Crucial action at Boulder City

Re: "The Final Fights: Boulder City and Outposts Dale and Weswiew" (June). As a member of G Co., 3rd Bn., 7th Marines, I remember the ordeal of Boulder City vividly. Boulder City was designated Hill 119; Hill 111 was the 1st Marine Division's far right anchor.

The indescribable stench of decaying human flesh permeated every breath one took. The entire environment was surreal. It is a miracle that anyone survived. It's also a tribute to the fighting spirit of the Marine Corps that Boulder City held against such overwhelming odds.

Bob Vertacnik

West Newton, Pa.

A few corrections: G Company was never lost, and I Company also fought to the end. A previous G Company commander, Carl Sitter (who earned the Medal of Honor at the Chosin) coined the 1st Marines' prayer:

"Dear God, please help us in the coming struggle. But if you can't, please don't help the enemy. We will honor our sacred bargain. Send us targets and we will send you souls for your heavenly purposes. Amen."

James R. Stanard

Richmond, Va.

Had the Chinese succeeded in penetrating the MLR and reaching the Imjin River two miles south, it would have been a disaster. The truce line would have been set south of the river and ultimately left the gates to Seoul vulnerable to invasion.

Jack Allen

Pacific Palisades, Calif.