Pacific Stars and Stripes, September 25, 1953

  Korean Orphan Finds Real Friend In Yank Corporal

WITH U.S. 3D DIV, Korea, Sept. 25-Because an American soldier saw fit to go out of his way to help someone else, a little Korean orphan girl looks forward to her American friend's visit every week end.  The soldier is Cpl. Donald A. Pierce, Rochester, N.Y., a member of the 3d Division photo lab.  The orphan is Yong Ja, 7.  Pierce met Yong Ja while he was on a week end pass in Seoul.  "She is a very attractive child," said Pierce."She was also very embarrassed and when I bought her some candy and a small coat, she thanked me and then ran away."

 

YONG JA RETURNED and presented Pierce with a ring, a picture frame, a set of chevrons and a smile that won the corporal's heart.  The friendship grew and each week end that the soldier could spend in Seoul, he visited his young friend.  With all of Yong Ja's playmates, Pierce often took the children to Korean plays, movies and ballets.  "Throughout the plays, the children insisted on fanning me with small fans," he said.

 

Pierce wrote home to his mother about Yong Ja and recently his mother and neighboring families sent the little orphan packages of clothes.  He also sent for more clothes from a mail order company and is attempting to raise enough money for Youg Ja's education.

 

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