LtCol. Charles K. HouseUS Marine

Stories from the Chosin Reservoir, 1950

Lt Col. Charles K. House US Marine
Pilot's View of Chosin

Durning the period of August 3, 1950 to March 1, 1951 I was a pilot with VMF 323 aboard the jeep carrier, USS Badoeing Straits, flyingthe F4U in support of our ground comrades. We would fly up to three missions a day, take a hot shower, dress for dinner in the wardroom (a tie was required), and read or play games until bedtime.

Guardian Angels -- Corsairs seemed heaven-sent at Chosin
We lost several planes, but of 30 pilots, only two were killed - Vic Moses and "Whiskey" Newell. The first was killed near Pusan and the later at the Reservoir. We were "gentlemen warriors." We did not suffer the great hardships of the men on the ground. We only suffered for them, which inspired us to give them the best suppot we could.

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