May 16, 1954
SEOUL, May 16 (S&S) - Johnny
No Sweat is going to school. His real name is Paik Hee Joon and he
is a waiter at the Correspondents Billets EM Club in Seoul. Johnny
No Sweat, a name given him by his patrons, has two very admirable traits-lots
of energy and a burning desire for an education.
Several months ago, 40 Korean
boys of high school age were given an opportunity to take a test to
determine which 20 would get to attend high school in Seoul at the expense
of the ROK government. The young Korean boy, whose parents were killed
during the war, passed the test and placed No. 14 on the list. A few
days ago, the youngsters were notified that only 12 would be sent to
school free and the other eight would have to pay their own way. The
fee was $140 hwan. That night, one of the unfortunate eight killed
himself. Johnny No Sweat simply cried. But an American sergeant, who
thought a lot of the little waiter came to his aid with a timely contribution.
Sgt. George Drougas, Portland,
Ore., who worked for 8th Army radio section, saw the boy's
obvious disappointment and gave him the money to continue his education.
George Drougas left for home the following day-broke, but his heart
filled to overflowing with thanks of a happy Korean boy.
SSA-746
