August 31, 1952

 

SKOSHI AND PAL-M/Sgt. Frank McDonnell, Gloucester City, N.J., 1^st Sgt. of the 607^th Aircraft Control and Warning Company, found "Skoshi" in Korea after the tots' parents were killed and has taken care of him ever since.  Skoshi sports brigadier general stars and the West Point shoulder patch.  (U.S. Army Photo by Cpl. R.O. Park)

 

General's Stars Pinned On 'Skoshi,' Korean Tot

 

WITH I CORPS - A group of Korean laborers trudged up a hill to work on a construction project last January in Korea.  A tiny ill clad five year old boy wandered along behind them.  He didn't belong to anyone, the men said.  His father and mother had been killed in the war.  M/Sgt. Frank McDonnell, Gloucester City, N.J., first sergeant of an aircraft control and warning company in the I Corps area, took the boy to the company.  A bath, food, warm clothing and a bed made from scrap lumber completed his home.  Speaking no English and nameless, he became "Skoshi."

"HE LEARNED very quickly," boasted McDonnell.  "Now, after seven months, he speaks English fluently."  In fact, everybody of the company boasts about Skoshi, from Lt. Col. John Kersch, Tacoma, Wash., who commands the installation, to the privates who have taught him to play baseball.  "He is a good boy," said McDonnell.  "Of course, when he gets out of line, I spank him."

From the States came clothing, genuine Levis and real cowboy boots.  A medal was pinned on his chest and a pair of colonels eagles on his collar.

A MEMBER of the I Corps staff visited Skoshi's unit one evening.  The bright child was his usual entertaining self.  From the I Corps staff came a promotion for Skoshi; a set of brigadier general stars and a West Point shoulder patch. 

Sgt. William Oleskey, Nanticoke, Pa., of the same company, assists in caring for the Korean lad.  Oleskey and his mother plan to adopt Skoshi.

 

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