Why can't DMZ vets get a Combat Patch for engagements and firefights in the Korean DMZ?

1SG Fred Hermstein — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 17:06:42 -0500

I did two DMZ deployments (88 and 89) with B Co 1/503rd INF. During the DMZ mission, my battalion was involved in, engagements, firefights, infiltrations, landmines, small arms fire, and a North Korean spy in our BN TOC, while doing recon and ambush missions with live ammo. Also, DMZ vets were prone to Agent Orange exposure. Why can't DMZ vets get the same recognition as other vets?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 13 at 2024 6:48 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 18:48:13 -0500

It has been corrected over time starting in May 2000. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/english-edition-archives/november-december-2019/anderson-korean-dmz/#:~:text=For%20the%20first%20time%20since,badge%20and%20combat%20medical%20badge.

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Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 13 at 2024 8:53 PM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 20:53:42 -0500

SSgt Christophe Murphy is correct. It was an injustice that has been corrected over time and while you may not have been eligible before, you are now.

Service on the Korean DMZ between 4 January 1969 and 31 March 1994 is considered a qualifying period for combat badges now. If you were eligible for a badge/award previously, save for a "recognized period of combat", you can submit documentation to HRC for it to be retroactively added to your records.

Response by John Doe made Apr 21 at 2024 4:04 PM

John Doe — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 16:04:58 -0400

Hello Sirs,

I'm trying to contact my my half-brother.

I found love letters and photos of a pale faced Korean women holding a mixed race child with blue eyes. The child belonged to my Father. The women was begging him to return to Korea. My father was stationed in the Korean DMZ. The evidence was discovered in very old dusty storage unit box with his US Army DMZ items and papers.

The letters were addressed to his old parents address in the USA.

I suspect he was either married to this women, or lived off base with her and the child. Either way the evidence is clear - he abandoned the mother and child after his DMZ tour. Out of sight. Out mind.

I want information to track down the women and child. Can anyone tell me if intermarriage was allowed in the DMZ? Were wives or girlfriends allowed on base? Or did they live off base? Could she have been a base prostitute?

I want to contact my half-brother. I need more information. Thank you.