To the Editor:
As we approach Christmas, I realize many people this year and years past have had a very tough time and I hope and pray things pick up for them and their families.
My buddy had a tough time before Christmas circa 1950. As a Marine in N. Korea, he had the misfortune of getting at the infamous chosen reservoir just as 10 divisions of the red Chinese army decided to enter the war on N. Korea’s side, on top of that, it was the coldest winter in Korea’s history.
Long story short, they fought their way back and were evacuated to safety, but not before my buddy was wounded. When he got back, he told me “Jack, I was more worried about dying from the cold than my wounds.”
After the war, he and I went back to school, and then he re-entered the military as an officer and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He told me years later, “Jack, that was my best year ever when I got wounded. They sent me home in time for Christmas.”
Let’s all count our blessings this year. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to all.
Frank “Smiling Jack” Slason, Somerville
