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Robert McHugh 24-Jul-2017 22:19
Bill,
I recently acquired a cigarette lighter from the Kyushu Gypsies...the front has a C-47 affixed to it and it says Kyushu Gypsies Korea and in the bottom corner is K-16. On the rear is the name CAPPY and a map of Korea...Any help in ID'ing CAPPY would be greatly appreciated...Thanks...Rob
Thomas 03-Feb-2017 13:14
Bill,

My Father, Andy Barada was a Gypsy and I am looking for a good image of the 21 set unit patch so I can enlarge it. Any assistance most appreciated.

Thomas Barada
Bob Harper 10-Aug-2016 07:27
I, Bob Harper was a member of the Kyushu Gypsies in 1953 and 1954. I was a flying crew chief and I guess I flew on all of the C47s that the Gypsies had. My aircraft was #405. The pilots that we had were all super!. I live in Texas now and have been married to the same gal for 61 years. A buddy in Korea gave me her address to write to, and that started it all. My phone# is 940-613-9240.
Robert A Strupp 14-Oct-2015 00:02
Mr. Chilcoat I credit you with, more or less, saving my life (for 'what' at age 64, I am still asking). In 1961 I was transferred from Mr Yount's class after calling him a "bastard" for taking away my Sugar Daddy after I took it out after I'd seen everyone else was eating their Halloween candy. Now I know why you "got me." You were the new teacher! Too bad. You block-printed everything and to this day I still block print everything just as you 'taught' me fifty-four years ago. You got me interested in learning again and sort of took me under your wing and I will never forget that. About three years ago I took an on-line test for autism and discovered I've always been autistic in Asperger's 'range.' And when I took a home IQ test in 1976, MENSA mailed back my score at 156 but insisted I had cheated. But I did not. So between you and me, I'm an autistic genius who finally understands, sort of, why interacting with people in this world has been so hard to handle for so very long. But, I wanted to thank you, thank you, thank you for your concern and your caring and teaching of me 54 years ago.
Kendra Ormond Waddington 18-Aug-2015 13:27
Thank you so much for the wonderful photos of the Kyushu Gypsies info. My father, Neil Ormond is a Gypsy, and he is doing well here in WNY. He has always been proud of his group/division, and attended the reunions he was able to. Well wishes, and thank you so much for these wonderful photos. If he doesn't have this info, I will definitely get it to him.
Gwendolyn Held Mashburn 03-Feb-2015 17:03
Good Morning, Mr Chilcoat;

My name is Gwendolyn Held Mashburn, and my father, Junior Raymond Held was in your Division during the Korean War. We were able to pull up the Kyushu Gypsies information through your website, and I was wondering if perhaps you would have this in printed book form that I can purchase to give one to my Father. He was a radio man on the C119 planes. He is currently living in St Bernard Parish in Louisiana, having just returned after a 9 year hiatus, having lost his home in the 2005 flood from the Hurricane Katrina. My mother passed away two years ago, so his is particularly interested in preserving any past memories. Please feel free to contact me via cell phone (504)452-4656, or email, gwenfiftytwo@yahoo.com Thank you for your service! Gwen Mashburn
Marshall Helena 19-May-2013 22:47
FRED LEE "BUZZY" KREEGER, JR. "Buzzy" passed away in his sleep at hospice in Winston-Salem, NC on April 25, 2013. He was 84. "Buzzy" was always so proud of his service with the Gypsies. His grandson married my daughter. Since I spent 26 years as an Army paratrooper, most of it in airborne units, and I was in Korea for a year in the early 1970s, Buzzy and I hit it off right away. May I ask for some help? His widow, Ruth Kreeger, cannot find a DD-214, and she is trying to determine what awards and decorations Buzzy was entitled to. We've submitted a request to the National Personnel Records Center, but they tell us that it appears that Buzzy's records may have been destroyed in the fire back in 1973. So, I am left with trying to help Ruth reconstruct enough information to give the NPRC so that they can do further research. If anyone out there has any assignment orders, TDY orders, or any other documents that may include Buzzy Kreeger's name, we would be eternally grateful for a copy. My mailing address is: Colonel (ret) Marshall L. Helena, 1917 Westheimer Drive, Clemmons, NC 27012. Email is: mhelena325@aol.com.
chad frelin 11-Feb-2013 04:16
my father felix mathew frelin seved in ww2 korea and two tours in nam. he was from what they call the greatest generation and i couldnt agree more. you guys dealt with a lot of stuff but what a great time in this country to have lived. im proud of you guys and my father who if i am half the man he was i would have will have had a great life. my father died in letterman hospital presideo sf. i hope his was the exeption of how you guys were treated in later years. those guys involved in his treatmant who lied and covered up what happened to him there time grows shorter and you will answer to what you did.today i was going through and old box of stuff and found a lighter with your group on it with a k18 airplane one one side and a map of korea on the other. we didnt talk much about korea so this is pretty cool for me to check out thank all of you
Ellen Scott 16-Jan-2013 19:42
My father, Frank Pientka was enlisted in the Air Force from 1948 - 1952 and was one of the original Kyushu Gypsies. He was in the 5th Air Force, 21st Troop Carrier Squad. He told me when he arrived in Korea there was nothing, not even a tent.

He passed away on December 31, 2012 and "died like a hero, going home". He will forever be missed.
Eddie( bob) Selph 07-Dec-2012 14:12
The 403rd combat carrier group was change to the 483rd troop carrier group after the conflect, I was flt engineer on the C-119 and the C-130 I was station at Ashiya for nine years, The best nine years of my life
Maurice Warren 02-Aug-2012 20:13
Louis Neal Ranne KILGORE — Funeral services for Neal Ranne, 79, of Kilgore, will be 10 a.m. today, August 2, 2012, at Trinity Baptist Church, with Dr. Mike Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Lake­view Memorial Gardens in Longview. He died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at his home.
Mr. Ranne was born February 1, 1933, in Killeen, Texas. He attended public school in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, and was a graduate of Ruston High School and attended Louisiana Tech. In his service to our country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force, he was a member of the Kyushu Gypsy Squadron. Neal was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and he retired from Texas Eastman.
The people of Gregg County referred to Neal as the "Unofficial Flag Protocol Man." Numerous boys have benefitted by the experience of attending "Boys State" because of Neal's involvement in the American Legion. Mr. Ranne was a member of the National Chrysanthemum Society.
His true passion was Scouting. Known by hundreds of Scouts as "Mr. Neal," he participated in pinning 58 young men their Eagle Scout award. Among his much recognition were The Silver Beaver Award, The Good Shepherd Baptist Adult Recognition Award, The Vigil Honor Award and The Wood Badge.
He is survived by his son, David Sterling Ranne and his wife, Linda, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; a daughter, Amellia Gay and her husband, Dennis, of Temple, Texas; three grandchildren, Chad Frederick and his wife, Kim, of Longview, Taresa Frederick of Temple, Texas, and Bethany Ranne of Oklahoma City; a great-granddaughter, known as "The Boss," Kyndall Frederick of Longview; his sister, Violet McElhinney of Longview; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Ranne was preceded in death by his wife, Joyice Ranne.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Neal Ranne Scout Scholarship Fund, c/o Mike Bassham, CPA, Cub Scout Pack 251, 109 North Kilgore Street, Kilgore, TX 75662.
All Scouts attending the funeral service at the Trinity Baptist Church are requested to wear their Class A uniforms.

Please sign the online register at www.raderfuneralhome.com.

Jose Torres 01-Jun-2012 01:42
Dear Veterans, My friend and I are trying to find some information on her dad who served in the AFB around 1955-1960s. He arrived to Ashiya AFB Japan on or about September 1956.
His name is Harold Hall. He is mentioned as in the 374th Supply Squadron basketball team at Ashiya AFB Japan. Thank you all for your service!

1SG Jose L. Torres
Central Illinois Recruiting Company
7501 N. University, Ste. 229
Peoria, IL 61614
Office: 1-309-692-0395
Cell: 1-317-331-4374
jose.torres@usarec.army.mil
Ed ONeill 29-Feb-2012 01:17
I was stationed in Ashiiya as a mechanic in the 21 st TCS when they changed to the 6461 st TCS then I went to K-16 as a crew chief. I still have my Kyushu Gypsie patch. I even crewed Gen Taylor's plan when Gen Westmorlan went Japan to. Watch his troops play football. When is the next reunion.
Ed ONeill
WALTER PETERSON 07-Feb-2012 16:44
JB WILES
I WAS IN THE 187TH AIRBORNE 1952/1953 AND TWO BATTALIONS WERE STATION AT CAMP CHICKAMAUGA,IN BEPPU THE 3RD BATTALION AND THE 674TH FIELD ARTILLERY WAS AT CAMP WOOD AT YOMATO,JAPAN C119(49-161)CRASHED ON 6-JUNE-1953 THE 187TH AIRBORNE WAS ON THERE BACK TO THE WAR IN KOREA HAVE THE NAMES OF THREE PARATROOPERS AND HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE NEICE OF ONE OF THE GUYS THAT WAS KILLED I FOUND THE ARTCLE ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE CRASH ,IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT ME PH:912-288-0917 EMAIL: PETE187@WINDSTREAM.NET
Sylvia Scarbrough 25-Jan-2012 07:32
I am an Air Force brat whose family was stationed at Ashiya AFB from 1957-1962. My father was M/Sgt. Raymond Scarbrough. Nothing but good memories remain...the pictures are wonderful. Thank you.
JB Wiles 24-Mar-2011 16:55
I am doing some research on a C-119 that was lost off the coast of Japan near Kita Kyushu. 49-161. Would like to know if you or anyone you might know might have more info on this loss. I work for the POW/MIA office. Please contact me or email me a phone numeber where I can contact you. Great pictures by the way.
JB Wiles 24-Mar-2011 16:53
I am doing some research on a C-119 that was lost off the coast of Japan near Kita Kyushu. 49-161. Would like to know if you or anyone you might know might have more info on this loss. I work for the POW/MIA office. Please contact me or email me a phone numeber where I can contact you. Great pictures by the way.
Susan 08-Nov-2010 00:41
I have movie film of my dad's, includes some taken from his plane. Unfortunately it is on VHS. If I ever get it converted to DVD, will share. My dad, Alpha Shorter, have sent in pictures before .
Frank Rausch24-Jun-2010 19:55
Really great to see all the pictures. I was a Gypsy in 1954, flight mechanic, saw a lot of Korea, was on one of the trips to the beach, believe it was K53 or K55. Flew to Ashiya a lot for heavy maintenance on my Gooney.
Frank Rausch
fhrbahr@aol.com
Lindajoy Fenley 16-Jan-2010 21:32
I am researching my dad's service in WWII and see that William Chilcoat III had been on ships with him before the war (US Taft) and at the beginning of the war (US Grant). If you can provide any more information about W. Chilcoat that will help me flush out details of my father's experience I would appreciate hearing from you. My father was Albert George Fenley.
Steve Morgan 14-Oct-2009 02:23
Pictures ?? 1947 ??
Mike 31-Jan-2009 02:48
I found this website when I searched for Lynn Shufflebarger. he was in the Army in the 50s and is an old flame of my Mom's. He should be in his 70s. Can anyone help? Maybe Ron Shufflebarger?
Jonathan 11-Nov-2008 23:53
A great site. I run a website dedicated to RAF Greenham Common, a former USAAF and USAF base which had C-47s in WW2 and after.

www.greenham.greatnow.com
Susan S. 16-Aug-2008 23:11
I have some photos takenm at K-16 and one of my dad and his crew that appeared in a newspaper.. other people have told me they've seen it before. Would liketo send to you if you get me address to send it. My dad was Alpha J. Shorter and was a C-47 pilot. I also have some movie film short from his C-47 and some of "having fun" at K-18.
Angelo (Bud) Conti 17-Mar-2008 04:46
THANKS A 1,000,000 FOR SHARING YOUR PICS
Guest 07-Mar-2007 15:12
I love your work. Thanks for sharing.
Bill Chilcoat27-Oct-2006 01:42
Frank
The 2007 reunion will be in October in Memphis, and Paul Rudloff is the new President.
Frank Rausch 26-Oct-2006 22:47
When/where is the next Gypsy get together?
Keith D McGuire Jr 25-Oct-2006 19:05
I was stationed at Ashiya AFB in the fall of 1952. Enjoyed the pictures however would like clarification on the following. Info that I have for the 1952 era noted that the 403rd Troop Carrier Wing was stationed there, when did the 483rd locate at Ashiya? Also the picture shown for Gate #2 looks like what was the north entry gate between the base and the town of Ashiya when I was there. Also the Bus Station Shelter noted for the Main Gate looks identical to the shelter locAted inside the north entry gate. Were identical shelters located at both the north gate And the west gate near the officer QUARTERS. Also the aerial photo for Ashiya AFB showing the runway configuration is different from a plan view map that I have for 1952. Were the runways and parking ramp redid between 1952 and 1954 which I assume is the time frame for the pictures shown. Would appreciate any info that can be sent thanks Keith McGuire Mcguirekd132@mindspring.com
oss@yahoo.com 27-May-2006 22:20
I'm surprised :). Lilly
Willim Hill 20-Feb-2006 18:50
Thanks for the photos. The Ad-4 from VA-65 was great as I was a member of the unit. Also the picture of the beach of Ch-o-do. Iwas stationed ther from Dec 52 until Jul 53 at the 608th ACW Sq. When a piece of ice shut down landing on the beach, The Royal Hellinic C-47 s airdroped mail and supplies to us. From my duty station I could see the pilot and co-pilot as they made the drops. I would like to know where the Yorktown is located.
ron shufflebarger29-Jan-2006 03:19
Bill per you inquiry on a lynn Shuffleburger--the spelling of my name is shufflebarger and if you find one we are undoubtly related somehow, whether from indiana or Michigan. the answer to your question is I don't think so--thanks, ron s,
Bill Chilcoat09-Sep-2005 13:35
I remember a Staff Sergeant Woods. He was about 6 ft with black hair. Sort of stoop shouldered.
Frank 02-Sep-2005 13:58
Anybody out there remember Bill Woods, Smoky, or know where he is? Smokey, was in Korea 1954, 55. He used to live in Erie Pa.
d b noyes 12-May-2005 12:06
Bill,

In answer your your question about "K" designated airfields.

Please check outhttp://www.korea.army.mil/org/history/kbases/ for the "K" designation history. K-16 was on Yo I Do island in the Han River...the island is now covered with high rise apartment and commercial buildings...and is where the Korean National Assembly building is. The "K" designations were strictly a UN/US invention. Any former "K" location used for either domestic or international commercial traffic will have a three letter international airport designation.
Al Daniels 09-Sep-2004 12:26
Bill--Did not have your web site till your last message!! I have some slides that you may be interested in.I'll send them after I find them!! Great site--see you in Florida at the reunion--if there is anything left after Francis and Ivan!!
Bill Burton 11-Jul-2004 22:58
Me again....
put in the url for the website wrong (extra i in Ashiya)
try this:

http://www.ashiyabrats.us

Sorry....
Bill Burton 11-Jul-2004 22:56
Hi.
My dad was stationed at Ashiya 55-56 (MSGT Bill Burton) and we lived in the NCO housing area on base. I was a sophomore in high school at the time and they bused us to Kokura every day for school. Dad's tour ended June '56 and we went concurrent to Germany... and they moved the school to Ashiya that fall. You might guess....
I remember a lot about Ashiya and in particular the airman that drove our bus... I think he was an airman/1st, and his name for sure was Nolan. Anyone remember him? He was losing his hair... the girls on the schoolbus used to sing a song about "Nolan, the baldheaded bus driver..."
I've gotten some pictures from Ted Quackenbush and others, and am still looking for more from that era.
I'm the webmaster for the High School's website... check us out athttp://www.ashiyiabrats.us.
Look forward to hearing from any of you that might remember some of the high school kids from that era.
Bill Burton
Tooele, Utah
Sean 16-Apr-2004 22:41
Hello all,
Just looking for anyone who can tell me about CPT John Robert Sparger.
please email me if you can.
joker96bravo@hotmail.com
Bill Chilcoat07-Jul-2003 23:03
Bill
I read your comments re: your Marine A/C in the Chosin evecuation. I didn't get any previous messages from you. I was in the squadron in 54-55 after it had been changed to the 6461st but we still had the Goonies. Yes, I would love to have the pictures you have and also post them on my Gypsy picture website if it is ok with you. I am attempting to find out some of the members of our Gypsy association that were in the 21st at the time of the evacuation. There is a book by the name ot "The Greatest Airlift" that has many great pictures and narrative of the event. Copies are available at:

http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm

Thx for posting a comment. I will let you know if I learn of any Gypsies who participated in the chosin operation.
Bill Chilcoat
Bill Brennen 07-Jul-2003 05:04
This is my third attempt to send some info re: 6 Marine R4D (C-47) aircraft assigned to the 21st TCS during the Chosin Reservoir operation in Korea during Dec. 1950. I messed up again and don't know how much you actually received. I was a crew member aboard on of the Marine aircraft and have documentation that the Marine airmen were awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation as part of the 21st TCS, plus several photos. If you are interested, contact me.
Bill Brennen
Tony Mazzolini 06-Oct-2002 11:24
Bill,

Finally bought a camera about six months before I left the Far East but got some good shots of our various Gypsy camps and traveled locations. Would like to add them to your collection. Only scanned a few of many slides but thought it would be nice for the guys to see.
Bill Chilcoat11-Aug-2002 16:32
John
I do not have any Soccer pix. These football photos are of my grandson and he plays only football and baseball. Thx
Burch Lovely 01-Aug-2002 20:45
Never made it to Korea but I was at Ashiya AFB from June '54 to Aug '55 and appreciate the the Ashiya street scene. I was recently given some recent pictures of Ashiya and it is not recognizable.
John Zhugov 24-Jul-2002 00:01
I loved the youth sports photos. Do you also have soccer ones?

Best regards,
John
Dave Jordan 07-May-2002 16:49
Hi Bill: I'm enjoying your good work on behalf of the Kyushu Gypsies. Hope to see you in Dayton in Oct 2002. I'll try to make all Gypsies with omputers aware of this web site.

Good luck, Dave Jordan 6461st TCS Dec 53-Nov 54
JD Hayslett 28-Feb-2002 17:26
Thanks for the memories....saw some very familiar scenes...were we ever this thin? Thanks so much for the privelege of seeing your family also....Don't want to relive Korea, but often do in my thoughts as I have some very nostalgic feeling toward the men of the 6461st TCS. Keep up the good work Bill.......JDH