On 3 September 2016, I was contacted by a representative of the National Archives of Korea, a branch of the federal government of the Republic of Korea. The National Archives of Korea were interested in acquiring my Korean photographs. I was honored by their request, and I donated approximately 900 original color and black-and-white photographs to the Korean people.
On 2 February 2017, I went to the Republic of Korea's San Francisco Consulate. Jung Yoon-Ho, the Deputy Consul-General welcomed me; I gave him the film and associated documents. The film was then sent to Seoul via diplomatic pouch.
Below are some of the photos that I took while stationed in South Korea. The National Archives of Korea expertly scanned and digitized each image.
Click on an image to view the full-size photograph.
This was the entryway to the 83rd Ordnance Battalion. This United States military post was located in Seoksu-dong, a small village approximately 20 miles south of Seoul.
An overview of Seoksu-dong village and the 83rd Ordnance Battalion compound.
The 7th Ordnance Company orderly room was staffed 24 hours a day.
Inspecting a Korean fabric manufacturing plant.
First Lieutenant Richard S. Hagins, the operations officer of the 83rd Ordnance Battalion, receives the Army Commendation Medal from Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Boxell.
Lieutenant York is promoted to Captain. He was the officer in charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attached to the 83rd Ordnance Battalion.
The beautiful and charming Ms. Nam, the 83rd Ordnance Battalion executive secretary, with the newly minted Captain York.
Captain James R. Hargrove, Executive Officer, 7th Ord Company, receives the Army Commendation Medal from Lieutenant Colonel Robert Alan Boxell. Jim Hargrove now lives in Sacramento, California.
Command Sergeant Major Daniel Boone Nifong is receiving a Certificate of Achievement from Lieutenant-Colonel Boxell. After his duty in Korea, Sergeant Major Nifong went to Vietnam, after which he retired from the Army. Daniel B. Nifong passed away in Harrah, Oklahoma, on 16 December 2011, at 87 years of age. Rest in Peace Command Sergeant Major Nifong.
Lieutenant-Colonel Boxell
John J. Champa, Supply Officer, 260th MP Company, is promoted to First Lieutenant.
Specialist 4th Class Sharp, 260 Military Police Company, receives the "Best Vehicle" award.
First Lieutenant Richard S. Hagins, the operations officer of the 83rd Ordnance Battalion, has the Army Commendation Medal pinned to his fatigues.
Warrant Officer Birdshead is receiving a commendation from Lieutenant Colonel Boxell.
Sergeant First Class Salassi and Lieutenant Colonel Boxell.
A concession arcade opened its doors at the 83rd Ordnance Battalion on 6 August 1968.
I can identify three of the men in this photograph. Far left: First Sergeant Gill, 7th Ord Co. 4th from left: Lieutenant Colonel Boxell. Command Sergeant Major Daniel Boone Nifong is the tall soldier behind the gentleman in the white shirt and gray pants.
Private First Class Brown 260th Military Police Company receives the "Best Driver" award.
The 83rd Ordnance Battalion.
The large building at the top of the photo shows a view of the rear of the battalion movie theatre. The small Quonset hut adjacent to the basketball court was the quarters of the Command Sergeant Major.
This is a view looking east from the inside of the 83rd Ordnance Battalion. The houses are part of the village of Suk Sudong.
A view from a water storage tank located within the 83rd Ordnance Battalion compound. The Quonset huts are within the compound, and a portion of Seoksu-dong village is also visible. The large building seen in the rear of the photo was a stage location for a commercial movie studio.
95% of the buildings within the 83rd Ordnance Battalion were Quonset huts.
The Republic of Korea, American, and United Nations flags are snapping in the breeze in front of the 83rd Ordnance Battalion headquarters building.
The 83rd Ordnance Battalion motor pool.
M35 series 2.5 ton 6x6 cargo trucks. These trucks are ready to roll.
A Quonset hut with a view of the portion of a wall that surrounded and protected the 83rd Ordnance Battalion living quarters.
The 83rd Ordnance Battalion.
The village of Seoksu-dong.
My trusty M151 1/4-ton jeep.
Leaving the 83rd Ordnance Battalion compound.
The 7th Ordinance Company (Special Ammo) living quarters and bathroom facilities.
It is a rainy day at the 83rd Ordnance Battalion. This photo was taken from the front of the mailroom.
Private Robert Sylvester Lawrence at work in the 7th Ordnance Company's orderly room. He now lives in New Jersey.
Robert Sylvester Lawrence.
Neil Mishalov, the photographer, is sitting in a Dodge M37 3/4 ton 4x4 truck. These trucks were built between 1951 and 1968.
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Go Here to view Korea Part One.
Go Here to view Korea Part Two.
Go Here to view Korea Part Three.
Go Here to view Korea Part Four.
Go Here to view Korea Part Five.
Go Here to view Korea Part Six.
Go Here to view Korea Part Seven.
Go Here to view Korea Part Eight.
Go Here to view Korea Part Nine.
Go Here to view Korea Part Ten.
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I visited Japan in 1968 and 1969. Here are some of the photographs that I took while in Japan.
Go Here to view Japan, Part One.
Go Here to view Japan, Part Two.
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"The important thing is not the camera but the eye." Alfred Eisenstaedt
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Go Here to view Korea Part One.
Go Here to view Korea Part Two.
Go Here to view Korea Part Three.
Go Here to view Korea Part Four.
Go Here to view Korea Part Five.
Go Here to view Korea Part Six.
Go Here to view Korea Part Seven.
Go Here to view Korea Part Eight.
Go Here to view Korea Part Nine.
Go Here to view Korea Part Ten.
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I visited Japan in 1968 and 1969. Here are some of the photographs that I took while in Japan.
Go Here to view Japan, Part One.
Go Here to view Japan, Part Two.
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"A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange
"Photography has not changed since its origin except in its technical aspects, which for me are not important." Henri Carter-Bresson
"The important thing is not the camera but the eye." Alfred Eisenstaedt