Office of the Staff Chaplain
14 March 1957
Mr. M. Y. Strang
3800 Porter Street,
N.W. Washington 16, D.C.
Dear Mike:
What a wonderful surprise to receive your letter.
We have been wondering for a long time where you might be. You
neglected to state what you are now doing. Are you married and
what are your future plans?
We have been in Waco since September, 1953.
We have enjoyed it here. The work has been going very well.
We have a fine headquarters and a very comfortable home. However,
it appears that we will be leaving early in the summer for overseas.
I do not have my orders yet, but it appears that it might be the 17th
Air Force at Tripoli.
In regard to Colonel Hess's book and the motion
picture, Battle Hymn, I have read the book and have seen the movie.
You are correct in your statement that the story is definitely slanted
to create a hero, that many liberties were taken in violation of the
facts. Some of the liberties appeared to me to be totally unnecessary.
In some respects the true story would have been a better story, either
in print or on film.
In regard to doing anything about it, I have decided
in the negative. Although I agree with you in principle the goal of
our efforts, in regard to the orphans and also in the evacuation of
the Koreans by convoy, was the saving of lives, which would otherwise
have been lost. That was accomplished. In a sense, Mike,
well-doing has its own reward, which is not measured in dollars, prestige,
or good will, provided the avowed principle is fulfilled in the publication
of the book and the preparation of the movie, which is to turn all
proceeds over to the orphans. I rest content and would not becloud
the issue at this time with an attempt to criticize or correct the
portions which we know to be false. In the event that the proceeds
did not go to the orphans in Korea I may be inclined to change my
attitude.
I am sorry that you, personally, went to the expense
and travel to go to California. I am doubly grieved that you
received such a cool reception. What you may desire to do from
your status and experience will be a matter for your own decision.
I have stated my position as you asked. This does not mean that
I would not be willing to state the facts as they existed to anyone
who might properly request them to substantiate your story.
I have heard little about you since we parted,
Mike, but I would like to take this opportunity to say again that
I have the highest respect and admiration for you in your integrity,
devotion to duty, and especially in your self sacrifice during the
time we worked with and transported the orphans. No one could
have conceived of a more devoted, hard working individual to have
by his side during such a strenuous, uncertain and, at times, dangerous
job than I had in you. You and I know what really happened,
and I am sure that the memory is as indelible in your memory as in
mine. Knowing you are interested, I will enclose a copy of the
letter from Mrs.Whang in which she tells about the orphans' home burning.
I am trying to get a little money together to send her.
Again, it a was a pleasure to hear from you, Mike,
and I hope I will hear again soon. If it is possible for us
to travel via Washington, D.C., enroute overseas I will try to contact
you.
Sincerely yours,
R. L. BLAISDELL
Chaplain (Colonel)
USAF Staff Chaplain
RLB-180
