CHAPTER IV

 

                                        Korea – Combat and Garrison

 

ARRIVAL

     

     On June 25, 1950 North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea.  Task Force Smith was the first American combat force to arrive in the country.  The 558th Military Police Escort Guard Company was assigned shortly thereafter and began service in Korea as US forces began amassing in the port city of Pusan.  The company’s initial mission was to provide convoy and site security for Army personnel and facilities. It was during the early years of the war, 1950 and 1951, that the 558th was involved with actual combat. Beginning in 1952 and lasting until de-activation in 1954, the unit functioned basically as a guard force for the Eighth Army Headquarters in both Seoul and Yongsan.

 

     The 558th was notified on June 12th 1950 while still stationed at Sendai Japan to prepare to send a contingent of the company to Pusan Korea to assist with security of US forces. The Company Commander, Capt. Hotaling, along with three (3) officers and forty-three (43) enlisted men took a train to Sasebo Japan where they boarded LST’s for the journey to Korea.

     The advance element of the 558th MP Company arrived at Pusan on July 15th, 1950.[75] The company was officially reactivated at Pusan, while the section that remained behind at Sendai was deactivated and absorbed into the 7th Infantry Division.[76] As one of the first MP units committed to the conflict, the 558th immediately became involved in actual combat operations while protecting both front -line fighting units and military installations. Duties included providing roadblocks against incursions from the North, guarding bridges, directing convoys and providing guards for General Walker’s headquarters. The 558th troopers, at one time, even provided security guards for the graves registration units when they needed to recover bodies from the battlefield.

 

 

 

THE EARLY YEARS

 

      The primary mission of the 558th eventually became the provision of a guard force for the Eighth Army advanced command post personnel and facilities. As such, the MP’s supported troop advances and covered their withdrawal movements as the battle lines shifted back and forth across the 38th parallel.  The unit’s secondary mission was the protection of convoys, rail-lines, military facilities and troop movements.[77] In addition, the unit was also responsible for assisting refugees and apprehending infiltrators and insurgents.

 

     During the early years of the Korean War, the 558th MP Co. moved frequently throughout the country. Both location and assignment changes were a direct result of the ebb and flow of front-lines and changes in the battle situations early in the conflict. As the Eighth Army advance command personnel moved from Pusan to Taegu to Taejon to Soeul, the 558th MP’s sent personnel with the headquarters facilities as the command post guard force.

 

 

      For example, on July 9th 1950, the Eighth Army established an advance headquarters at Taegu and by August, the 558th MP Co. was assigned there as the headquarters guard force. The base was established at the school compound across the street from the Tokyo-Mukden cable station and the MP’s were billeted next door in a section of the school building.

 

      By September 5, 1950, command personnel and the 558th MP guards had developed an alternate headquarters site at Pusan anticipating a collapse of the “perimeter.” However, by October 24, 1950, the success of the Inchon landing resulted in the Eighth Army headquarters advancing as far north as Pyongyang.  The 558th was then supplying MP’s to secure that area also. (This site was temporarily abandoned during the Chinese Communist Forces [CCF] attack of Nov. 1950) By late December 1950, the 558th, along with the 728th, the 55th, and the 519th Bn. had established roadblocks south of Wonson to manage the flow of refugees headed south.[78]  By July of 1951, Seoul had been re-captured and the 558th MP Co. was again securing both the Eighth Army headquarters in the capitol as well as providing troopers to the sub-stations established at Taegu and Munsan-ni.

 

 

     Mr. Cherry provided the following narrative describing his experiences with the 558th during the early days of the Korean operation. He stated:

 

                               We landed at Pusan in LST’s on July 15th 1950…Our Commanding Officer,

                            two (2) other officers and the CO’s german sheppard…we were stuck in the

                            “Pusan Perimeter”…and then loaded onto flatbed trains with our vehicles and

                            sent sixty (60) miles north to Tague…we were issued weapons but no ammo.

                                There we checked into a schoolhouse for quarters…we ended up with

                            numerous jobs…roadblocks at bridges, directing convoys at crossroads and

                            guarding General Walker’s headquarters. We were such a small outfit…we caught

                            all kind of duty…even escorting “graves registration” boys who went to collect and 

                            identify dead bodies. We eventually got to company strength and went with

                            command hdqts. to Seoul, Pyongyang, and back to Seoul as Eighth Army guards.[79] 

 

 

  

      Official records revealed that the unit was also assigned a variety of secondary duties soon after establishing a base at Pusan and Tague. First, as a designated Escort Guard Company, the 558th was required to detail personnel to the POW stockade that was rapidly constructed at Pusan. This facility was apparently no more than a barbed wire cage, but it required that the 558th secure the site for several months.[80] (Later, the stockade became known as the United Nations Command compound No. 10 and was administered by the 10th MPEG Co.) Second, the 558th was also tasked with guarding rail-lines, train yards and the express trains hauling supplies to the front lines. The railroads out of Pusan were some of the best in the country and a vital link in the supply route for the Eighth Army. The 558th MP Co. had troopers assigned to this task until October of 1950.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     During the first year of the war, the 558th MP Company’s former mentor, the 728th MP Battalion, arrived in Korea. The 728th MP Battalion had departed the US mainland in August of 1950 and was assigned to Yokohama, Japan.[81]  Reassignment to Korea brought the 728th to Pusan on November 12th, 1950. It was given the task of  “operation and control” of the Green Diamond Highway -Main Supply Route (MSR).[82] When the 728th took over this function, the 558th was relieved of that task and was assigned security work at other Eighth Army locations. 

     Although the 558th MP Co. worked in close concert with the 728th Battalion throughout the war, it was never officially assigned to that battalion. The 558th MP Co. was assigned to the 96th MP Battalion and would remain so until the 558th was designated a Headquarters Corps unit in 1951.[83]

                                      

 

An MP machine-gun team of X Corps in relief of a convoy pinned down by Chinese Communists, December 6, 1950.

 

 

 

   Photograph courtesy of the Center for Military History. Signal Corps Photo No.

X/FEC-50-22300
 
                                                                

 

 

     Guarding troop movements and facilities was dangerous work in Korea, especially during the first two years of the war.  Night duty was particularly hazardous. James Dill, an infantry soldier with the 7th Division at Pungsan considered MP duty “the most dangerous assignment in Korea.”[84]  His description of military police work is illustrative.

 

                                          Twice we stopped at MP checkpoints to warm ourselves

                                          at their fires.  Two men alone at night…no other troops

                                          around…no fires- they froze…with a fire, they were found

                                          shot to death in the morning… by the smoldering ashes.[85] 

 

 

     Duties also required troopers to contend with a steady stream of refugees heading south. The throngs of people fleeing the various battlefields consistently contained many communist agents that had to be “weeded-out.” [86] The infiltrators had been instructed by their leaders to surrender to UN forces, gain access to the POW camps and cause revolts. In addition, some were instructed to disrupt both lines of communication and rear areas.[87] Frequently, they turned on MP’s and injured them, often with fatal consequences.

        Surprisingly, the soldiers of the 558th somehow avoided a high casualty count. Army records for the company reported three (3) soldiers as battlefield casualties during the war. Two were injured from rocket attacks and were removed for treatment. They eventually recovered from their wounds.  Sadly, the remaining loss was a fatality. He was Cpl. Harry K. Briggs of Camden, New Jersey. He was initially reported as missing in action on August 16th 1950, but this classification was eventually changed to Killed in Action.[88]  He was 23 years old.

 

 

     By January of 1951, the company was again providing roadblock and delaying actions against North Korean and Chinese troops to cover the United Nations withdrawal.[89]  This was the Communists New Year Offensive phase of the Korean War when the UN Forces were being pushed back across the 38th parallel.  Later in 1951, another advance command post was re-established by the Eighth Army at Taegu and the 558th assigned personnel to guard the site.

 

     It was also during the early years of the war, October of 1951 specifically, that the 558th Military Police Escort Guard Company was allotted to the regular Army.[90]  At that time, the unit was also re-constituted as the 558th Military Police Company and assigned to the Eighth Army as a Headquarters Corps unit. The Company was relieved of the “escort guard” designation and was thereafter not involved with POW guard assignments. During reorganization, the 558th was assigned three line platoons, a headquarters platoon and a detachment.[91] The detachment authorization was apparently a direct outgrowth of the location where the 558th MP’s maintained a relatively permanent duty sub-station.

 

     In late 1950, the 558th MP Co. and the 728th MP Bn. established a detachment of MP’s at the town of Munsan-ni. The site became known as the “Munsan-ni Base Camp” and the MP’s assigned there served at two different locations just north of Seoul.  One part of the detachment served at the “Kaesong Peace Conference” and the other part of the detachment eventually served at the “Panmunjom Peace Site”. The detachment apparently never received a numerical designation and none was found in the records. The soldiers were simply referred to as the “Munsan-ni Detachment. From the base camp, the 558th provided a security force first to Kaesong and then later to Panmunjom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Munsan-Ni Detachment 

                                                                      

     The Munsan-ni base camp was initially established when Eighth Army headquarters assigned an “advanced” command unit to Taejon in October of 1950.[92] (This was during the time of the first UN advance beyond the 38th Parallel.) Advancing units required that a command post be established close to the front lines; Munsan-ni was the site chosen.  Soldiers from “C” Company of the 728th MP Battalion originally guarded the Munsan-ni camp.  However, when peace negotiations began at Kaesong the 558th began supplying troopers to the site. Eventually, “C” Co. of the 728th was re-designated and transferred into the fifteen (15) member detachment of the 558th at Munsan-ni. This action occurred in October of 1951 as the 558th received its allocation into the regular Army.[93] The 728th MP’s at Munsan-ni simply became members of the 558th.  The 558th had been working under severe personnel shortages and part of the solution was to absorb members of the 728th into the 558th and have the troopers remain in-place. This action may explain why the 558th was absorbed into “B” Co. of the 728th  Bn. in 1954 when the 558th was de-activated.

     One of the duties that MP’s assigned to the Munsan-ni site performed was that of a security force for the “early” peace talks that began on July 10, 1951. The Munsan-ni peace negotiations were actually conducted at a teahouse restaurant in Kaesong.  At that time, the 558th MP’s from nearby Munsan-ni began providing security for both the site and the negotiators. The Kaesong location was actually inside enemy territory and necessitated a “neutral zone” being declared both leading to and around the site. MP’s were required to enforce the neutrality restrictions.

      Duty at Kaesong required that MP’s display white flags on their jeeps while traveling to and from the site. This practice was to signify their assignment to the peace talks. However, the MP’s working the site were less than enthusiastic about traveling through enemy territory on the sheer faith of a flag. On many occasions the troopers received “harassing fire” from opposing forces.[94]

     The base camp at Munsan-ni was used to billet both the 558th and 728th MP’s along with the various newsmen, military representatives and United Nations negotiators. The camp compound was referred to as “tent-city.” When the MP’s were not on duty at either Kaesong or Panmunjom, they conducted foot patrol around the base camp.

     The early peace efforts at Kaesong failed. The North Korean and Communist officials broke off negotiations on August 23, 1951. Then, on October 25, 1951, all parties agreed to begin new talks at a new site, Panmunjom, six miles east of Kaesong. (This new site was not surrounded by enemy territory.) The Munsan-ni detachment was assigned security at the new site. Throughout the remainder of the conflict, the camp at Munsan-ni continued to be active and staffed and in 1953 the site would be used as a processing point for the POW exchange known as “Operation Little Switch.”

 

 

 

 

                   

                      

 

 

   Korea Peace Conference Sites, 1951-1953.

The shaded areas represent the “neutral zone” established by United Nations and Communist Forces.

        Map courtesy of the Center for Military History, Ft. McNair, Washington D.C.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


     The first two years of the war had been difficult times for the men of the 558th MP Company.  They had been required to advance and retreat several times with the various command elements of the Eighth Army. They also were required to provide security for both the main headquarters facilities and for the “advanced” command staff personnel. On occasion, the MP’s had to provide rear guard action to protect not only the retreating command staff but fleeing civilians and refugees as well. Moreover, the record demonstrates that they conducted these operations under the handicap of extreme personnel shortages.

      It was these actions, conducted under hostile fire, which resulted in the 558th MP Co. receiving it’s first Meritorious Unit Commendation and it’s first Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. The Unit Commendation awarded the company specifically for:

                        

                                     carrying out security functions at the main and advanced headquarters

                                     of the Eighth United States Army…the UN Base Camp at Munsan-ni and

                                     at the site of the armistice conference at Panmunjom… the members of this company consistently attended to often hazardous duties… in a manner which eliciting the highest possible praise. The extensive security measures necessitated by rapid advances, tactical withdrawals, and lateral movements… were approached with the utmost self-assurance by the officers and men of this company. Despite innumerable difficulties arising from personnel shortages…this unit maintained an enviable record of efficiency…worthy of emulation in future campaigns. The 558th MP Co. displayed devotion to duty in the performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units. The superior ability…uncompromising devotion…exhibited by members, reflect great credit on themselves and the military service of the United States. [95]

                   

     In addition, the Korean Presidential Citation awarded the 558th for:

 

                                     facing and superbly resolving …problems inherent in the expansion

                                     of a field Army …engag(ing) in combat…aiding the restoration of war-

                                     torn areas… providing sanctuary to refugees…and attempt(ing) to obtain

                                     a just and honorable armistice in the United Nations first armed effort

                                     for peace and freedom.  During raging battles…trying circumstances…personnel strained operational facilities and methods to accomplish monumental feats…During the winter period…despite military requirements, great accomplishments were made in providing comfort and shelter for the homeless and suffering refugees. These operations, in addition to the courageous and aggressive tactical movements against a brutal enemy…clearly demonstrate…fierce determination…firm conviction…for the only method of obtaining lasting peace.[96]

 

 

        

The Seoul Experience

 

       In late 1951, the 558th Military Police Company was assigned to the Eighth Army Headquarters complex in Seoul, South Korea as a Headquarters Corps Unit.  The Eighth Army command post had re-established itself there as the battle lines in Korea stalemated around the 38th parallel. The headquarters of both the Eighth Army and the 558th MP Co. would remain either in, or adjacent to, the city of Seoul for the duration of the war.

 

      The 558th MP Company had a multi-faceted mission in Seoul. First, it provided a guard force for both the Eighth Army Headquarters compound and other military facilities in and around the city. Second, the unit provided a certain amount of motorized patrols throughout the sector. Third, when called upon, the 558th also provided VIP escort and security.

 

 

      The “Palace Guard”

 

       The 558th MP Company remained in Seoul from 1951 until 1953. During that time the Company became known proudly as the “Palace Guard.”[97]  The name “palace guard” was the colloquialism given to troopers who guarded the compound because it contained the office and support facilities of the Commanding Generals of both the Eighth Army and the Fifth Air Force. This was their primary mission; troopers were assigned throughout the city in order to accomplish that assignment.

       In total, the 558th maintained thirty (30) different guard posts along with three (3) motorized jeep patrols in and around the compound and the city.[98] The guard posts were located at a variety of both UN and US facilities. For example, the Company maintained several access gates to the Headquarters compound. In addition, guard posts were manned at the VIP compound, the American Embassy, Duk Su Palace, the Chosen Hotel and other US controlled property in downtown Seoul.

       The motorized units operated on a 24-hour basis. They patrolled military installations, city streets, supply depots and the infamous “red-light district” of Seoul.

 

     This photograph is of the traffic control point (TCP) outside the residential section of the Eighth Army Hdqt. facility in Yongsan. One of the gate guard posts can be seen behind Trooper Gerald Schaffner who is standing on the traffic barrel.

 

     Photograph courtesy of Gerald Schaffner
 
                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

      The 558th MP Company was one of the many units assigned to the protection of President-elect Eisenhower when he made his famous visit to Korea from December 2nd through December 5th 1952. In fact, it was this assignment, as well as the security provided to both the United Nations Base Camp at Munsan-ni and the Panmunjom peace site, which resulted in the awarding the company a second Meritorious Unit Commendation. The award was given in July of 1953 and credits the unit with:

 

                        performance of [an] outstanding service in support of combat operations…assigned

                        the mission of providing security for Headquarters Eighth United States Army,

                        the United Nations Base Camp at Munsan- Ni and the armistice conference site at       

                        Panmunjom… the company consistently displayed a comprehensive understanding

                        of its vital function. From 2 until 5 December 1952, the company was charged

                        with the responsibility of safeguarding President-elect Eisenhower during his visit

                        to Korea, providing both vehicular escort and personal security.  In spite of…existing language barrier…personnel [shortages] the company…maintained high efficiency and accuracy in all…operations. The 558th Military Police Company displayed…outstanding devotion to duty…performing exceptionally difficult tasks…as to set it apart from and above other units. The loyalty, cooperation and espirit de Corps exhibited…reflect great credit on themselves and the military service of the United States. [99]

 

 

      During the unit’s stay in Korea, the MP’s provided security and assistance to not only military personnel but to the Korean people as well. A large portion of the 558th MP Co.’s time and effort was expended on civilian complaints and refugee relocation.  This supplemental duty and both the dedication and professionalism displayed toward the Korean people was the basis for the unit’s second Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Awarded by President Syngman Rhee it commends the 558th MP’s for:

 

                        outstanding service to the Government of the Republic of Korea by superbly

                        performing its vital mission… perplexing problems were faced with unwavering self assurance and resolved with precision and dispatch…earning [members] a reputation of excellence in performance of

 

 

 

 

                        exacting assignments. The unselfish effort expended in aiding the expansion of the Republic of Korea Army… helping troops prepare themselves to carry a larger share in the protection of their homeland…(and) support rendered in reconstruction projects vital to the welfare of the Korean people… and their ceaseless effort to help provide basic essentials to refugees…earned them deepest gratitude and respect of the people of Korea. The compassionate attitude… toward the people of Korea, their outstanding performance of duty, their willingness to impart to their Korean contemporaries, and their tireless devotion to the cause of freedom are in keeping with the highest humanitarian and military traditions.[100]

 

     In April of 1953, all the units that were stationed at the Eighth Army Headquarters compound in Seoul began a move to a new facility at Yongsan. Yongsan is a northern suburb of Seoul and the new site offered better accommodations, room to expand and improvements in security. The new facility was located at the one-time university complex that had been rebuilt by Imperial Forces during their occupation of the country during WWII. The move took several months and was completed in July of 1953. The new site housed the Eighth Army Headquarters, the Fifth Air Force Headquarters, the 558th MP Co. and various other United Nations units.

 

 

Unit Operations

 

       The 558th was known as a “spit and polish” outfit.[101] The company took only volunteer infantryman as entry level assignees into the MP ranks. Troopers were required to look exceedingly clean, well polished and orderly. Physically, the MP’s had to be at least six (6) feet tall and they also had to be Caucasian. In addition, they had to transfer in from front-line combat units and possess a Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). It was believed this combat experience would elicit a feeling of unit cohesiveness and allow the MP’s to relate better to the front-line soldiers on leave in Seoul.

 

      Many of the soldiers transferring into the 558th were not trained as MP’s prior to entering the unit. Therefore, they went through a two-week training course once they got to the company compound. The officers and sergeants of the company conducted the classes.  Some, but not all, of the senior staff of the company had completed some form of formal Military Police training and they passed on their experience and knowledge to new assignees. The schooling that the new assignees went through consisted of instruction in traffic control, police investigation techniques and firearms qualification. Trainees had to qualify as “expert” with the .45 cal. sidearm. Lt. Johnston let it be known that any trainee who did not qualify as expert was on his way back to the front-line. Following the classroom instruction, new members were given a certain amount of on-job-training. The Company Commander presented trainees with their MP brassard upon completition of their training.[102]

 

 

 

     MP’s of the 558th standing Guard Mount outside the company compound at Yongsan, 1953.

 

 

 

      Photograph courtesy Gerald Schaffner
 
                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

    Front view of 558th MP Co. Building, 1953.

 

   Photograph courtesy of Gerald Schaffner
 
                                                                                                                                            

                                                                          

 

                                                                                                           

     The troopers of the 558th worked closely with other MP and civilian law enforcement units. The Korean National Police (KNP) frequently assisted the MP’s with their work in and around Seoul. The KNP, although independent of the UN Command, were actually billeted in the same compound as the 558th personnel.  In addition, the 728th MP Battalion, “Company B” was assigned nearby at Yong Dung-po and that unit conducted additional patrol and police functions in the area. Moreover, the 55th MP Company (the famous double-nickel) covered some areas of Seoul that were not specifically assigned to the Eighth Army.

                                                                                                

One of the guard positions of the 558th.

 

Photograph courtesy of Gerald Schaffner
 
                                                                                                

 

Good Will Ambassadors

 

     Honoring a practice undertaken by occupying forces throughout history, Army personnel in Korea provided a certain amount of social welfare for the local citizenry. The MP’s of the 558th participated in this time-honored practice and employed numerous civilians. Approximately 30-40 Korean “house-boys” worked for members of the company.[103] These mostly orphaned Korean children were paid either $5.00 or a carton of cigarettes a month and did uniform maintenance, KP duty and a variety of other housekeeping functions.[104] In addition, many individual MP’s provided food, shelter and sustenance for other orphans. Some troopers even assisted in getting the children schooling and helped them find adoptive parents. On several occasions the MP’s, like many soldiers throughout history, married native women and brought them back to the US as their brides.

 

 

Panmunjom Detachment

 

       The 558th MP Co. Detachment from Munsan-ni provided the guard force for the on-again, off-again peace negotiations at Panmunjom. Initially established in 1951, the detachment was forced to evacuate the area on several occasions when it was in jeopardy of being over-run by incursions from the North.  However, for most of the war, the 558th MP Detachment manned the site.

      Beginning in early 1953, the 558th Detachment was again given assistance at Panmunjom from the 728th MP Battalion.  In April, when the UN Command was notified of the pending restart of negotiations, the MP force at Munsan-ni was increased to thirty (30) individuals.  The 558th provided fifteen (15) troopers and the 728th provided another fifteen (15) MP’s to the site.[105]  This supplemented detachment was tasked with providing security at both Munsan-ni and Panmunjom.  As news reports and rumors of the end of the war circulated, Panmunjom was seen as the most important spot in the world.  The peace conference site suddenly became inundated with diplomats, dignitaries, newsmen and assorted politicos. Lt. Louis Balent  (Summerville, N.J.) of “A” Company, 728th Battalion, who had been placed in charge of security at the site, assigned squads to a variety of required tasks.[106]  The MP’s on duty at Panmunjom were given the responsibility for prohibiting unauthorized entry, non-permissive photographs and unsolicited discussions. In addition, one squad was assigned to watch opposing forces from a nearby hillside. Another squad was given the task of providing transportation for the various dignitaries.  During the times when talks were not in session, the MP’s were assigned walking posts at the UN tent compound. (Munsan-ni)

     The breakthrough in negotiations occurred on April 19, 1953 when the communists demonstrated a willingness to allow their POW’s the right to determine which country they wanted to return to. A Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission was formed and they allowed the various representatives of the participating nations to interview their respective POW’s under the commission’s supervision. Beginning on April 20th and lasting until May 3rd 1953, an exchange of sick and wounded POW’s, known as “Operation Little Switch”, was conducted as both a trial run and a good faith demonstration. A tentative cease-fire agreement was reached on July 20th 1953. Armistice documents were signed on July 27, 1953 and the full exchange of prisoners, “Operation Big Switch” followed shortly thereafter. That process lasted for several months. Following the prisoner exchange, the 728th MP’s returned to their previous station. Lt. Balent remained on-site as the officer-in-charge of the 558th MP Detachment. The 558th MP’s remained at both Munsan-ni and Panmunjom until the POW exchange process had come to an end.

 

       It was the Panmunjom security operation that won the 558th MP Co. its third and final award. The Army awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation to the unit for:

 

                            performance of outstanding service…in all phases of security …at the United

                            Nations Base Camp at Panmunjom…providing military police escorts for high

                            ranking dignitaries…assuring safe conduct without incident. The members…

                            performed their duties in a competent and efficient manner…set them(selves)

                           apart from other units…The aggressiveness, loyalty and espirit de Corps

                           exhibited reflect great credit on themselves and the military service of the

                           United States. [107]

 

                             

 

The 558th MP Detachment at Munsan-ni, 1953.  The MP’s are guarding the tents of the UN delegation. This was the location known as “tent city”.

   Photograph courtesy of National Archives- Still Pictures Branch, Record Group 111- SC-383310.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

     The 558th MP Co. handled security at the Panmunjom peace talks. Here an MP stands at parade rest at the signing ceremony July 27, 1953. Through the window in the center of the photograph another MP of the 558th can be seen on foot patrol.

 

Photograph courtesy of National Archives- Still Picture Branch- Record Group 80 –G- 625728)

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Occupation Duty

 

 

    With the signing of the armistice, the 558th mission was transformed into an occupation assignment. Although the change had little immediate effect, once the final phases of POW exchanges had taken place, the MP’s could put the threat of another invasion behind them and devote their time to security and patrol duties.

 

    Administratively, several changes occurred during the late summer of 1953. First, on August 15th a large group of infantry soldiers were transferred into the 558th to fill needed vacancies. In all, over ninety (90) privates were assigned to the company.[108] These soldiers came mostly from front line units that were no longer required to maintain combat operations. Many of their units were, by this time, being sent stateside for deactivation. Second, the Commanding Officer, Captain Frederick L. Gemmer, departed the 558th MP Co. on October 1st 1953 and was replaced by Captain William B. Maxfield. It was Capt. Maxfield who planned and executed most of the MP mission involving security for Vice-President Nixon’s tour of Korea in November 1953. Overall, the 558th as a unit received a Letter of Commendation from Colonel Charles R. Rain, Headquarters Commandant and a Letter of Appreciation from Mr. Thomas Mayfield of the Dept. of State for the executive security operation.[109] 

 

 

 

 

 

    Operationally, the unit adapted to occupation duty rapidly. The troopers of the 558th continued to provide both a guard force for Eighth Army Headquarters at Yongsun and a few limited patrols of the surrounding area.

      An unpleasant series of tasks delegated to the 558th began occurring on June 9th 1953 when a series of demonstrations by civilians protesting the truce settlement took place outside Yongun headquarters. The protesters carried banners reading “Unification or Death” and demonstration leaders brought in young

schoolgirls to inflame the news media with their cause. The tactic succeeded in forcing the MP’s to hesitate with implementation of crowd control techniques. The film footage of the first incident shows both the 558th and the Korean MP’s somewhat disheartened over the requirement of pushing back a crowd made up of weeping school children.[110]

       The frequency of demonstrations declined rapidly following the armistice but some did continue to occur on a sporadic basis. As the Korean people began to accept the peace settlement they returned to the normal routine of daily life. The 558th MP troopers did the same. 

 

   

 

De -Activation

 

 

      The 558th Military Police Company remained on duty in Yongsun guarding the Headquarters facility of the Eighth Army for more then a year after the end of the war. From the time of the armistice until the closing days of 1954, the 558th remained at Eighth Army Headquarters as an occupation force.  On December 31, 1954, the 558th was de-activated at Yongsan. There was no ceremony and no photographs of the de-activation are known to exist. The de-activation was apparently a retrenchment and consolidtion action brought about by the end of hostilities.  For all practical purposes, it was only the number 558 that was de-activated. All personnel and equipment were transferred and reformed as the new Company “B” of the 728th Military Police Battalion. “B” Company took over on Jan. 1, 1955.  The 728th is still on active duty in Korea today.

 

 

   

   Photograph shows the changeover to the 728th MP Bn. Co. “B” when the 558th was de-activated in Korea in 1954.

 

 Photograph courtesy Gerald Schaffner.

 
 
                                                            

 

 

 

     The 558th Military Police Company was in Korea for the entire duration of the war. In addition, the unit spent part of 1953 and all of 1954 as an occupation force in Yongsan. During the war, the 558th MP Co. established a professional reputation and gathered an impressive collection of commendations.  The unit was awarded three (3) Meritorious Unit Commendations and two (2) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit

 

 

 

Citations. In addition, the 558th MP Company was credited with participated in all ten (10) officially designated campaigns of the Korean War.[111] They were:

1.      UN Defensive

2.      UN Offensive

3.      CCF Intervention

4.      First UN Counteroffensive

5.      CCF Spring Offensive

6.      UN Summer-Fall Offensive

7.      Second Korean Winter

8.      Korea, Summer-Fall 1952

9.      Third Korean Winter

10.   Korea- Summer, Fall 1953

 

 

     The official designation of the two (2) Korean Presidential Citations is as follows:[112]

      

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION

Description: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches in width and consist of: Hunter Green, White and Old Glory Red. A Taeguk (Old Glory Red above Cobalt Blue), 15/64 inch diameter, is centered in the middle of the ribbon. The ribbon is enclosed behind a gold color metal frame.

Criteria: The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is awarded by the Korean government. No more than one Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation will be worn by any individual.

Background: a. The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation emblem is authorized for permanent wear by personnel assigned to the organization during the period cited. Other personnel may wear this decoration while serving with an organization, stationed in the Republic of Korea, to indicate the unit has been awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

b. Organizations that have been awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation may display a streamer on the organizational flag. The streamer is the same pattern as the ribbon with the Taeguk near the heading of the streamer. The inscription will be as indicated on the unit's lineage and honors.

 

    

     The decision to de-activate the 558th and combine it with the 728th was never expounded on in the records examined by the author. Members of the company who were there at the time have suggested several hypotheses. The consensus of understanding is that the de-activation was done to streamline the Army’s organizational structure and to reduce the military commitment in Korea following the cease-fire.

 

        The 558th Military Police Company would not be re-activated again until 1962. Company books would then be opened for an entirely different assignment and oceans away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


[75]  US Eighth Army, Command Report-Eighth Army  1951. p.23.  National Archives, Record Group 407, 

     Box 3470.

 

[76]  The 7th Infantry would itself soon be dispatched to Korea.

 

[77]  US Eighth Army, Status of Assigned and Attached Units as of 29 June 1951,  Headquarters, Eighth 

     Army,  No 03-8.1951a. (1951)  p. 25.

 

[78]  US Army Military Police School,  Military Police Corps Regimental History,  (Fort McClellan,

     Alabama: Military Police School. No date.) p.25.

 

[79]   William Cherry, Written narrative, March 10th 2003.

 

[80]   This stockade was not used after the internment facility at Koje-Do opened.

 

[81]  US Eighth Army, History of the 728th Military Police Battalion. (1999)

 

[82]  Ibid, p.11.

     The Green Diamond Highway (or Route) was the east coast supply route between Pusan and  Taegu, 

     South Korea. The Red Diamond Highway was the West Coast supply route.

 

[83] US Eighth Army, EUSA,G3,  Status of Units, 29 June 1951.

    The 96th MP Battalion was activated in Korea on December 14, 1950 and de-activated there on March

    20, 1953.

 

[84]  James Dill, Dill Diary, Nov. 26, 1950.

 

[85]  Ibid.

 

[86]  Eighth Army Study, Special Problems in Korea, Feb. 1952. p.5.

 

[87]  Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, EUSAK, Rear Area Security, July 21 1951. p. 12.

 

[88]  U.S. Army, Casualties of the Korean War.

   

[89] United States Army, Military Police History, History from 1950. p.1.

 

[90] U.S. Eighth Army, Command Report, 1951.

 

[91]  Ibid.

 

[92]   Roy E. Appleman, South to the Naktong, North to the Yalu, (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing

      Office, 1992) p.148.

 

[93]   National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 338, Sub-group 5, Records of Military

      Police Organizations. Box. 12.

 

[94]   Ibid.

[95]  Department of Army, General Order 94, dated July 27, 1952. General Order 465, Headquarters, Eighth

     United States Army, Korea, 16 August 1952.

 

[96]  Department of Army, General Order 11, dated Jan. 19, 1953.

 

[97]  Gilbert Jones, Soldier Boy, Chapter 21, Section V, p. 4.

 

[98]  Gerald Schaffner, written interview, Dec. 15, 2001.

 

[99] Department of Army, General Order No. 68, dated 9 September 1953.

    General Orders 712, Eighth United States Army, 31 July 1953.

 

[100]   Department of Army, General Order 70. Dated 21 September 1953.

 

[101] Gilbert Jones,  Soldier Boy,  Section V: 558th Military Police Co., Unpublished manuscript.  p. 3.

 

[102] Ibid. p. 12.

 

[103]  Gilbert Jones, Soldier Boy  Chap. 21. Section V: 558th Military Police Company. (unpublished

       manuscript) p.6.

 

[104]  Ibid. p.7.  A carton of cigarettes sold by Koreans on the black market was worth much more than $5.00.

 

[105]  “Red MPs Vie In Sharpness at Panmunjom” Military Police Journal, July 1953.

 

[106]  Ibid.

 

[107]  Department of the Army, General Order No. 22. Dated 30 March 1954.

       General Order 106, Headquarters Eighth United States Army, 8 March 1954.

[108]  Eight United States Army, Headquarters Special Troops, Special Order No. 247, dated 4 Sept. 1953.

 

[109] Eight United States Army, Headquarters Special Troops, Letter of Commendation, dated 2 Dec. 1953.

      American Embassy Pusan Korea to Col. Edward F. Penaat, Provost Marshal, Letter of Appreciation,  

      dated Nov. 17, 1953.

[110]   National Archives an Records Admin. Record Group 111, Series LC Film No. 33008 dated June 9,  

       1953

[111]   US Eighth Army, Report of Eighth Army Roll-Up Operations in Korea, Eighth Army Headquarters

       APO 301. Report No. 03-8.1955/2 (1955)

 

[112]   US Army Personnel Command, TAGD/TIOH, Republic of Korea. Military Awards Branch, US Total

       Army Personnel Command, TAPC-PDO-PA, Alexandria, Va. 2002.