It seems like a lifetime ago. Hell, it was a lifetime ago when I heard the words "Imjin Scout". I
heard those words often and they became a part of my life for one year. "Imjin Scout" just
stopped the day I stepped off the plane, Gone...like it never happened. For thirty-five years those
words rolled around in my head reminding me of the freezing nights, scared like I had never been
scared before.
This site is about Imjin Scouts, but, I dedicate this space, especially, to the Scouts that attended
Advanced Combat Training Academy at Camp Sitman, I've heard a lot about the requirements to
become a Scout and all I heard was "what school". I can assure you there was a school!!! During
the 1960's the army had only two schools that operated in hostile areas. One was Recondo
School in Vietnam and the other was Imjin School, Korea. To finish either one of these schools you
had to pull combat patrols as well as undergo three weeks of intensive training. At that time
Scout School was considered to represent the 2nd Div. Ranger training and was often spoken of as
such.
When I returned to the States I was made a VIP driver. One day I went to pick up an officer with
stars on his shoulders. I was told by his little lieutenant just to drive and not talk. When I opened
the door for this officer, he hit me on my patch and said boldly "did they kick the crap out of you
there, boy?" I replied, yes, sir, they did!! The lieutenant never got to speak the whole way back
to the base!!! It was all about Imjin Scouts. Pissed that lieutenant off!!
Now that I have met Scouts like Don Lopez, John Putt III, and many others who have worn the
patch proudly, I feel it's important that we gather our history. For thirty-five years I've been
alone. I am not alone now.
Aloha
Thomas Ridenour
