MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.4/98 Index: GRC-9 IN THE KOREAN WAR; MEMBERS WRITE; More on M-16 Laser Training System, BC-611, -1000 Info Needed, T-30 Mic? HUMOR; *********************************************** GRC-9 IN THE KOREAN WAR; Dennis, The GRC-9 project is coming along. I will have something to report in two or three weeks. Meanwhile, anybody interested in the GRC-9 might want to take a look at this website: http://www.kimsoft.com/korea/a-able.htm It has a 1951 plan for partisan operations in Korea. The communications equipment is listed. Looks like they had an SCR-399 for the base station and they issued GRC-9 sets to the partisan teams. This seems to establish that the GRC-9 was used in clandestine operations, or at least was part of the planning for those operations. I copied the part of the website that is about the commo gear and will include it below. Regards, Bill Strangfeld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plan ABLE Prepared by Miscellaneous Division, G3, Eighth Army William A. Burke, Major, Armor, S-3 23 January, 1951 Organization and plan for partisan operations in Korea (Plan ABLE) 1. Mission: To establish in Korea, the cadre of partisan organizations that will perform covert-type missions of sabotage and intelligence, and be capable in organization and training so that, when supplied on a large scale, it may be expanded into large forces that can be employed in conjunction with a major effort of UN forces. Communications: US operators will operated a high-powered radio station for communications to central headquarters and other stations as discussed herein. They will be responsible for conducting maintenance on all US radio sets used in the operation , as well as training key personnel in the partisan cadre in the operation and maintenance of radio sets used in carrying out their missions. The ROK Marines will operate a high-powered station, which is discussed under "Base communication nets" below. Communications with partisan leaders (base to Gun). a. Two plans for the establishment of direct communications with the partisan leaders(cadre) are available. The adoption of either depends on distance involved, terrain, and seasonal weather conditions. The success of the operations depends on adequate communications; therefore when one plane is unworkable owing to conditions described above, or mechanical failure, the other plan may be put into operation with a minimum of effort. In either plan, a system of pre-arranged visual signals will be available. b. Plan "one": The partisan leaders are equipped with radios which will net with the high-powered radio on the base. By using US operators on the sets (which will be located with the leaders in the Gun) adequate communications will be established under most adverse conditions. c. Plan "two": The partisan leaders are equipped with low-powered radio sets on which they receive training and are capable of operating. A similar set will be available on the base for establishment of direct communications. 8. Table Of Equipment For Operation Of Base The equipment listed below is not included in the original table of allowances for the Attrition Warfare Section. It is felt that this equipment will become standard for all bases. Signal Corps a. One ea, SCR-399 b. Two ea, receivers BC-342 c. One ea, PE-95 d. Two ea, PE-75 e. Five ea, SCR-300 f. Four ea, SCR AN/GRC-9 g. Five ea, telephones EE-8 h. Five ea, wire W110 on DR-5 i. Fifteen ea, battery BA-70 j. Fifty ea, battery BA-30 k. Ten ea, flashlight l. One ea, panel set, AP30C m. One ea, panel set, AP30D ed) I have suspected for some time that the GRC-9 had entered service shortly after WW-II and at least by the time that the Korean War began. And as such might have been one of the few radios often referred to as "Korean War Vintage" that actually could have seen service in that conflict. This suspection was founded on training manuals apparently printed just after WW-II which included the GRC-9 but omitted it's immediate predecessor, the BC-1306/SCR-694 yet still include most other radios of WW-II vintage, but none of the other post war types. This was compounded by the physical evidence of two known examples the GRC-9 having order dates of 1949. With the further evidence of the above material it would seem to me that we can all from now on say with total confidence that the GRC-9 is indeed a "Korean War Vintage" radio, and veteran of two major conflicts(not to mention several minor ones). Isn't it a shame that history prefers to concentrate on the exploits of men and equipment during WW-II and has neglected this period so shamefully. This to the point that we must gather all these clues in an attempt to re-construct it. After WW-II the Center of Military History commissioned a very large and comprehensive series of books to be written and published concerning every aspect of the war, it's every campaign, leaders, support etc. It is this same series of books that our bible of communications, and equipment are a part, "The Signal Corps". After the Vietnam War, in an attempt to make some sense of this protracted conflict, a similar action was taken which produced another series sub titled "The U.S Army in Vietnam" and included among others our bible for this period "Test For Technology". But of the Korean War, we have nothing! We now have the GRC-9 as an icon, for a reminder, of the men who served in the Korean War with no less valor than in any other, but with far less the recognition. Isn't that the primary reason for our obsession with this equipment? The history it represent, and reminds us of? It sure's hell is mine! "Less We Forget" Dennis Starks; MILITARY RADIO COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; More on M-16 Laser Training System, Dennis: Could be the transmitter for the MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) system. There are transmitters for all weapons in the inventory including armor and air assets, each coded as to their potency. One would still need the other components worn by an Infantry soldier to make these work, reciever arrays worn on the helmet and webgear, and a box worn on the body which records hits and disables your transmitter if the logic deems that you are "dead". Brian ed) Jim has confirmed that that's just what these things are. Anyone interested in getting one can contact Jim at ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BC-611, -1000 Info Needed, Dennis, I am trying to find detailed infomation on production numbers and dates of the BC-611, BC1000 series etc. Motorola is of no help. Do you have a webb site that you can direct me too? Does the Signal Corps Museum maintain a site that you know of? tnx ed guzick@worldnet.att.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- T-30 Mic? I have a microphone from U.S. Army Signal Corps. It is a Shure, model T-30-V. It is in the original box with instruction sheet. The mic is worn around the neck. Anyone in the group have idea what the value of this mic would be? 73 Hal ed) Your mic is part of a chest set used with various WW-II vintage field telephone systems including the phones themselves and the switch boards. As such they are not in great demand, nor are they very rare. While I do not like to make cash appraisals, a fair value would be on the order of around $15.00. *********************************************** HUMOR; A woman goes to the grocery store to pick up a few things. She starts walking up and down the aisles. Each aisle she goes to she touches her head, her ears, her breasts, and her crotch. After doing this a number of times,a man approaches her and asks if she is having a problem. she tells him no. He says that he would like to know what she is doing at the beginning of each aisle. She says she is trying to remember her grocery list. He seems puzzled and asks her for as explanation. She goes through the motions saying: one head of lettuce, two ears of corn, two breasts of chicken, and Fantastic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A first-grade teacher collected old, well known proverbs. She gave each student in her class the first half of a proverb and had them complete it. As you shall make your bed, so shall you . . . "mess it up." Better be safe than . . . "punch a fifth-grader." Strike while the . . . "bug is close." It's always darkest before . . . "Daylight Savings Time." Never underestimate the power of . . . "termites." You can lead a horse to water but . . . "how?" Don't bite the hand that . . . "looks dirty." No news is . . . "impossible." A miss is as good as a . . . "Mr." You can't teach an old dog new . . . "math." If you lie down with the dogs, you'll . . . "stink in the morning." Love all, trust . . . "me." The pen is mightier than the . . . "pigs." An idle mind is . . . "the best way to relax." Where there's smoke, there's . . . "pollution." Happy the bride who . . . "gets all the presents." A penny saved is . . . "not much." Two's company, three's . . . "the Musketeers." Don't put off tomorrow what . . . "you put on to go to bed." Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and . . . "you have to blow your nose." Children should be seen and not . . . "spanked or grounded." If at first you don't succeed . . . "get new batteries." You get out of something what you . . . "see pictured on the box." When the blind leadeth the blind . . . "get out of the way!" There is no fool like . . . "Aunt Edith." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes From An Inexperienced Chili Taster Named FRANK: "Recently I was honored to be selected as an Outstanding Famous Celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted this as being one of those burdens you endure when you're an internet writer and therefore known and adored by all." Here are the scorecards from the event: Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick. JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor Very mild. FRANK: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These people are crazy. Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang. JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously. FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. Shoved my way to the front of the beer line. The barmaid looks like a professional wrestler after a bad night. She was so irritated over my gagging sounds that the snake tattoo under her eye started to twitch. She has arms like Popeye and a face like Winston Churchill. I will NOT pick a fight with her. Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans. JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers. FRANK: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located a !?##?!?%?~?! uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been sneezing Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now and got out of my way so I could make it to the beer wagon. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. She said her friends call her "Sally." Probably behind her back they call her "Forklift." Chili# 4: Bubba's Black Magic JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing. JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili. FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Sally was standing behind me with fresh refills so I wouldn't have to dash over to see her. When she winked at me her snake sort of coiled and uncoiled ... it's kinda cute. Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground adding considerable kick. Very impressive. JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement. FRANK: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my eyes. I belched and four people in front of me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers. JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb. FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except Sally. I asked if she wants to go dancing later. Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers. JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3, he appears to be in a bit of distress. FRANK: You could put a hand grenade in my mouth and pull the pin and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes are covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at some point. Good, at autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful and I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air I'll just let it in through the hole in my stomach. Call the X-Files people and tell them I've found a super nova on my tongue. Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili JUDGE ONE: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself. JUDGE TWO: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence. FRANK: Momma??!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few years ago Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang made a new friend who developed leukemia in an animated special entitled, "Why Me, Charlie Brown?" And recently, MetLife put out a series of instructional pamphlets which feature the gang dealing with contemporary issues. Continuing this trend, here's a proposal for Peanuts specials for kids of the 90's: Charlie and the little red-headed girl learn about unwanted pregnancy in: "I'M STARTING TO SHOW, CHARLIE BROWN!" Linus struggles with homosexual conflict in: "IT'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE, CHARLIE BROWN!" Charlie moves back to his house in East L.A in: "OYE! VATO! QUE PASA, CARLITO MORENO?" See how the Peanuts Gang deals with date rape in: "NO MEANS NO, CHARLIE BROWN!" Discover a father's forbidden love in: "IT'S OUR LITTLE SECRET, CHARLIE BROWN!" Franklin speaks! The Peanuts gang gets a lesson in Ebonics in: "IMO BUSTA CAP INYO ASS, CHARLES BOYYY!" Discover the inner workings of Pig Pen's twisted psyche and meet his murderous alter ego "Mr. Clean" in: "GOD TOLD ME TO DO IT, CHARLIE BROWN" Schroeder discovers the harsh difficulties of employment as a classical pianist in: "WOULD YOU LIKE FRIES WITH THAT, CHARLIE BROWN?" Violet peddles her body for crack money while stealing social security checks and stripping cars in: "GO BLAME SOCIETY, CHARLIE BROWN" The gang learns about STD's in: "IT BURNS WHEN I PEE, CHARLIE BROWN" Peppermint Patty teaches the gang how to get high, then 'goes to town' on Marcie in the double feature: "ROLL US A FAT ONE, CHARLIE BROWN!" and "WHO NEEDS MEN, CHARLIE BROWN?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One bright, beautiful Sunday morning, everyone in the tiny town of Johnstown got up early and went to the local church. Before the service started, the towns people were sitting in their pews and talking about their lives, their families, etc. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from the evil incarnate. Soon everyone is evacuated from the church except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew, not moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy is in his presence. Now this confused Satan a bit, so he walked up to the man and said,"Hey! Don't you know who I am?" The man replied, "Yep, sure do." Satan asked, "Aren't you afraid of me?" "Nope, sure ain't," said the man. Satan was a little perturbed at this and queried, "Why aren't you afraid of me?" The man calmly replied, "I've been married to your sister for 25 years." *********************************************** (The preceding was a product of the"Military Collector Group Post", an international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. Unlimited circulation of this material is authorized so long as the proper credits to the original authors, and publisher or this group are included. For more information conserning this group contact Dennis Starks at, military-radio-guy@juno.com) ***********************************************