The Retreads

About the Book

The “Retreads” is a story of U.S. Marine Corps veterans of World War II who enlisted in the Marine Corps Volunteer Reserve Force.  Five years later they would become involved in a cold war which developed into the United Nations Korean War. At the time of enlistment they were told that Marines serving in the inactive reserve without pay or promotions  would only be subject to active duty in time of a declared war.

On June 19, 1950, U.S. Ambassador John Foster Dulles spoke to a disturbed audience, the Korean National Assembly.  ‘The American people give you their support, both moral and material . . .   You are not alone you will never be alone.’  Six days later on June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea with 135,000 men, initiating the Korean War.  The South Korean Army estimated at 100,000 men, with 50,000 armed police was demoralized and unable to mount any semblance of defense against the invading forces

In four days, the city of Seoul was in the hands of the well-trained communist armies from the north.  The invaders would have swept to Pusan if U.S. Army ground forces stationed in Japan had not been sent by President Truman on his own authority to fight a delaying action.

General Douglas McArthur, the U.S. Army Commander in the Far East, was named Commander in Chief of the United Nations Ground Forces consisting of elements from nineteen nations.

The cold war became a hot war.  South Korea, after less than five years of independence from the Japanese Empire was fighting for its life and freedom.  On June 27, 1950, President Truman ordered air and sea support for South Korea.  On June 30, 1950, he followed with orders and authorization to use U.S. Army ground troops (many with no combat experience) against the invaders.  The scope of the war expanded and U.S. casualties mounted as experience troops fought against a well-trained enemy.  Replacement and reinforcement troops were needed, however trained drafted men were not available as the selective service had only been asked to furnish 20,000 troops.

Meanwhile in other far east events Chinese Reds threatened to fight against the U.S. 7th Fleet that President Truman had ordered to defend Formosa and Communists in Japan were rioting against Japanese authority.

General MacArthur asked the U.S. Marine Corps to augment hard pressed Army forces.  The Marine Corps 500,000 men strong in WWII, now 74,000 men, formed the lst Provisional Brigade to send to Korea, called up its organized reserve forces, and committed the entire lst Marine Division for Korean service withing six weeks.

    With the start of the Korean War a Presidential Order was issued to extend all military enlistments and on July 26, 1950 U.S. Armed Services stated that it will try to get along without draftees.  On July 29, 1950, Draft officials said that thousands failed to respond to their draft notices . . . almost 42%.

On August 8, 1950, the Marine Corps with its sights set on a mobilized strength of 174,000 by October 31, 1950 began writing orders to duty for 50,000 officers and men of the 80,000 Volunteer Reserve Force. The reserve Marines, now with families, had established themselves in all walks of civilian life. Now accountants, merchants, firemen, policemen, teachers, lawyers, etc. would have their lives totally disrupted.  Faced with financial hardships due to recall at a rank and pay scale held four to five years ago, many would be unable to make home and automobile payments.    

On October 2, 1950, Technical Sergeant Robert  L. Mason reported for duty at Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, USMC and was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant to process recalled reserves back into the military life.         During the fall months of 1950 Camp Pendleton was the site where thousands of U.S. Marine Corps reserves would be retreaded and processed back into ranks.  

About the Author

Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert Leland Athey, UCMC Retired, enlisted July 13, 1942. Served in World War II, The Korean War, The Cuban Missile Crisis and at many duty stations. Retired from active duty at the Marine Corps Supply Activity, Philadelphia on July 14, 1969. A native son of Kings County, California he is active in the preservation of local history. Lives with his wife Nadine in the attractive city of Hanford, California.