Page 54 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

JAMES EDWARD GEELS
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT, ARMY
I served in the United States Army from Nov 28, 1960 to Nov 27, 1963, serving under three Commanders-in-Chief – Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson. I took basic training and advanced infantry training in Fort Hood, Texas, then spent sixteen months in South Korea, and finished my active duty in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
In April 1961, I was assigned to 2d Battle Group, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, where I served in Battle Group Staff Sections S1 (administrative), and S3
(operations), with some contributions to S2 (intelligence). I was responsible for ensuring that all training requirements for the 1500 U.S. and South Korean troops were scheduled and executed.
During field exercises I processed directives and maps which were used by Company Commanders to coordinate troop movements and assignments given them by Battle Group Staff Officers. For this responsibility I was given a Secret Security Clearance. My unit was located just south of the Imjin River, a few kilometers from the Korean DMZ. One of the Battle Group’s responsibilities was to apprehend North Korean infiltrators and spies. I was promoted four times in Korea, from E1 to E5.
I returned stateside on a troop ship in August, 1962, and served as a Section Chief in Personnel. In October, 1962, I was given the assignment to have all Spanish- speaking enlisted men in my unit, Field Artillery Missile Training Command, to prepare for deployment to Florida due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. FAMTC was responsible for training in the use of Redstone, Pershing, and Corporal Missiles (tactical nukes), and included training West German Army personnel.
I have maintained contact with a half-dozen army buddies. I am a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10454, Grapevine, Texas.
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