Fredrick Still
Bio
Fredrick Still was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 16, 1951, at 21. After completing basic training and heavy equipment school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was deployed to Korea via troopship in July 1952. He arrived at Incheon and was assigned to the 116th Combat Engineers Battalion, 10th Corps, where he operated a road grader during his thirteen-month deployment. While in Korea, he was struck by the harsh living conditions of the local people. During his time overseas, he frequently wrote letters home, many of which his wife still keeps today. Though his return lacked much fanfare, he is proud of the lifelong friendships he formed and the relationships that endure to this day.
Video Clips
Running a Road Grader
Fredrick Still describes his role in Korea, where he maintained roads as part of the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion. Although his farm experience made him familiar with heavy equipment, the initial road grader he used was too dangerous on the rocky terrain. After a few days, he was reassigned a motorized road grader, which was much easier to operate.
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A-Frames and Agriculture
Fredrick Still describes the harsh agricultural practices he witnessed in Korea, where Koreans carried baskets of human waste to fertilize their rice paddies, often irrigated by mountain water. He recalls seeing rows of huts along the roads, areas he considered "slums." He also notes the use of A-frame structures, which were common in the region for various tasks.
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No Fanfare
Fredrick Still recalls that there was little fanfare when he returned to the United States, except near the Golden Gate Bridge, as he was on the first ship back. The only notable celebration was a great meal, including steak, upon their arrival. Despite the lack of ceremony, he appreciated the warm welcome and the satisfying meal.
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I did what I was told to do
On a freezing, snowy night, Fredrick Still recalls being assigned to guard a dozer that had stalled on Punch Bowl Pass. While his companion took the opportunity to leave when a jeep passed by, he stayed the entire night, honoring his commitment. He believes this decision led to his promotion to staff sergeant, which came shortly after.
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Lifelong Friendships
When Fredrick Still was first drafted, he quickly bonded with four men during training. Though they went their separate ways after the war, they reunited and made a tradition of meeting up. Fredrick takes pride in their lasting friendship, which has endured for all these years.
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Letters Home
Fredrick Still recalls writing regularly to his friends, family, and future wife while in Korea, noting that sending mail cost him nothing. He often wrote to his girlfriend (now wife), his parents, and friends serving nearby. His wife still keeps many of the letters he sent, and Fredrick remembers receiving a lot of mail in return during his time overseas.
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