Interviews of Korean Veterans

Interviews of Korean Veterans

- Col. Jack Detour

Daniel; I'll state your questions and then give you my responses.

Q. 1. Did you have previous military experience before the Korean War? When? If interviewee enlisted at time of war, why?

A. I was recalled into active duty for the Korean War after having flown combat in the Pacific during WW II. I think it would be appropriate for me to give you a thumbnail sketch of my military career so you will be better acquainted with who I am. Here it is:

BIO

COLONEL JACK L. DETOUR

Born August 1923 in Guide Rock, Nebraska. Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps upon graduating from High School in June 1942.

Completed flight training at La Junta Army Air Base, Colo. Received pilot wings & commissioned 2nd Lieutenant 8 February 1944.

Completed B-25 Combat Crew training at Columbia, S.C. and assigned to 38th Bomb Group, FEAF & 5th Air Force. Flew 29 B-25 Combat Missions out of Nadzab, New Guinea, Lingayen Gulf, Philippines and Okinawa. Flew as Group lead pilot and assigned

as 822nd Squadron Operation Officer and then Assistant 38th Bomb Group Operations Officer. Received a combat promotion to 1st Lieutenant 15 July 1945.

Attended Oregon State University 1946 – 1950 and received a BS. Degree. Taught High School Science for eight months at Benson High School before being recalled to active duty for the Korean War on 1 April 1951. Assigned 816th TCS and flew C-119s out of Ashiya, Japan in support of the Korean War. Promoted to Captain 1 June 1952.

Assigned 314 Troop Carried Wing, 2 Aerial Port Squadron Operations Officer 1953 and then reassigned as 314 Troop Carrier Wing Assistant Operations Officer at Sewart AFB, TN. 1954. Attended Air University, Squadron Officers School Fall 1954. Assigned and instructed at the Air University, Squadron Officers School Maxwell AFB 1955 – 1958.

Assigned 815 Troop Carrier Squadron, flying C-130s from Ashiya AFB, Japan in support of 315 Air Division 1958. Assigned as Operational Plans Officer, 315 Air Division 1959.

Attended Air Command & Staff College, Air University, Maxwell AFB. AL.1960 - 1961.

Assigned 19th Air Force, Tactical Air Command as Operational Planner 1961 – 1965. Assigned Tactical Air Command, Langley AFB as Operational Plans Officer 1965 – 1968.

Promoted to Major 1964. Promoted to Lt. Colonel 1967.

Assigned 7th Air Force, Saigon...

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...basketball. After graduating, I was hired by the High School that I graduated from to teach Science and Coach basketball. Then on 1 April I was recalled to active duty to what was to be for only a 30 months period. Then after the 30 months ended

I was extended again and faced a decision as to whether I was going back to teaching and coaching or staying in the service and making it a career. I chose the latter and after spending 30 plus years in the United States Air Force, I retired as a Colonel in July 1979.

Yes – I would say – the Korean war had a tremendous effect on my & my families life.

Q 12. Do you regret US involvement in Korea?

A. No. After WW II, the US was responsible for South Korea and we owed it to the South Korean people to protect them. Further, if we had not protected South Korea, the Communist would have taken another step toward world domination.

Q 13. What is your opinion on the current conflict in Korea?

A. The three United States Instruments of Nation Policy and they are: Political, Economical and Military. We are presently using the Political and Economical Instruments with the Military Instrument in the area as a force to show our resolve.