Pete was from the American Samoa Islands. He started taking Ta Kwan Do lessons at the Republic of Korea (ROK) White Horse camp. They had an artillery unit and ran patrols around Phu Cat AB. The camp was located next to Phu Cat AB Air Base, with a gate allowing access to the ROK unit. The ROK Army used karate as exercise. All solders had at least a brown belt. We use to see their formations practicing karate en mass.
Pete took classes 6 days a week (Twice the normal interval). He earned a black belt within a year. It was told that Pete's test for his black belt was administered by another ROK unit. The story was that no American had ever tested for a black belt in such a short time. And the ROK's wanted to ensure that Pete deserved the belt. He passed to their surprise, as his instructors had told their peers he would.
Pete extended his tour in Vietnam and went home for his 30 day "free" leave. Extending a normal tour in Vietnam was rewarded with a 30 day TDY to anyplace in the world. Another handler extended and went with him. I don't remember who it was but he came back talking about the beauty of the tropical island. |
