COMPANY A 2/9TH
KILLER COOK
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PFC DON NYE JUNE 1969 TO JULY 1970 |
| In June 1969 I processed through Fort Lewis, Washington, and was on my
way to Korea. I was sent to the 2nd Infantry Division and assigned to Company A,
2/9th Infantry (M) MANCHU II. In an infantry unit like 2/9th, everyone was
an Infantryman first. Even though I was a cook by MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), I spent my fair share
of time up on the DMZ and guarding the Libby Bridge. Evenings as a cook were spent
taking hot food up to the Observation Post for the troops deployed in the
demilitarized zone. I also took my turns delivering meals up to Hill 191.
We made those trips up to 191 in an M-113 armored personnel carrier. A cook
in an infantry outfit works long hours making sure that all of the troops are
fed timely meals. For the troops stuck in the field, we made sure they
something to eat and plenty of fresh water. Taking care of the troops in the
field was a very rewarding part of being a cook.
 THE MESS HALL DELIVERY TRUCK 2/9TH MEALS ON WHEELS During my tour in Company A 2/9th, our mess sergeant, SFC Adams, hit DEROS (Date Eligible to Return from Overseas) and rotated back to the States. That left Company A without a mess sergeant. Replacements didn't always arrive on time and we were informed that SFC Adam's replacement would not be in country for a while. First Sergeant called me in to the Orderly Room and told me I would be taking over the mess hall. These were big shoes fill as an Specialist 5, E-5. While I was acting mess sergeant I wore buck sergeant stripes. I ended up holding this position for about 3 months. When the new mess sergeant arrived, I turned the mess hall over to him. This happened about the same time that 2/9th was in the process of getting ready to move close to Freedom Bridge. This was good timing for because by that time I was getting close to DEROS myself. Just about the time we arrived in our new home I began processing out of the 2nd Divsion and prepare for my trip back to the States. I caught a "Freedom Bird" and returned to the good old US of A in July of 1970 and now live in Columbus, Ohio. I have great memories of the time served in the 2/9th. It was fine unit with great soldiers. To all the men that I served with in the 2/9th, KEEP UP THE FIRE and thanks for all memories! |
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Even the cooks were tough as nails in Imjin Scout country. This is Sp5 Vines striking a pose in front of Company A's "ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE" wall. |
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