From Coos to Korea

the long version

Melvin Borgard was but one of nearly three million U.S. Army personnel to serve in Korea and, like most, he did not participate in the amphibious invasion of Inchon or the battle of Pork Chop Hill. In fact, he fired more rounds of ammunition at rats in the latrine than at the enemy, and 'Pickles,' one of his company's houseboys, was the only North Korean he encountered. However, Borgard's letters to his parents reveal that the 339th Transportation Harbor Craft and Marine Maintenance Company at Inchon was no safe haven and provided critical support for troops fighting on the frontlines.