048 : get a flower
「Quy Nyon emergency work report. Log business and port construction are cruising. No. 1 caisson landed. Heavy equipment repair business scheduled to begin. Quy Nhon’s tactical value soars. Urgent manpower needs.”
“Huh… you dare to peck the president?”
President Park could read between the lines of the telex.
Woo Chan-soo used the word “urgency” twice in this short telex text.
It was clear that he was arguing about why the main unit of the Fierce Tiger Unit and 300 bright college students were not being sent.
“Someone doesn’t want to let go… dude.”
President Park rubbed her face.
He, too, was in a hurry.
smart.
“Your Excellency, this is the secretary’s office.”
“come in.”
The president ran his hand through his hair and brought the chief of staff into the room.
“Results of negotiations…”
“Okay, answer my question.”
“Yes.”
“What happened to the final camp of the Fierce Tiger Unit?”
“The US military hopes to send fierce tiger units to Pleiku, An Khe, and Tuy Hoa in the final negotiations.”
bang!
“Nothing has changed! What kind of negotiations do that! How many times have I told you that the Fierce Tiger Unit should only be deployed in Quy Nhon? uh!”
The president was furious with fury.
If the troop dispatch negotiations hadn’t been so twisted in the middle, the main unit would have already been dispatched.
“I have no face. The US military is strongly requesting the expansion of the ROK military base in exchange for recognizing the independent operational rights of the ROK Armed Forces in Powell.”
“Even if you zoom in, why are you there? It’s like the front line there! Besides, what’s the point of deploying troops so sparsely? You mean at least be defeated by the Viet Cong, what is it?”
The tactical area allocated to the South Korean army was 1,500 km², several times larger than the initial dispatch negotiations, and it was like defending a 240 km front with only one division force.
It was a very loose deployment of troops in the eyes of President Park, who was a soldier.
“It is because they want to expand the Korean military base not only to the US military but also to the Vietnam military. If you do not comply with the request, you will refuse to pay the military.”
“What? refuse military service? Vietnam Army?”
It was absurd.
Aren’t they crazy to put pressure on the Korean military who came out to help their country?
“Anyway, Japan seems to be playing around in the middle. At the South Vietnamese Army Headquarters, out of the blue, Korean-made military uniforms and jungle boots are hanging around.”
“… Damn you bastards…”
“It is clear that Japan, which is supplying the military mainly in Saigon, is holding back the growth of Quy Nhon. They are arguing for the expansion of military bases, even citing negotiations on claims between Korea and Japan through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is said that if we do not refrain from actions that undermine military cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan, we will not be able to continue negotiations on claims.”
“Korea-US-Japan military cooperation? What bullshit…”
How can you change the ROK-US military cooperation to ROK-US-Japan military cooperation?
“It is Japan’s own interest, so why is the US military pressuring us so much? No other country has dispatched a large-scale combat force like Korea. We are true allies.”
“…The US and Japan demands to expand their military bases are the same, but the objectives seem to be quite different.”
“different?”
“Japan probably wants the ROK military to expand its bases and then self-destruct, but the US is different. We have received information that we want to upgrade Quy Nhon to a strategic location instead of Saigon.”
“what? Upgrade Quy Nhon instead of Saigon?”
“General Van Flint is said to be leading the change in strategy. His change of strategy and the jokes of the Japanese guys are having a synergistic effect.”
“Is it Van Flint?”
It was said that if Van Flint were to step forward, not only the US military, but also the political and business worlds would work together.
And when he did, there was usually no harm to Korea.
“… Your Excellency, I’m presumptuous, but… if the ROK military can defend the area, this may be an opportunity. It’s a minority opinion in the secretary’s office, but I agree with that opinion.”
“!!!!”
At the word opportunity, something flashed and passed by.
chance! chance! Opportunity is always hidden in crisis, and human beings who notice it are always in the minority.
“What do you mean?”
“President Woo Chan-soo asked for opinions from the secretary’s office. The future value of Quy Nhon is high, so why don’t we preoccupy it in advance?”
“To. secretary’s office. Quy Nhon’s strategic future value analysis is required. The 21st century international logistics port/commercial/financial/tourism center. What if Korea advances in advance?”
The chief of staff handed the president the telex sent by Woo Chan-soo to the secretary’s office.Read at noblemtl
Judging from the thick report attached to the back of the telex, it seemed that the secretary’s office had already reviewed it.
“Is this what Chansu sent me this message?”
“Yes, Your Excellency. It’s a simple sentence, but it has quite a few implications. It was an opportunity to reconsider the geographical, economic, and racial values of Quy Nhon.”
I don’t know geographical or economic, but racial values?
“What do you mean?”
“Woo Chan-soo’s words seem to mean that Quy Nhon can become the Hong Kong of Southeast Asia. Unlike Hong Kong, which is dominated by ethnic Chinese, Koreans are the main axis.”
“!!!!!”
Electricity flowed from the president’s head to his toes.
I realized the reality of something that briefly flashed and passed by.
“As your Excellency knows, Woo Chan-soo is skeptical about the Vietnam War. Always emphasizing only the economic aspect, US forces eventually withdraw from Vietnam…”
“for a moment! Think!”
The president raised his hand to block the chief of staff.
The picture began to be corrected in the president’s head.
As a soldier, he, like Woo Chan-soo, thought that it would not be easy for the US Army to win the Vietnam War.
The Korean War, where the enemy was clear, ended with a ceasefire, but it was difficult for the US Army, a third country, to win the war in Vietnam, which was close to a civil war.
So, the strategy was conceived to obtain intensive aid from the US military in the shortest possible time through dispatching troops.
By the way, even after the US troops withdraw… What if there is something to be gained from Vietnam?
‘He’s drawing a picture after the US troops withdraw. It is trying to overtake Hong Kong and replace Singapore with Quy Nhon. It is to take advantage of the fact that the US wants to consolidate its influence in Southeast Asia, but does not want the overseas Chinese to gain power.’
In order for the United States to place its influence on Asia, the most restrained force was the overseas Chinese.
It is an open fact that overseas Chinese forces are the overseas branches of the CCP.
So, implicitly, Singapore supported Indian-affiliated merchants, urged British financial companies to enter Hong Kong, and allowed Japanese companies to enter Thailand and the Philippines.
What if there is something wrong with such a grand strategy of the United States?
What if the Korean military uses the US as their back and protects Quy Nhon in the name of protecting free Vietnam?
Then, isn’t Quy Nhon becoming a Southeast Asian stronghold against the communist bloc?
It was only a matter of time before it became like Hong Kong if the United States looked after it.
Even militarily, Quy Nhon was easier to build defensive positions than Saigon.
“Go… Your Excellency…”
“Give me the agreement. hurry.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
Swipe.
The president signed the agreement without hesitation.
“Hurry up dispatching the Fierce Tiger Unit. I sent 300 college students running along.”
“Yes. dismissal.”
“And make it clear to Commander-in-Chief Powell. Protect Kwi Nyeon, and protect Woo Chan-su. That is the goal of the Powell Armed Forces.”
“Yes, Your Excellency!”
The purpose of the Powell Army became clear.
**
A few days after that, on October 16, 1965.
“Waaa!”
A farewell ceremony was held for the Fierce Tiger Unit at Busan Port.
More than 100,000 people gathered, including numerous government ministers, diplomatic envoys, high-ranking ROK and U.S. generals, representatives of social groups, ordinary citizens, students, and Powell’s family members.
“Aww, you bastard. Why are you going to Vietnam?”
“Do not worry. I have four sons, so what about that one?”
“Is that what you mean, man? You should never step out in front. Understand!”
Cheers and confetti flew everywhere, but Powell’s family members were worried.
“Waaa!”
“Please come back safely.”
Most of them let go with half expectation and half worry. Because there were rumors that there were people in Vietnam who got a lot of money and sent a lot of money every month.
“Fierce Tiger!”
“Waaa!”
Thus, the Fierce Tigers departed for Quy Nhon in four large transport ships provided by the US military.
Of course, with 300 college students.
****
with a plop!
Today, the caisson jumped into the sea.
It was spectacular every time.
“Get your seat! Sub No. 2, I have to go back. You should turn right.”
＜Turn right.＞
“Okay, good location. Push the serve 3 times. Push it.”
＜Push as it is.＞
thud!
“What are you doing?
“Yes, chief.”
It was not too difficult to place a new caisson next to an already mounted caisson.
“Have you finished filling the caisson number 5?”
“The dredging team leader is filling it up now.”
“No, why are you procrastinating? You’re waiting for number 6 and 7 right now.”
“I’ll go and peck.”
I was really busy watching from the roof.
In this era, the construction companies that build ports so quickly can be counted on one hand. I was proud of myself.
Since there were two barges, now two caissons protruded at once.
The dredger could not keep up with the speed of construction.
With the staff aligning the caissons like Lego blocks, all I could do was sit back and watch while sipping a Coke on the roof.
Click.
“Chief of the board. Let’s cover the simple top for now.”
＜Yup! The boss wants to cover the simple top!＞
＜ Main Line No. 1 here! crane! Crane!＞
I switched on the radio and instructed the caisson to be covered with a makeshift top.
It was because a large ship appeared near the horizon in the distance.
Woo woo woo.
Sure enough, the horn of the boat rang loudly, as if to announce that it was a transport carrying Powell.
“Wow, a big ship is coming in.”
“Fierce tiger troops! It’s finally here.”
“Cover! Cover the top! hurry.”
The staff were also excited.
If even the main body of the Fierce Tiger Unit is stationed, this will become an impregnable fortress that the Viet Cong will not dare to cross.
pop! pop! pop!
Bam bap pampa bap bappa bang. Bam bap pampa bap bappa bang.
The US soldiers at the Quy Nhon camp set off firecrackers and fanfare as if they were rehearsing for the reception.
Aww, that’s exciting.
300 more employees are coming.
****
one month later,
＜Reconnaissance completed. No enemies within 2km in front.＞
＜Forward the Ministry of Transport! Go ahead!＞
When the radio came in from the US reconnaissance helicopter, the members of the Fierce Tigers in the lead moved us forward.
The soldiers called us the Land Transport Department.
It was an abbreviation for Land Transportation and Supply Support Department.
Since we are a private company, we differentiated it from the transport unit, which is a military organization.
“Go go go, let’s go.”
“depart!!!”
When the Fierce Tiger Unit radioed us that it was safe, we immediately stepped on the accelerator.
We left Quy Nhon and were in charge of supplies to Tuy Hoa, An Khe, and Pleiku. Every time I went out, I lost weight.
Tata Tang!
“Hey crazy! They said there were no Viet Cong!”
“American soldiers, your eyes are all rotten.”
＜Everyone, return fire!＞
“Respond!”
＜Forward the Ministry of Transport! Advance! Go ahead!＞
He said he was reconnaissance with a helicopter, but the Viet Cong were shooting at him somewhere. I was attacked like this once every three days.
We kept our heads down and stepped on the accelerator.
At the forefront, the jeeps of the Fierce Tigers lead with machine guns attached, armored vehicles provide cover, our trucks follow, and US helicopters on top provide reconnaissance support.
Even though we were civilians, we wore helmets and drove with an M1 rifle and 240 live ammunition in the passenger seat.
It was natural to buy and wear US military body armor.
It wasn’t like that from the beginning, but I couldn’t help it because the Vietcong’s surprise attacks continued day and night.
Of course, since we are transporting military supplies for tens of thousands of troops and U.S. troops stationed in the war zone, it was only natural that our trucks would be the first targets of the Viet Cong.
I realized the saying, ‘Transportation is a battle’.
“Damn it! $20,000 a day is no joke! You should get twice as much.”
When the US military offered to pay per transport, I flatly refused.
If they start to pamper us with money as bait, we will be pushed out of the deal.
Since their lives were at stake, they signed a transport contract with the agreement to receive 20,000 dollars a day, with or without transport.
It was a large contract worth 7.3 million dollars a year.
The U.S. Army had no choice but to accept it, and there was no private company to take care of the transportation.
Our staff rotated around the three areas of Tuy Hoa, An Khe, and Pleiku to take charge of transportation.
＜Boss, let’s get 3 times the amount.＞
“Are you kidding me now? Step on it!”
Father’s jokes flowed over the radio.
Rumble, rumble.
I was relieved enough to run down the dirt road through the jungle and get on Route 19.
“Waaa! Supplies are coming!”
Upon entering the company base, members of the Fierce Tigers welcomed us first.
Some of them brought supplies, but they also played a role in bringing letters of consolation.
“Fire Tiger! Have you brought a condolence letter?”
“Wait. I’ll unload the luggage and hand out the letters.”
“Fire Tiger! Did everyone hear? Come on, unload.”
“Wow!”
“Haha, wait.”
“If we do it, it will be soon.”
“Then, a bottle of Coke at a time!”
“Wow!”
To say he was a brave soldier, he was only in his early twenties. I was happy with a bottle of Coke.
My heart ached even as I deliberately handed out boxes of American snacks and cola.
“Squadron commander, do you have any items today?”
Anyway, the company commander looked at me and smiled today, so I walked to the back of the building.
“Yes, today is a bit of a mess.”
“Wang Geon?”
“Finally, we succeeded in collecting the US Army helicopters. We covered it with a tarp in the yard.”
“Is this something that needs to be reported to headquarters?”
“no. When I checked the aircraft number, it was completely lost. The pilot escaped and was supposed to be swept away by the river.”
“Whoa… whoa!”
I hurrahed and covered my mouth.
Even though it’s an American soldier, it’s a bit like when they cheer over the crash of a friendly helicopter.
“I will carry it. Please call the crew who succeeded in collecting them.”
“yep. Fierce tiger!”
We also collect broken munitions.
This is because there is a heavy equipment repair base in Quy Nhon Camp.
Of course, most of them have to be reported to the US military command, but there are very rare cases where lost items like this come into hand.
In this case, we can disassemble and repair it at will. We don’t do the shameless things of selling them to the enemy like the Vietnamese.
It’s purely for educational purposes, that’s it.
I have an obligation to provide equipment for college students who are burning with their passion for learning, these words.
“Fire Tiger! The aircraft was collected by our platoon.”
When I went to the yard, the platoon members who collected the helicopter were standing in a row. His eyes twinkled with anticipation.
When I looked at the body, it was just fine.
The fuselage and cockpit were damaged beyond recognition, but the engine appeared intact.
“You did a really good job. Here’s the TV voucher.”
“Te… TV! thank you.”
“When you return home, come to our store and we will exchange it for a TV.”
Those who collected these treasures should be given at least a TV coupon as a gift.
Those returning home after completing their service were exempted from all customs duties as much as the weight of their full military uniform.
In other words, it was like making money by refilling expensive items at the PX of the US military when returning home, but taking a TV was the most efficient.
Selling a TV could pay for one year of college tuition. Our canteen exchanged goods with the US Army PX, so securing a TV was no problem.
“Let’s go back to Qunyeon too.”
“Yep, boss.”
Quickly, my father had already loaded the wreckage of the helicopter onto the truck and meticulously covered it with a tarp.
Finally got a helicopter engine.
A jeep’s gasoline engine, a truck’s diesel engine, a helicopter’s turboshaft engine… No, it’s equipped with three beats of a gas turbine engine.
Turbines are the pinnacle of heavy industrial engineering.
Today, I got that flower.
