Then and Now: Freedom Bridge
Then:
Freedom Bridge which crossed the Imjim River during the Korean War via Defense Media.
Now:
Notice the amount of trees that have since grown on the South Korean hillsides. The mountains you see in the background are the mountains near Kaeseong, North Korea.
Check out this link at Global Security for more info on Freedom Bridge:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/f…
You are thinking of the Bridge of No Return at Panmunjom.
It was in Panmunjom, but a gang of Nigerians moved it.
I thought freedom bridge was in Pam'munjom and not Imjimgak. I might be wrong.
[…] … http://www.qsl.net/ah6hy/korea.html • Found on Yahoo! Search, Windows Live, Ask.com Then and Now: Freedom Bridge Freedom Bridge Across the Imjim River. This bridge became infamous when it was used to allow South […]
I'm Looking for the name of the base just south of Yula RIver , the bridge headed to N Korea, the Base was 702 Maint Bn, Charlie Company, , time was 1965 to 1967, just getting old and can't remember the name, contact at kenwoodworker@verizon.net or 440-567-3067 any body in the company at that time please call or e-mail me. Second to None
I Lived about 1/10th of a mile once you crossed the freedom bridge going north on the left at a camp called camp dodge for a year.There are two bridges freedom which you cross over the Imjim river ,the next bridge is called bridge of no return which you cross near Panmunjon into north korea! Trust me I know what Iam talking about I lived it.
Cpt. Art is correct. I was stationed at Camp Edwards West c company 702nd
Maint. and we were direct support for everyone by the DMZ.
I was stationed at Camp Greaves and we guarded Freedom Bridge. It is located at Imjin-gak. Libby bridge is a few miles to the east of Freedom bridge and is a ROKA controlled bridge. The "old" Freedom Bridge has (since I was stationed there) returned to being a railroad bridge. Back in the 80's when I was stationed in Korea, Freedom Bridge was a one-lane bridge and traffic would flow in one direction for a while and then another as necessary. I have lots of pictures of the bridge if interested.
Yes Sir!! We supported everybody to include Yong Ju Gol and Son Ju Ri.
For some reason we filled more work orders for those two villes, than we did-all the
units that were on the DMZ. LOL
B. Co 1/31 Infantry was at Cp. Edwards East.
Stationed there from 86 to 87.
Hey Bones, I was at Greave/Liberty Bell Nov. 86 to Jun 88 then at Howze (3rd BDE HQ) from Jun 88 to Nov 89. Total three years. I get back often and that area has totally changed. Yongjugol is still famous for "houses of ill-repute" but more so with Koreans than with GI's. Sonju-ri is not even recognizable, but the Munsan bus station is in the same spot!
I was at Cp Garry Owen back in 1975 and remember Yong Ju Gol well, maybe too well. I've seen photos of the area and would not recognize it if I drove through it. Thomas-you said you go back often, I like to ask if you go back to look for a Tae Kwon Do gym that was in an upstairs area of a store just outside the Cp Garry Owen compound. I praticed TKD there and would like to get Master Won's address if possible. His name was Won, Kil Soo and he and his younger brother operated the gym. Appreciate it if you have the time. Thanks.
Tommy Lee, I would love to see the pics of the bridge.Did the Army Corp build another bridge. I lost all my pics in my hold baggage. . Ken Turner Sr 702Mt Btn, Charlie Co
If you'll eMail me, I'll send them to you. I can be reached at thomasglee at gmail. If there is a way to share them here, that would be good.
Not sure if you can access my facebook album, but there I have a lot of pics from my military days in Korea. Mostly from Camps Greaves and Liberty Bell as well as during bridge duty.
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?&id=686562…
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=117222&…
Tommy, I sent you a coment but no reply
I was at 8th Army Base camp at Munsan Ni in 1953 during "Little Switch" (Repatriation of wounded POWs) and armistice negotiations. I have pictures of Freedom Bridge taken at that time and a picture of Freedom Village, a convoy of ambulances after crossing the bridge. Also a picture of a wrecked steam engine near the bridge which is now a tourist attration and can be seen on Google Earth Panaramio (sp?)
I never saw any comment… You made a comment on FB or by eMail?
Ed, you should post your photos on Flickr or even in the ROK Drop Forums for other people to see.
GI I would if I knew how but I don't.
My father who just passed away on Nov 11th 2010 was a korean vet and I have 1 picture of him at freedom bridge around 52-53 or sometime in there. The picture of him is on the old freedom bridge that had been bombed or demolished I'm not quite sure. I'd like to see war era picts if any are around and hear any stories from people who have been there to get more of an idea about the bridge and it's history.
I was stationed in Korea in 1968 with Hq Co. 2nd Bn 23rd Inf at Freedom Bridge. I cannot find any pictures of the bridge during that time period. If anyone knows where to find some pictures please let me know. Thanks
Wayne… I am also a student of Master Won, Kil Soo and I know his brother Won, Kil Sung as well. Call me at 845-521-7950 and I will give you his contact information. He is retired now and his brother lives in Texas. A few of us are trying to get to Korea this year to see him.
I was stationed at Camp Pelham (later re-named Gary Owen) during all of 1983. I was a Radio monitor and was on duty when Reagan visited in November of 1983. I'm looking for other Army members and especially for photos of Sonju ri, Thanks!
hiler8@gmail.com
sp4 Hiler
i still have a blanket i bought in yong ju gol in 85 most comfortable blanket ive ever owned what i would give to hit the new seoul club again or see those blond korean women in the club down the road shooting pool.i think i spent way too much time in those bars
and wway too much money
Was stationed with HHC 3rd Bde 2nd Inf. Not too far north of Freedom Bridge. WE called it Camp Bullseye.
When were you with HHC 3rd BDE? I was there from around June 87 to November 89. Worked in the S3 shot and was the Brigade Training NCO.
Oops. That was June 88 to November 89. Was at Greaves from Nov 86 to June 89.
Damn… at greaves until June 88. LoL
We need an edit button on this site!
In the old days…was there in 1969-70.
Yeah, that was a bit before my time! lol
It has changed SO much since I was stationed there. I can’t imagine how much it’s changed since you were there!
Yep, I’ve looked at the area on Google Earth and don’t recognize anything but the bridge (Freedom Bridge). Can tell by the columns next to it from the old bridge. When I first got to Korea I was at a camp close to Libby Bridge but after a few months they moved us close to Freedom. Looks very modern now, then it was all unpaved road and a lot of mud brick houses. Culture shock for someone that hadn’t been out of Texas. 😉
i was in hq hq co 2nd bde 7th inf stationed at camp hovey but was sent tdyto camp dodge just across freedom bridge in jan 1968. Is there anyone that was in the same unit?
I was at Camp Dodge in 1970-71–It seems to me that we were told that we were on the North side of the Imjim River. I believe it was the 9th infantry unit. Towards the end of my tour we went to Camp Casey and that seemed like a luxury resort compared to Camp Dodge
😡 Korea 1968-1969, not a nice place to be at that time. The “Freedom Bridge” is or was across the Injim River. When I went north (Dec 23, 1968) it had a dog leg 3/4 of the way north. There our truck was inspected by American M.P.a, as we drove on I could see a row of tanks at the river bank. The dirt road was lined with white streamers, as long as you stayed on the one way road you were fine, anything beyond the white streamers was a mine field. My ‘encounter’ with the “Bridge of No Return” was when they released the crew of the Pueblo. Seeing what condition those sailors were in gave cause to dislike the North Koreans more. They were all skinny, very pale except for the occasional black eye or bruises on the head and neck. When you see men’s courage like that it gives you a new appreciation of your own freedom.
Spec4 Tim Day
A Co. 304th Sig Bn
I was in Korea from Nov 1967 till mid Dec 1968. Charlie Co. 2nd Eng Bn. We spent almost every day in the Zone. WE replaced the old sapling fence with chain link. We put in miles of mine fields. I have pics of Freedom Bridge. Sure looks different now. Have a few pics looking into N Korea from several GP’s. Spent some time around Libby Bridge but don’t have any pics of it. We built a boat launch on the north side of Freedom Bridge to launch patrol boats. It was right next to the bunker where the electrical wires to the big box of explosives on the north span of the bridge were located. I can’t see the bunker or the boat launch in any of the current pictures.
I was just South of Freedom Bridge wth A Co, 2/23 (M) APR 67 to JUL 69. Several times we moved to DMZ to provide support for patrols, GPs, 3 day walks, QRF’s, etc. Now which camp was I in????
You all have me feeling nostalgic. One of the enduring memories of serving in Korea is the practice of soldiers snapping to attention on Freedom Bridge or inside the JSA and shouting their unit motto. At the time one of my duties was to meet regularly with North Koreans behind closed doors in one of those blue buildings adjacent to the UNCMAC Conference building on the military demarcation line in the JSA at Panmunjom. As I was often in front of the JSA guards,pretty much out of sight and very much alone, I was amused by two of the mottos in particular because I was definitely standing alone and in front of the guys who where were supposedly in front of them all.
During the Seoul Olympics, I escorted a group of senior NBC executives and their families on a tour of the JSA. On the return trip to Seoul, they asked me what the guards shouted on the bridge and inside the JSA and what did it mean. For fun I responded with this “true story” from the Korean War.
Before the Korean War started the only soldiers we had stationed in Korea were part of KMAG. One of those soldiers just happened to get caught on the wrong side of the Imjin River when the North Koreans attacked. This young man was a particularly resourceful soldier of Polish-Irish parentage named Stanislav Malone, but everyone referred to him as “Stans”. When the North Koreans pressed the attack south, he hid out under a Korean house and then, cut off from US and ROK Army forces, he somehow managed to elude capture for months until the Marines landed at Inchon and pressed the attack North. When the American forces finally occupied the South side of the Imjin, Malone swam across the river pulled himself up the muddy bank and reported to an American captain who demanded to know who the hell he was. At which point he came to attention, saluted and shouted “Stans Malone, Sir.” “ Where hell have you been Malone,” the Captain demanded. And again, Malone came to attention and shouted “In front of them all, sir.”
And to this day, out of respect for the daring exploits of this amazing soldier, Stanislav Malone, the soldiers of the 1-9th Infantry still shout his name. Though it may sound a little like “Stands alone” they are really saying “Stans Malone. The soldiers of the JSA also honor him by reminding everyone where he had been – “in front of them all.”
And being television news types, the NBC execs totally bought it. I can also report that the Commander of the JSA at the time was not a bit amused when the President of NBC later repeated this story to him.
@DMZDave- That is a hilarious story. 😆
Is that a ‘true story’ often told at the JSA to fool people?
@39 – DMZDave – great story, but the 1/9 said, “Keep Up the Fire”. It was the 1st of the 506th that’s motto is “Stands Alone”.
Otherwise, very well done!
Thomas Lee: I worked in Batallion HDQ at Camp Dodge from August 1970 till April 1971, then moved to Seoul until ets in June 11. Small world, I still have the 1/9th belt buckle that says “KEEP UP THE FIRE” on it.
I was in Battalion Maint. Hhc 2/23 from Nov 1967 to Jan 1969. I just got approved for agent orange exposure with a 30% disability.. I was in the zone daily on recovery missions. It is called boots on the ground, so go to the VA and sign up.
If not for you, then do it for those who never came home, we owe it to them. So, get off your ass and apply.
What ever happened to Mr. Lee, the tire man in BTN Maint. I know the village all too well. I got chased back to Camp Lawton by all the working girls in the village.
If this keeps up with this spineless ,back stabbing pres. We will be back in ROK . Send us old guys, we will get the job done and win this time
Bugsy
stationed at Camp Pelham HHB 2/17 FA (GUNS OF THE DMZ) at that time 81-82 was the most forward based FA.BN unit in the ARMY.1SG Willie Rose and SSG COBB COMMO.PSG.
To Ed Christian- I proudly served with HHC 2nd Bde, 7th Infantry Division in “69”. Our First Sargent when I ETS’d was an older warrior but I forget his name. I worked in TOC and drove courier along the “Z”. We had 2 dogs in our unit who were loyal to all. Nicknames of the guys in our unit was Eve, Uncle Pete, & Lizard to name a few. Best Regards—
SP-4 Brustman
Hi Bob Brustman.
You were about a mile down from the 1st of the 9th Infantry Division. We were the first compound across the bridge on the left. I was there at Camp Dodge from Aug. 1970 until our unit moved to Camp Hovey, Seoul wher I ETS’d out of the Army and Country June 9th, 1971. You were there a little earlier then me. I worked in Batallion. headquarters my whole time in Korea, 13 months..Good to hear about you, take care…
Gary Churchwell: You were in the same place as I was at the same time….
I was there in 1970 camp rose before in was moved to Casey
i look and I look but I do not see meme men from camp Pelham . 1970 till nov.71. We did go into the d m z .is there no one left, I was 17 when at Pelham I do hav A O just got my 20 0/0 and 10 for my hearing . And still have. More to clame. The other men were older then I was, may be there all gon. Dead? I am 61 and soon to b 62. After that who knows.. I’ll have to ask my yo Bo 40$ a mouth . Back in the day.
Was stationed at first camp across freedom bridge from August 70 till sept 71 then moved to cp Lawton then to cp Mackenzie n of Munson in. Patrolled dmz while n. Of freedom bridge. Close two bridge because I remember walking to bridge in evening. David Henry one of the guys I knew well. Very fond memories of those guys.
I was at camp liberty Bell from 88-89. Sgt Cashions squad in 1st Platoon. I remember many good nights at the club behind the barracks on the hill. They made a DMZ burger that was 1 pound.
I was also at Camp Dodge 1970 with the 1st Bn 9th Inf. “Keep up the fire. We relieved the 7th Div March 71. I was station at Camp Hovey.
Hey Rick,
I remember 1/9th well. Did you submit your A/O claim ?
Was stationed at Camp Dodge 1978-1979, at that time is was just a DCO/Microwave site behind the Manchu Club, we lived in the barracks at Camp Greaves. I was 552nd Sig Co 41st Sig BN 1st Sig Bde, HQ Uijeongbu CRC (32D)
is there anyone who was at camp dodge in March1965 to june 1966??
I was there when the change took place from 1st cav to 2id.
I worked in the motor pool on track vechiles
Tim, those tanks were ours, 4th Squadron 7th Cavalry, Garry Owen. i got to Korea about 1 month prior to the North Koreans taking the Pueblo. I was a mechanic then and made several trips across Freedom Bridge to make repairs to tanks and APCs. I earned my Imjin Scout Badge during that time. I spent a lot of time in Unchon-ni just outside the gates of Camp MacKenzie. MacKenzie is not there any more. Does anybody remember “Slicky Boy Corner” in Munsan-ni. It was an S turn which was ver sharp and you had to slow down to go through it. That made it easy for the “Slicky Boys'” to steal stuff from the trucks without anybody the wiser. Especially spare tires from M151s and the gas cans.
Martin Ferguson
Mark I was the DCO repairman at Camp Dodge 1979-1980. I remember working with you and Jeff Hopkins.
Caption Art what year were you there?
1970-1971 Jim
Thanks Captain Art,I was there in 70-71 Co. A 1st Bn.31st.Inf.
Join the discussion was stationed at camp dodge in1967. I was in a quick reaction/recon platoon. Didn’t have much time to myself. Now at 70years of age can only vaguely member some of the history of the place. I do remember gp jane were I spent a lot of time. Fill me in. Like what was the name of the bridge I patrolled so often? Thanks jack chambers jchambersconst@aol.com
I WAS AT CAMP MCKENZIE 1963-1964 HQ/HQ 2/7 AND 2/4 COMBAT SUPPORT CO. HEAVY WEAPONS PLT.. HAROLD JONES. HAD 2 NORTH KOREANS INFILTRATE VILLAGE OUTSIDE GATE. 2 OF OUR M60 GUNNERS KILLED THEM..QUITE A DAY…….
Welcome home brother and hope you are doing well in this crazy world we live in.
I am not sure if you will ever get this message I am a student of Master Won Kil Soo ,pleas contact as I have contact with the name of the gym was Yun Pung Gym . I was stationed and camp Stanton 77-78 period .He is coming to the US this May
Hal Whalen
Hey Martin, how’s it going, did you guys ever get better barracks? Remember the night shift and the xy switches clacking all night long
I was at Camp Dodge from Feb. 1967 to about March. 1968. HHC 3/23 Inf, Ground Survellience, Radar.
i patroled this bridge in 62 and 63 also patroled the mdl and spent on out
I was there that day! I was the Assistant S4. Was there from April 63 to May 64. We were cut off from out basic load. The CG almost got shot down with a hand gun. The young man with the jeep mounted M60 was the only person with live ammo other than what we had for guard duty.
I was at Camp Dodge in Dec’69 with the 1st of the 9th Ing. 2nd Inf. Div. We rotated down south to Charle Block North of Yong Gu Gol. Then 4 months later we rotated back to Camp Dodge but I was transferred to Headquarters Company Recon/Strike Force up by Panmunjon. Collecting 30% for AO and 50% for PTSD.
TOMAHAWKS. Come join our history page for the 23rd Infantry Regiment
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tomahawks23rdInfantry/
I was at Camp McKenzie, A troop 4th Squadron 7th Cav in 69 and 70. I believe the camp was renamed Garry Owen later. We were just south of Freedom Bridge. We actually swam the river in our tracked vehicles. I served with lots of great guys.
I served with some wonderful men.
I was at camp Rose June 67 Aug 68. Co a 1/72 armour we did patrol as infinity as well by the Imjin Jan 68 I was in the Imjin Scout class with commandant Maj Donlon I loved it reaped for another 4. Met great people.
Sam Huey, I was at Camp Dodge the same time you were. I worked at the switchboard in S-2. Were you the radio operator?
Just ran across this thread. I was also at McKenzie 71-72 near Munsan. Great experience. Mech. Inf. Met great people
I was at Camp MacKenzie in ’70-’71 with C Troop, 4th Squadron 7th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Division. In ’71, we moved south to the Rec Center in Yong Ju Gol.
Hey chuck Norris, I was in 2/23 1968 battalion maintenance. Track section recovery operator. I am still alive. What ever happened to Mr. Lee, the tire man? I am in northern Calif .
Cavalino328@yahoo.com
Look me up.
Gary Duran
i’ sorry, but i was at camp greaves ’83-’84 don’t remember what the hell you boys are talking ’bout, must just be i was with the bastard children of the c company 1st of the 9th, sounds as if you guys had a cake walk, feel for ya dudes.
I was E-5 Commo Sec Chief, HHC 2nd Bde 7th Inf. on DMZ Camp Dodge or Camp Woods. I have a few pictures of the area. We supported the 2nd Infantry Division Battalions. They rotated we did not.
I was stationed on DMZ March 68-March 69. HHC 2nd Brigade 7th ID. Our First Sgt was 1st Sgt Hines. The Commo NCO was SFC Stewart. Lt Arendt was Commo Sec.
I have a number of pictures I can share, even of the dogs. Slept in the tents, showered in the tent, crapped in a tent. Hot in summer cold in winter. Kerosene from jerry can drip into heater for warmth, had to be changed in middle of night.
I was in the same unit 1969-1970 . Came down from the zone winter of 69 and spent my last Christmas at Casey until final ets. Served in TOC decoding top secret crypto intel. Drove for LTC Guthrie. Did you receive your 7th division cib ? Please send photos of what you have. Thanks——SP4 Bob Brustman
Yes Bob, I did receive the “Order of the Bayonet Badge” which is called a combat Action Badge I’m told issued to infantry unit members in a combat zone but without the requisite 11B MOS. The Imjin Scout Badge of the 2nd Div is also a Division issued CAB. I have a few photos of Camp Dodge from 1968 and 69. I don’t do facebook but if you’ll supply an email I’ll forward you some pics. Regards, Tom Rodgers
Bob, Also I’ve been in touch with Dan “Snoopy” Marshall & Tommy McNeely form my unit. Tom Rodgers
Bob if you worked in TOC and were on Teletype/Crypto did you go through Ft Gordon in Augusta Ga ?
Good Morning Tom,
Basic at Dix than Fort Gordon. Finished Gordon on 12/6/68. Bad racial incidents during that time. Everyone was on pins and needles for fear of nam. Left directly for Korea. Went through Counter Guerilla Warfare training with the 7th and finished on 01/25/69. Froze my ass off as everyone did. Than assigned to the TOC in a dark and wet bunker.
Bob: You were about a year behind me on the same trail. Basic Dix June/july ’67, AIT Infantry Dix August/September ’67, Radio School Dix Oct ’67, Gordon, late fall ’67, finished Christmas ’67. Jan ’68 Korea – Hovey then DMZ – separated April ’69 Ft Lewis.
Ed Christian: I believe we served together in 1968-69. I was Sgt. E5 Commo Section Chief of HHC 2nd Brigade 7th Inf. At Camp Hovey in January 68 and then at Camp Dodge on DMZ in tents. Tom Rodgers
Tom,
If you have the time, send photos of what you have of the company area. Also, read
Levenworth Papers #19. Click on Read Full Text. Very interesting of our times back than.
stands alone my currahee brothers will never forget that experience was there from 2000-2002 (extended) HHC ‘hellcats’ Area 1 winter on the DMZ the snow and the cold man that sucked 😉
stationed korea 67-68 b troop 4/7 cav, all these comments sure bring back memories, good & bad. 1st sgt was franks, tough as nails, great guy down in the village, his hootch was next to mine.
I was in 1961-62 in the first cav 23rd transportation battalion bravo Co. I just spoke with the company commander today what a treat. We were located north of the Imjin River a mile mile and a half south of the DMZ. I don’t remember the name of the camp and would like to know if anyone knows.
.
Thomas Rodgers and any others who served in HHC 2nd BDE, 7 the INF Camp Hovey and the DMZ Freedom Bridge, Camp Dodge in 1968. This is Mike Riggsbee SGT E-5 please reach out.
I was at Camp McKenzie with the 4/7 US Cav in 1970-1971.
Where you in the Agent Orange area? As of 1 Jan. 2020 the VA is considering those who file for compensation
Yes I was. My agent orange disability upgrade began in 2019.
Are you suffering from any of the presumptive conditions?
So far I have only referenced neuropothy but staying abreast of others. I first got an out-of-system doctor to diagnose and provide a letter.
That appears to be the best unless you are on VA medical which many of us Z vets are not. I’m in the process of applying at this time. I have type 2 diabetes and neuropathy diagnosed by my doctor’s who provided letters.
m,y name is bob i was in korea at camp dodge for ten months in 1969. i was a o5c20 and worked switch board and in impede toc.was there from feb 69 to march 70. have takled to thomas rodges. trying to help buddy with agent orange compensation.
I was at Casey- HHC DISCOM, 2nd ID from ’89-91. Left end of May 1991.
Out of 10 yrs in the U.S. Army, those were the best memories after all.
I was at camp lawton paroling DMZ N GP Jane 2nd 23rd mech. Infantry from 1967-1968 rank of E-5 and doing the time of the Pablo was capture by N Korean Navy n waiting on line all night for President Johnson to give the word if world war VIII going to break out