581st Sig. Co. on Hill 775 (1951)

Hill 775 Base Camp

Most of the time when we start to set up a relay station, we set up first a base camp. If we can drive up to the station then we may move the base camp up to the top. The people at the base camp have to go after food, gasoline and water. This will be stored at the base camp and laborers will be sent up the hill with needed supplies. Generally two men will stay at the top tending the radios. Different people will have different MOSs. A MOS is a Military Occupational Speciality, that is what kind of work you do.

Mine was 3648, a radio repair specialist. Others may be a small engine specialist, who repairs the power units, or a cook, etc. My jobs tended to be; 1. A truck driver 2. Radio Repair and tuner 3. Tend the radios in a shift 4. Building construction when needed 5. Translator, because I could read, write and speak Korean (I could communicate OK). On some stations, particularly in South Korea we were given a ration of laborers and some money to pay them. Here we have hired two Korean lads to help with the kitchen work. They did KP duties, helped the cook prepare food, and clean up. They were paid and given food for themselves and their families.