Stars and Stripes, July 7, 1954

 

WILD BILL (L) AND SGT. BERNARD L. COOK IN KOREA

 

24^th Div. Sergeant Plans Adoption of 'Wild Bill'

 

HQ., U.S. 24^TH DIV., Korea, July 7-For several months now, the 724^th Ord. Bn. has been father, mother, employer and guardian of a small Korean orphan-known to the unit members as Billy, or "Wild Bill."  When Wild Bill first came to the battalion, the men immediately adopted him as their mascot.  Since that time, the youngster has spent his days just as the rest of the soldiers do.

The six-year-old boy falls out for reveille daily, polices up the area with the rest of the soldiers and stands all inspections with his cap pistol.  He has never been "gigged" during an inspection.

Wild Bill's future is also bright.  Sgt. Bernard L. Cook of the battalion's Co. A plans to adopt the lad and return to the U.S. with him.  Cook initiated adoption proceedings soon after the boy came to the outfit.  "I won't go home," the sergeant said, "until I can take Billy with me."

 

SSS-321