Wounded on `The Hook'

VFW Magazine, Dec, 2002

"Hanging on the `Bloody Hook'" (October) by Al Hemingway was close to home for me. I was with a 4.2-inch mortar platoon that October 1952. Also, I was with forward observer Marine Lt. Sherrod Skinner up until minutes before he was killed. I was later wounded by a grenade or mortar, and transported back to the hospital ship at Inchon to recover.

Emmett E. Ports, Sturgis, Mich.

I was one of several black Marines in the Battle of the Hook, serving as a squad leader. While the shelling and bleeding was occurring, we were all scared young men who depended on each other for survival and solace. My outfit was virtually wiped out, but I had already been evacuated after being wounded by a mortar or artillery.

Dennis E. Pierre
West Babylon, N. Y.

While I have read VFW magazine's Korean War series with interest, it focuses mostly on the Army. Credit also should be given to the destroyers of Task Force 77. Operating off the coast of North Korea, these ships fired at targets 24 hours a day. Targets included bridges, ammo supply dumps, tunnels and enemy troops. My ship, the USS Arnold Isbell, lost two sailors.

F.E. Price
Winston Salem, N.C.