past the Seojong-ni Train Station and onto the Pyeongtaek Train Station. The business district was growing along the top of the hill up to MSR-1 in the Songbuk-dong area along Jean Road which branched off the MSR-1. Most of the present Jisan-dong was still rice paddies that would not be reclaimed until the 1990s.

Stores outside the Gate (Jan 1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Outside gate looking towards the vehicle overpass construction (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Songtan Shopping Area (1976) (Harry Tezlaf)

Yongchong Alley with Hilltop Club (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Meat Market (Jan 1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Movie theater in Songtan (Jan 1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Construction on the sidestreets of Songtan (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Construction from the Train Overpass (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

MSR-1 (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

MSR-1 Junction with road to Main Gate (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Overpass Junction just before MSR-1 intersection. (Notice the complete lack of cars.) (1978) Harry Tezlaf)

Papa Joe’s on other side of Overpass (NOTE: Relocated to Songtan side due to drop in business) (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Residential area in Songtan (1978) Harry Tezlaf)

Rooftop view of Songtan (Notice all the TV antennas. The ROK has only one TV station — but AFKN TV is broadcasting off-base (over-powered).) (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Overlooking Songtan (1978) Harry Tezlaf)

Paradise Lake recreation area (NOTE: Water unsanitary but frequented by GIs and dates — as there was not much else in the area.) (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

Flooding down Alley (1978) Harry Tezlaf)

Flooding down Alley (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

——————————————————————————–

Onbase: Baseball Game (1978) Harry Tezlaf)

Onbase: Pavilion area next to baseball field (May 1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

——————————————————————————–

Golf Course — 9 holes (1978) (Courtesy Ken Shallenbarger)

Tree Trimming On-base near Education Office and La Cantina Restaurant (1978) (Thomas Utts)

——————————————————————————–

Colonel Billy Reaves, Commander, inspecting Modular Dormitory (1974)

554th CESHR Squadron “Red Horse” An airfield taxi and runway overhaul project concluded in 1978. The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

554th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON HEAVY REPAIR UNIT HISTORY
Written By: CMSgt Wayland Davis

YEAR 1978-1979

The 554th CESHR Squadron뭩 construction program was continuing on with more major tasking by PACAF. A major project to construct a quick turn facility at Osan was started during the July-October 1978 period. This P-341 project required 7,000 cubic yards of concrete and provides more than four and a half acres of aircraft apron and one half mile of revetments. Significant progress was made on the WRM supply warehouse at Osan and the bomb pre-load facility at Kunsan. The WRM facility makes available an acre of covered storage. This building, the largest erected by RED HORSE in Korea, had a 100-foot clear span. Operation Location (OL) AA was established at Taegu Air Base with First Lieutenant James T. Ryburn as the commander. During October 1978 the OL began construction of a $1,167,000 dormitory project that will provide living space for 196 airmen. In addition to project construction, the squadron accomplished extensive planning for the joint United States-Korean Armed Forces Exercise-Team Spirit 1979. Site surveys and tent city layouts were developed for each site location. The HORSE threw its 멻ardhat in the corral?for the Robert H. Curtin Award and was selected as the Civil Engineering Squadron of the year in 1978 for Pacific Air Forces. Highlights of the year뭩 activities included: completion of 84 projects at six locations; management of a $7,281,700 in-house construction program; batching, hauling, and placing 15,000 cubic yards of concrete; erection of over 9 miles of revetment. The men who were assigned to the HORSE this year have every right to be proud of their accomplishments also. 554th CESHR, Commander, Thomas E. Colvin, Colonel, USAF.

——————————————————————————–
36 TFS Developments
7 Jan 1978 The 36 TFS deployed aircrews without aircraft to Cope Thunder 78-2.
The eight aircrew flew 3 TFW aircraft in the first Fiend deployment of this type.
24 Jan 1978
Eight F-15s from the 1 TFW arrive at Osan AB for DACT with the 36 TFS. It is the first operational deployment of the F-15s since their introduction to the USAF.

——————————————————————————–

ROK Developments: One of the most significant moves in Nov 1978 was the creation of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command (CFC). The Commander of the 8th Army was the commander of the CFC. The intent was to bring the ROK forces under the direct control of the UN command structure. The CFC was to take over the UNC’s responsibility for planning and, if necessary, directing the defense of Korea.

Later on December 12, 1979 the unilateral use of CFC dedicated ROK troops by Chun Doo-Hwan to back his coup would cause some great consternation. He used his forces without approval of the CFC commander (US forces commander) and the lack of response by the US is pointed to as “support” of Chun Doo-Hwan’s actions.

Tensions continued on the peninsula with the discovery of Tunnel No. 3 along the DMZ on 27 Oct 1978. Exiting four kilometers south of Panmunjom along the main invasion route to Seoul, the six-by-xif-foot interior could have accommodated a march by thousands of fully armed combat troops.

——————————————————————————–

President Carter’s Withdrawal Plan: On 31 Jan 77 Vice-President Mondale reaffirmed President Carter’s pledge to withdraw US ground troops (less intelligence, communication and logistics support personnel by 1961 or 1962. This move, whic would reduce the 40,000 US forces in Korea by two-thirds, would be accompanied by a build-up and indefinite retention of US air force units and compensatory US military aid for ROK forces. The plan was formalized at the Tenth US/ROK Security Consultative Meeting held in Seoul in Jul 77. A reduction of 6,000 men was ordered by the end of 1978, a timeframe which would also see the establishment of a combined (US-ROK) forces command. (SITE NOTE: North Korea welcomed with enthusiasm President Jimmy Carter’s withdrawal plan. Kim Il-sung even called Carter “a man of justice.” Understandably, Carter was not a beloved person in the eyes of Park Chung-hee. The Americans, particularly the leaders of the Democratic Party, maintained their pressure on the Korean government as President Park displayed certain anti-American feelings. Tensions increased between Korea and the U.S.)

On 18 Feb 77, President Carter invited Gen John W. Vessey, Jr. CINCUNC, to teh White House to discuss his decision. Gen Vessey was assured that his concerns would be thoroughly considered and that the drawdown would be accomplished in a manner which would not upset the military balance or contribute to instability on the Korean peninsula, and that he would be consulted on form and timing before reduction of Korea-based US troops began.

The withdrawal plan met with immediate approval in some circles and sharp criticism in others. Among those voicing concer was MG John K. Singlaub, UNC/USFK/EUSA Cofs, who was recalled by President Carter for publicly taking issue with stated national security policy. On 21 May 77, Singlaub had told a Washington Post interviewer that he agreed with Korean leaders that “if US ground troops are withdrawn on the schedule suggested it will lead to war.” The President, after metting with the general, decided not to reprimand or admonish him but approved a SECDEF recommendation for reassignment as FORSCOM’s Cofs, a position comparable to the one he held in Korea.

As 1977 wore on, the planned pullout continued to generate controversy and was exacerbated by the Park Tong-Sun case. Park, a wealthy Washington-based rice broker and socialite, was accused of trying to buy US congressional support for Korea through improper political contributions. The so-called bribery case received much unfavorable pulicity and became an important diplomatic issue between the US and Korea, one that threatened the traditional friendly relations between the two countries.

By mid-year, the US military command in Korea had assessed courses of action for dealing with reductions in US conventional ground forces. Plans and committes were formed to insure orderly withdrawal of targeted troops and coordinate formation of a combined ROK/US headquarters. Care was taken to insure that US soldiers in the field remained fully informed and motivated.

Agreements between the ROK and US governments on the reduction of US ground troops included a tentative timetable, assurances that the headquarters and two brigades of the 2d US Inf Div would remain in place until the final phase, and an arrangement whereby ROK armed forces would be bolstered in advance or parallel with withdrawals. This last amounts to cost-free transfer of $800 million worth of US military equipment now in Korea. There were indications, however, that a reluctant Congress would not act on the Administration’s request for the compensatory arms package, thus blocking or delaying deployments from Korea. At end CY 77, EUSA force reductions, under the Administration’s plan, remained in programmed stage with the 40,000-man US military presence in the ROK unchanged. By early 1978 there was mounting opposition to the US force reduction plan from congressional defense committees, the news media and veteran’s groups. Consensus was that the President’s unilateral decision was made without prior consultations with the Congress, had no support from free Asian nations and would neither save money nor prevent US involvment in any new conflict.

In Apr 78, President Carter sharply modified the withdrawal schedule. Citing Congressional uncertainty and delays in pledged American compensatory aid to the ROK, the US chief executive reducted 1978′s scheduled pullout of three infantry battalions to one battalion. The International Security Assistance Act of 1978 approved in Sep, authorized cost-free transfer of equipment to the ROK until 31 Dec 82 in conjunction with US combat force reductions; the Act also stated “it was the sense of Congress that any additional pullout of US troops from Korea might jeopardize security of the entire Northeast Asia region.” (Source: HQ USFK/EUSA Annual Historical Report, 1979, pp13-14)

In December 1978, the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division (Manchus) departed for the United States. The unit was part of the 2d ID 3d Bde and redeployed for temporary stationaing at Fort Riley, Kansas.
——————————————————————————–

8th TFW FOL at Taegu Started According to the FAS Intelligence , “The 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated on 01 October 1978 at Taegu Air Base, Korea, with 12 F-4D aircraft. The new squadron was an offset measure, designed to mitigate the effects president Carter’s plan to withdraw US ground forces from Korea. That plan was later canceled.”

The ADVON from the 80th TFS set up the operations at Taegu in 1978, but once the maintenance area was setup, the operations was turned over to the 497th TFS “Night Owls.” According to the 8th Wing Historian, the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Taegu AB (K-2) joined the 8th TFW as a “geographically separated flying squadron.”

The 497th TFS was officially transferred from the 8th TFW to the 51st Composite Wing (Tactical) on 1 January 1982. The 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron remained with the 51st TFW from 1 Jan 1982 to 24 Jan 1989.

497th TFS “Night Owls”

——————————————————————————–

1979
Education The Songshin Elementary School was established on 1 Jan 1963 with 6 classes. This was to meet the first major influx of students created by the refugee populations. By 1979, it had 63 classes as the population exploded. However, this influx of students was from the Miracle of the Han that moved factories and people into the area from the overcrowded Seoul area. (NOTE: However, by 2005 falling populations in the agricultural areas have caused rural school closures in the surrounding areas and the student population was split away to other under-utilized schools. In 2005, the classes had dropped to 24 classes.)

Alongside the Songshin Elementary School in 1963 was the Songwang Middle School in tents. In 1968, the Taegwang Middle School was established on the same location. In 1969, the Taegwang Chongup High School was established and became the Taegwang High School in 1972. (NOTE: By the 2000s, the declining school age populations had caused schools to close and Taegwang High School started showing a decline is class sizes by the 1990s, but Taegwang Middle School showed an increase in student population because of the consolidation of students caused by middle school closures.)

On 5 Nov 1979, the Osan American Elementary School opened with 35 students, 2 teachers, and a principal, serving grades 1-5. At the close of SY 79-80, the enrollment had nearly doubled and a third teacher had been added. In September 1980, a room in the Adult Education Center was modified to accommodate a Kindergarten. (Source: Osan American Elementary School)
——————————————————————————–

Songtan Dependence on Military Business In Songt’an, by the late 1970s, 80% of its 60,000 residents, including approximately 2,500 prostitutes, lived on income earned from U.S. military personnel. (Source: Editorial Board, Tos? Publishers, Sarang ? P’umasi,(Love for Sale), p. 94.)
——————————————————————————–

Songtan just outside the Main Gate (1979) (Ed Turi)

Songtan at the intersection to Overpass and Milwal road (NOTE: The sign post is very unusual and not shown in other photos of Milwal of the time. Sign post says to “Preserve the Environment for Future Generations.” Buildings still under reconstruction after road expansion.) (1979) (Ed Turi)

View of Mokchon Residence Alley from rooftop of Lt. Col. Hunt (1979) (Ed Turi)

Photos by Ed Turi of off-base area in 1979. (Address unk: Photos posted on Osan AB Yahoo Group)

——————————————————————————–

Pre-fab 2-story with 2-man rooms (NOTE: Prone to fire-hazard. Notice how windows “winterized.”)
Base Hospital in Korean War-era building (Notice the corrugated iron roofing and camo paint scheme.)

Base Theater at same location as present
View of Base toward north from atop Hill 180

“New” Main Gate built by 554th CESHR as seen from off-base
PX located along Songtan Blvd (Present Terminal area)

1st CEG, Det 9 atop Hill 180
1st CEG, Det 9 atop Hill 180

Photos by Ed Turi of Osan AB in 1979. Ed then assigned to 1st CEG, Det 9 on Hill 180. (Address unk: Photos posted on Osan AB Yahoo Group)

——————————————————————————–
554th CESHR Squadron “Red Horse” The following is from Robert G.”Andy” Anderson’s Red Horse Country:

554th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON HEAVY REPAIR UNIT HISTORY
Written By: CMSgt Wayland Davis

YEAR 1979-1980

554th CESHR, RED HORSE continued being the major Air Force construction engineers for the Pacific Air Forces Command setting a pace that would become hard for the others to follow. During the year the squadron still had deployed contingents in various locations in Korea, including now Chonju, ROK Air Force Base. A team of approximately 30 personnel was sent to Wake Island to do structural repair work. Work was also continuing on the final phases of the Kunsan AB, Bomb Pre-load Facilities and the Osan AB, quick turn-around airfield apron made of 12-inch concrete, and working 10 hours a day, seven days a week for eight months. Under extremely short notice RED HORSE built four helicopter landing pads near the DMZ for President Carter뭩 visit in 1979. The 554th including it뭩 detachment at Kunsan and Taegu was involved with constructing two off-base 밚ORAN?communications sites, for project 밅OMMANDO LION,?an addition to the Osan Hospital, a major repair project at Wake Island뭩 electrical power generation plant, and the Osan AB, new commissary which will cover two acres of floor space with an expected completion date of November 1981. DOD and SATAF would also task the Kunsan detachment for project 밅OMMANDO FALCON,?the conversion to the F-16 aircraft program within the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, and the Home of the Wolf pack. Seeking to continue the winning tradition RED HORSE people will continue demonstrating a kind of 몀ission impossible?capability and all of you assigned to the unit this year should be as proud of your achievements. 554th CESHR, Commander, William R. Sims, Colonel, USAF.

——————————————————————————–
USFK Developments: US President James Carter announced that the US would consider withdrawal of USFK. The shock of this announcement shook South Korea to its foundations. It never expected that the US would ever desert its “little brother.” Carter had made this a campaign promise and proposed this after he became President. The Carter administration’s military disengagement program was to pull out 37,000 American ground troops over a period of five years beginning in 1978. The forces were reduced by 3,900 in February 1979.

The original plan was to withdraw 6,000 troops by the end of 1978, but mounting pressure against the plan both in the U.S. and South Korea first reduced the number to 4,300. Following President Carter’s Korea visit in June 1979, the thorny issue of troops withdrawal was solved to the satisfaction of the Korean government as President Carter withdrew his plan for troop withdrawal.

On 9 Jan 1979, the USFK secured ROK government agreement to build 900 apartment units (700 in Yongsan, 200 at Osan AB) to help alleviate a crticial housing shortae for personnel serving two-year, command sponsored tours with their families. Ground breaking will take place 9 April.
——————————————————————————–

Political Unrest and Assassination of Park Chung-Hee: Brutal police repression of strikes and arrests of political leaders demonstrated the absence of political liberty. On October 16th students clashed with police in Pusan and quickly spread to other areas of the country. On October 17th martial law was declared. The student uprising continued with the worst violence since 1960. Tensions mounted as the violence was feared to spread to Seoul. In the midst of this, Park Chung Hee was assassinated.

On October 26, 1979, Park Chung-Hee was assassinated by Kim Chae-gyu, director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency. Also slain was Cha Ji-chul, chief of presidential security and four bodyguards. An extraordinary cabinet session desinated Prime Minister Choi Kyu-hah acting president in accordance with the ROK constitution and proclaims martial law throughout South Korea, except for the southern island of Cheju. ROKA Chief of Staff Gen. Chun Seung-hwa is named martial law commander. The US places USFK members on alert and warns NK not ot exploit the situation in the South. A flotilla of the USS Kitty Hawk and eight other 7th Fleet warships, enters the Korean Strait on 1 Nov to warn NK against any hostile moves. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p210, Command Historian’s Office, USFK/EUSA)

Tension rose and the threat of military aggression by North Korea became ominous as its troop movements were widely reported. The 8th TFW went on a state of alert. Prime Minister Choe Kyu-ha became acting President.

Dissident political parties, such as Kim Yong-Sam of the New Democratic Party, demanded the immediate cancellation of martial law and a new constitution instead of the election of a President under the constitution ramrodded through by Park Chung-Hee. President Choe stated that a new President would be elected under a new constitution in early 1980. Political prisoners including Kim Dae-Jung who were arrested in Mar 79 were released.

——————————————————————————–

Chun Doo-Hwan Overthrow of Government: The overthrow of the government by Chun Doo-Hwan is simply referred as the “12.12 Incident.” On the night of December 12, Major General Chun Doo-Hwan, Commander of the Defense Security Command and chief investigator in President Park’s slaying, ousted General Chong Sung-hwa, ROK Army Chief of Staff and Martial Law Commander, under the pretext of possible complicity in the slaying of President Park. General Chun became the new strong man in South Korea. The December 12 incident raised a serious issue between the commander of the USFK and General Chun because of his mobilization of troops without the authorization of the commander of the US-Korean CFC, which was established in Nov 78, with the commander of the US 8th Army as commander of the CFC. Therefore, any troop movement of Korean troops without the approval of the commander of the CFC was regarded as illegal. However, the US recognizing particular situation in Korea, raised no serious objection.

This lack of response on the US part has created a recurring impression that the US actually approved of the action by its lack of censure and silence. Student activists over the years has made this allegation against the US.

According to the U.S. Embassy Background Paper dealing with the incidents following on and following the Dec 12 coup:

– The United States had no prior knowledge of the assassination of President Park Chung Hee on October 26, 1979. The United States was shocked by the assassination and alarmed that the North might see it as an opportunity to attack the South. The United States was also concerned that the prospects for democratization in the ROK might be undermined.
– The United States had no advance warning of the December 12 (12/12) incident, in which a group of ROK army officers led by Major General Chun Doo Hwan seized control of the military.
– The United States was angered by the generals’ use on December 12, without proper notification, of units under the Operational Control (OPCON) of the Combined Forces Command (CFC), deeply concerned over the use of force to usurp power, and troubled at the prospect of instability if the principle of civilian authority was not quickly and firmly reasserted.
– The United States protested repeatedly and vigorously to the Korean government, to Major General Chun, and to the Korean military about the misuse of forces under CFC OPCON.
– The United States was deeply disturbed by the evidence, gradually accumulating after the 12/12 incident, that Korean military leaders did not intend to relinquish de facto control or set a timetable for democratization.
– The United States repeatedly urged the Korean civilian and military authorities to resume the democratization process, warned against the repression — specifically that any actions against politicians, such as arresting Kim Dae Jung, would prove “incendiary” — and forcefully protested when leading opposition figures were arrested.
– The Korean authorities gave the United States two hours’ advance notice of the declaration of full martial law, which began at 0001 on May 18. The United States had no prior knowledge of the Korean military authorities’ intentions to arrest political leaders and close the universities and National Assembly. On May 18, in both Seoul and Washington, the United States sharply and vigorously protested the implementation of martial law.
– The United States did not initially know the full extent of the violence in Kwangju. When it became aware of the seriousness of the situation, the United States repeatedly urged restraint by ROK military forces and issued a public statement on May 22 expressing concern over the civil strife in Kwangiu and calling for dialogue between the opposing sides.
– The United States was assured by Korean authorities that its May 22 statement calling for dialogue would be broadcasted and distributed in the city. This never happened. Instead, official radio reports in Kwangju falsely asserted that the U.S. had approved the dispatch of Special Warfare Command (SWC) troops into the city.
– Neither troops of the SWC nor elements of the 20th Division, employed by the Martial Law Command in Kwangju, were under CFC OPCON, either at the time they were deployed to the city or while operating there. None of the Korean forces deployed at Kwangju were, during that time, under the control of any American authorities. The United States had neither prior knowledge of the deployment of SWC forces to Kwangju nor responsibility for their actions there.
– The 1978 Agreement establishing the Combined Forces Command preserved the sovereign right of both the United States and the Republic of Korea to assert OPCON over their respective forces at any time, without the consent of the other party. The United States could neither approve nor disapprove the movements of elements of the 20th Division which had been removed from OPCON.
– The United States was informed that Korean military authorities were considering the use of elements of the 20th Division — one of the few regular army units trained in riot control — to reenter Kwangju. United States officials, who had pressed for a political rather than military solution and continued to caution against the use of military force to solve political problems, reluctantly accepted that, if negotiations failed, it would be preferable to replace SWC units with elements of the 20th Division.
– The United States protested to the Korean government and Korean media over public distortions of United States’ actions and policy which included claims that the U.S. knew in advance of the December 12 incident, of Chun’s appointment to the KCIA, of the government’s actions of May 17 and that the U.S. approved the SWC actions in Kwangju.
– NO information indicating a North Korean intention to attack was received by the United States during the period covered by this statement, nor did United States officials regard the domestic situation in the South as being so serious as to justify either Full Martial Law or harsh repressive measures.
– Throughout this period, however, the United States was concerned that the North might miscalculate the situation in the South and warned Pyongyang against trying to exploit it. Also, as a precaution, the United States deployed air and naval units to the area to demonstrate to North Korea the United States’ resolve to stand by its security commitment to the ROK.
– Despite strenuous efforts, the United States failed to persuade Major General Chun to restore civilian authority and to institute a timetable for democratization. The United States, however, was successful in drawing international attention to the charges against Kim Dae Jung, which it characterized as “far-fetched,” and in obtaining a commutation of his death sentence.

——————————————————————————–
ROK Self-Help Programs The national self-help program, Saemaul Undong or New Community Movement, continued to produce significant results during 1979. Under the program, inaugurated in late 1971, government help is channeled to rural areas for community development projects to improve farm programs. The local areas plan its own projects and supplies its own labor, supervisory personnel, and supplemental funds. Programs were designed to promote self-reliance in all the Republic’s 12,000 villages by stimulating both national and local community pride, with attainment of economic self-sufficiency in non-urban areas as the ultimate goal. An important element in the movement was the application of modern agricultural techniques to supplant non-productive farming methods traditionally used by rural families. Concurrently, Saemaul Undong sought to reinforce cultural patterns such as frugality, diligence and respect for authority. In 1973 increased emphasis was placed on establishment of small-scale, labor-intensive industries in rural areas to provide off-season employment and augment farm income.

The movement’s success was reflected in sharply rising average household incomes, which prior to 1971 were roughly 60 percent of average urban earnings. By end CY 78 average rural household income had reached $3,678, surpassing urban sector average household revenues by a comfortable margin. Since inception of rural Saemaul programs, over 26,000 miles of new farm roads had been constructed and approimately the same mileage improved or rebuilt, irrigation and flood control projects completed for 2.4 million acres of rice paddy and flood control projects completed for 2.4 million acres of rice paddy, rural electrification extended to virtually all of the ROK countryside, and traditional thatched roofs replaced with tile in nearly all villages. CY 79 projects included building of 113 small bridges and 212 miles of farm roads, paving of approaches to 154 villages and river bank flood control construction totalling 780 miles.

In 1975 the Samaul concept was expanded to include urban and factory level programs. Business and industrial firms were encouraged to: create in-house consultative bodies to shift the nature of Labor-management relations from confrontation to one of cooperation; build or expand dormitories, dining facilities and medical care centers; organize Saemaul consumer cooperatives to provide employees with living necessities at low cost; and establish management-labor stock sharing systems. Many enterprises also built their own schools or offered special classes in factory areas to provide young workers the opportunity to further their education while developing new skills which would help further national economic goals. In 1979 the factory-level Saemaul program extended to 5,600 industrial firms throughout the ROK.

Success of the Saemaul movement attracted wide attention abroad, particularly in developing countries. By year’s end nearly 8,000 foreign government officials, community development specialists and journalists had visited model Saemaul villages and projects to observe methods/techniques used in the rural modernization program. (Source: 1979 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History)
——————————————————————————–

ROK Social-Welfare Programs In the social welfare field, major emphasis in 1979 was placed on expansion of health and medical services. ROK Government plans for construction of nine government-operated hospitals and improvement of facilities at 23 existing hospitals and 54 health centers. On 1 Jul 79 the Ministry of Home Affairs broadened medical insurance benefits to cover all enterprises employing more than 300 people. Coverage to include government officials and private school teachers had been effective since 1 Jan 79. These expansions nearly doubled the number of beneficiaries, bringing total number eligible for medical insurance to an estimated eight million,or 21.2 percent of the population. Free medical care was provided to 2.1 million low-income, jobless and other needy citizens, including inhabitants of off-shore islands treated by medical personnel from visiting hospital ships.

Other social welfare program improvements made during 1979 included extension of free legal aid to low-income farmers and office workers, lower-ranking civil servants, ROKF enlisted personnel, disabled veterans and victims of natural disasters. Special education programs for physically and mentally handicapped children received greater stress, with plans announced for establishment of 32 additional schools by 1985 and for addition of 1,280 classes for handicapped pupils at existing special schools. In a government-sponsored program to assist the needy, thousands of jobless were temporarily hired throughout the year for public works projects. The ROK government als initiated a “Help the Needy Neighbor” campaign which raised through public donations $6.4 million for maternity and child centers, homes for the ages, and other welfare facilities. (Source: 1979 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History)
——————————————————————————–

Mustang Village and Family Housing Off-base Prior to Jul 1973, command-sponsored dependents was at a manageable level at about 4,000. The USFK pushed for opening command-sponsored tours to enhance combat readiness by increasing continuity with a two-year tour, improve morale and reduce personnel turnovers. However, when the USFK lifed the restricted area designation in four locations, Seoul, Taegu, Pusan and Chinhae, due to dangerous and/or primitive conditons, the number of declared dependents exploded. Many individually sponsored dependents converted to command sponsorship. By Jan 76, the number was at 8,000 — and individual sponsorship rose to over 10,000. In Jul 1976, the USFK was directed by Congressional mandate, to deny support services (post/base exchanges, commissaries and Class VI facilities) to all non-command sponsored dependents in the ROK when the sponsor’s tour remained in the “all others” (unaccompanied) category; medical support would continue to be provided under existing law. As a result, the number of individually sponsored dependents decreased to 5,351 by Jul 77 — but at the same time, command-sponsored declined to 5,639. In May 1977 to counter the downard trend, the USFK authorized 3,150 command-sponsored positions and distributed them to staff agencies at Seoul, Taegu, and Pusan/Chinhae areas.

By 1979, there were 7,135 command-sponsored families in the USFK, but only about 1000 found housing on base — and at Osan the family housing units were reserved for the O-6 and above.

At the beginning of 1979 US government owned quarters for command sponsored familites totalled 936 housing units. There were 300 at Yonsan, 110 at Pusan, 96 at Taegu, 44 at Chinhae and 14 at Osan AB. (Source: 1979 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History)

Though the Mustang Village was under construction, the majority of command-sponsored families at Osan AB lived off-base. In addition, there was the growing number of non-command (individually) sponsored families that also resided off-base. Most lived in the housing areas in the Namsan Village area or in the more expensive Mokcheon village area. Those living off-base were subject to high rents and inadequate living conditions (hondol heating system, non-potable water supplies, etc.) These areas were subject to flooding during the rainy season. Those living further from base were the exception during this time period as the apartment boom — i.e. Life Apartment or Foreigner Apartment on Jisan Cheon (Stream) Road — would not take place until the mid-1980s.

An Oct 79 station housing allowance survey conducted by ACofs, J1 indicated average monthly rent and utility costs for two/three bedroom economy housing units were $475/$575 respectively. In addition, many Korean landlords required initial cash deposits ranging from $500 to over $20,000. (Source: 1979 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History)

In early 1979 project construction schedules for the 201 apartments at Osan completed by the Korean National Housing Corporation (KNHC), ROK Ministry of Defense (MND) and Corps of Engineers representatives. Construction on the Osan AB housing units (50 two-, 100 three- and 50 four-bedroom) was well advanced by the end of CY 79, with the first 100 apartments scheduled for occupancy in Jan 80 and the remaining 100 by early 1981. The Osan complex, named Mustang Valley Village, was to consist of six four story apartment buildings and a support facility, As a result of extensive negotiations between USFK and KNHC, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on 4 Dec 1979 which established USFK monthly rental costs for the Osan AB apartments at $390 per unit, with payments to be made one year in advance; lease price was to be negotiated annually based on demonstrated costs and expenses. The USAFK had previously recieved congressional sanction and leasing authority for Osan AB family housing project in Oct 78. (Source: 1979 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History)
——————————————————————————–

Osan Elementary School Opens In Oct 1979, the Osan Elementary School opened with an enrollment of 37 with an optimum capacity of 45-60. The school term formally opened in temporary quarters in November 1979. There were five DOD Dependent schools in operation at the time: Seoul Elementary/High School; Taegu Elementary/High School; Pusan Elementary/High School; Chinhae Elementary and Osan Elementary. (Source: 1979 HQ USFK/EUSA Annual History)

(NOTE: A permanent school designed for 275 students in grades kindergarten through 6 opened in August 1982, and an addition was completed in December 1987, allowing the school to expand its student population. Osan American High School opened in 1995 to accommodate 250 students in grades 7 through 12. A 4-teacher K-2 annex school opened in August 1999 at Camp Humphreys. Plans are for a 3 Kindergarten classroom building to open in SY 02-03. Students come from the communities of Osan AB and Camp Humphreys (U.S. Army).)