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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Army Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
CW2 James R Myers U.S. Army (Ret) (1954-1974)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY?
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| Young MP on 1st tour to Korea |
Three teen aged friends of mine and myself, bored to death after high school, dared each other to join the Army. Next morning we all enlisted but two of the 4 were denied enlistment for various reasons. Myself and one buddy went into the Army and they asked what branch we wished to apply for. When asked what was available, the recruiter said, Ordnance, Cook and MP. I had no idea what Ordnance was, definitely did not want to be a cook, so I selected the remaining one (MP). My buddy, whose dad owned a restaurant, selected cook. This was the best move that I ever made up to that point in my life. After 8 years, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the MD State Police C.I.(Criminal Investigation) course, which assured me an assignment to the US Army CID school. I obtained my education, a very proud profession and raised 8 sons while on active duty. I retired after 20 years service. I served two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam and assumed that my name was spelled wrong in my records down in Washington. I figured they had my name as Kim instead of Jim and they kept sending me home. I tell this story jokingly since I enjoyed all of my assignments. In 20 years and a few months of active duty, I never was assigned to Europe. I think it would have been nice to see that part of the world but it just wasn't to be.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
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| My Career Credentials |
The US Army was my first career and I had no idea exactly what the military would bring since I was pretty much a country boy from PA. I went into the Army on a dare, got into a great field, the Military Police Corps, got real lucky and was accepted into the CID program. I had to earn an associates degree before making Warrant Officer but, the initiative was there and with a little effort, I was able to accomplish that feat. I had great experiences, met important dignitaries and was blessed with the ability to solve the major portion of the investigations assigned to me. To solve a major crime was a feeling hard to explain. There was so much personal satisfaction, it is hard to put into words but there was always a good nights sleep when you knew you took a criminal off the street. I had no idea that I was destined to be a criminal investigator but, I imagine if the ability is there, somebody in the upper chain of command will recognize it.
That is what happened to me and I am thankful for it. My second career was a direct result of my first one. I was secretary for CCLEOA (Cumberland County Law Enforcement Officers Association) and met many police personnel in the area. One day the Security Director for the local telephone company called and asked if I would retire and go to work for him. I did not know this man and asked how he got my name. He said that a Detective Sgt told him that Jim Myers was the guy he needed for the job. He asked who Jim Myers was and the Sgt stated "He is a CID Agent at the War College and is a go-getting Son of a Gun!! who would put his mother in jail". I got the job and retired again 25 years later.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
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| Qui Nhon, Det of 8th MP Grp |
Having served two Korean tours and one to Alaska, I was getting along in my career and felt guilty that I hadn't served in a combat zone. Believe me, I didn't volunteer but felt that before retirement, I should probably be deployed to a combat zone just to be fair about my military career. Some GI's spend 2-3-4 tours in combat zones and I hadn't seen one yet. While at Ft Dix, NJ I got my orders for Vietnam and a former boss of mine, CW3 Les Denk, learned that I was coming in-country (Republic of South Vietnam) and saw to it that I was assigned to the 4th Division where he was Operations officer for the CID office. On my first day there I witnessed a firefight just outside our compound and asked myself, "Just what did you want to be assigned over here for". It was a most interesting tour and when the Division started downsizing, I really missed the big Artillery guns going off all day and night long.
Prior to downsizing of the 4th Division, I wasn't an actual combat soldier; however, we had to dodge mortar attacks, sappers and the usual combat zone tactics. Stationed next to the Military Hospital, it was really sad to see the Medevac helicopters flying in 24 hours a day with seriously wounded GI's. I can't say that this tour changed my life but made me realize that, "War is Hell". When transferred to Qui Nhon, a Det of the 8th MP Gp (CI), I was put in charge of the violent crimes section and it was then that I learned just how vicious some of our own troops can be. Of course, the majority of the troops were good people.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
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| My CID Class of 1962, Ft Gordon, GA |
Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania was the most favorable. It was a terminal assignment and I was aware that it would be my last move after 20 years service and transferring an average of every 1 1/2 years. I met many super nice officers at the US Army War College, some of whom turned out to be General Officers. There are some great memories. I can't say that I had a least favorite assignment since I was pretty much an RA soldier and enjoyed all assignments. I would also add that my 2nd tour to Korea was special. I was then an accredited CID Agent, was assigned to the 19th CI Detachment in I Corps. We were located in Ujiongbu, Korea and we had a detachment of some of the finest agents assembled anywhere in the Army. We worked and played hard and always got the job done. Great memories of this assignment.
If I had to pick a least favorite assignment, I would probably select my year working undercover. I was a brand new CID Agent, could not carry a weapon, badge or credentials for the entire year. I also had to work as an imposter which is a status that I'm not real fond of. It all worked out well and I finally got to carry the important items that a CID Agent carries.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
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| Mrs Debbie Reynolds in Korea 1956. |
Escorting Debbie Reynolds on a tour to Korea. Assisting the Secret Service when young John Eisenhower, was in the 1st grade and his dad, Maj. John Eisenhower, was a student at Ft Leavenworth. Ike was then President of the United States. Helping with the protection of the President of Korea in 1965. Being on many Honor Guards while in Enlisted status. Knowing, at the time, MG Bob Yerks, Commandant of the US Army War College. He later was LT Gen Yerks. One of the finest individuals I ever knew in the military. Meeting and serving with some of the finest CID Agents this country ever had. Being nominated for the "Carl C. Turner Award" in 1969, for professionalism in criminal investigation.
Throughout my career, I met many exceptional men and women in the Military Police Corps. Two standouts were SP4 John Bennett, a black soldier from NY, and probably the closest friend I ever had in the Army. He and I would be teamed up on MP Patrol and, for some unexplained reason, we smelled crime before it happened and were always Johnny on the Spot. We were both athletes and played on the company sports teams, which incidentally, were very good. I've tried numerous times to locate him and have had no luck. WE WERE A TEAM. I seem to think that he made a career of the Army but can't be sure.
The other was at the time, SFC Dale Rowley. We were partners at Ft Knox, KY and I more or less broke him in when he completed CID School. We visited each others homes and our families were very close. I think he made a career of the Army and retired a CW3. Probably the investigation that impacted me most was when I solved the rape of a 21 month old baby. That was the most gruesome case I had to investigate. After trial, the subject only got 10 years confinement.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER? IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS OR QUALIFICATION BADGES FOR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT OR VALOR, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.
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| Receiving Commendation medal in Korea 1965 |
The utmost achievements attained in my 20+ years service were far too many to list. Being a country boy from rural PA, I had no knowledge of the military but was willing to learn. After MP school, I was assigned to many honor guard details, was placed in charge of the White section of town patrol in Petersburg, VA. and was selected soldier of the month while at Ft Lee, VA. After being assigned to Ft Detrick, MD., I was selected to attend the MD State Police CID Course in Pikesville, MD and with that school in my resume, I was selected to attend the US Army CID School in Ft Gordon, GA.
After CID school, I was immediately assigned to an undercover assignment at another military post and that assignment lasted one full year. I pretty much grew up and learned what it was to be a CID Agent during that one year period. I can't discuss details but it was interesting to say the least. While stationed at Ft Richardson, AK., I was promoted to E-7 and shortly after, was appointed to Warrant Officer. It was at this post that I was nominated for the "Carl C. Turner" award for excellence in criminal investigation.
During my tour in Vietnam, I was awarded the "Bronze Star", which was awarded for investigations conducted in the face of the enemy. My CID badge and credentials were the most important to me. There were only 1,400 CID Agents in the US Army in those days and it was an exceptional honor to be one of them. We, the CID, were looked up to by both Enlisted and Officers. We were respected for the work that we did and that meant a lot to us agents. One OER stands out for me. When I transferred from Ft Riley, KS., my OER stated that this CWO was a "No Nonsense" investigator. To me, that summed it up as firm, fair, honest, hard working and a real credit to the unit. Very memorable words.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR ANY OTHER MEMORABILIA, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH ARE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
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| CID Agents Badge |
Although I was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam, I would have to say that receiving my CID Badge and Credentials were the very most important part of my military career. By being accepted into the CID program it made a professional out of me and placed me in an area of expertise that very few military personnel have the opportunity to experience. Back in my military days, everyone in the military looked up to CID Agents. We were the best of the best. Most of my assignments were to small posts such as Ft Detrick, MD, with a year undercover while assigned there; Ft Richardson, AK, which isn't a very large post, and Carlisle Barracks, PA which is very small. It does house the US Army War College where one gets to know many higher ranking military officers. I did do two tours in Korea and one to Vietnam. I felt that Assignment Headquarters thought I was oriental and kept sending me home.
Probably the most meaningful awards/devices were the many plaques and letters of Commendation that I received from Military and Police officials. When I departed Ft Lee, VA., the Petersburg, VA Police Chief presented me with a certificate naming me to the Honor Roll of his police department. I had been in charge of the White Section of the town patrol for a long time. When departing Korea the second time I received a plaque from the Police Chief of Uijongbu commending me on my service to that department. My retirement ceremony at Carlisle Barracks, PA was at the home of the Post Commander, COL Charlie Naughton. The CID command was in its infancy at the time and Headquarters was in D.C. and was too busy to conduct retirement ceremonies. COL Naughton said, "NO Way, he would have it at his home". A time to remember to say the least. THESE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
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| Getting married and starting a new life |
LTG Bob Yerks.He was Commandant at the US Army War College when a Major General. He had a family of 10 children, mostly blond hair girls and I had eight dark hair boys. They played together as youngsters and they were either at my house or my boys were at his house. He was one stellar individual. COL Charlie Naughton, Post Commander at Carlisle Barracks, PA was an exceptional leader as well and we became close friends.
The Secret Service while at Ft Leavenworth were exceptional for lack of another word. I was a young MP, on duty, in full MP gear, at 2:00 a.m. in the morning, two days before the arrival of MAJ John Eisenhower, son of President Ike at the time. I was monitoring the house where the Eisenhower's would live in 2 days and pulled into a school parking lot across from their quarters. At two in the morning, there is nobody around; however, I reached down to turn off the engine when both doors opened and I had a .38 caliber pistol sticking in each ear. As a very young MP, I was not only startled, I still am wondering where they came from. There was absolutely nobody in the area but they came out of the sky or some place that I'm not familiar with. Great start for a very young MP.
PLEASE RECOUNT THE NAMES OF FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATION, AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
SP4 John Bennett at Ft Lee, VA. I've attempted to contact him numerous times but was unable to do so. We were the very best of friends and I can't be sure if he stayed in the Army or not. He was from New York City.
CW3 Dale Rowley at Ft Knox, KY. I believe he stayed in the Army and retired as a CW3. I think he lives somewhere in the Manhattan, KS area but can't be sure.
I worked for CW4 Jim Triano on three separate occasions and he is now deceased. Joel Swackhammer was a fellow Agent with me at Carlisle Barracks, PA and he, also, expired recently.
There are so many that I befriended over the 20+ years that I am at a loss to recall each and every one of them.
I met many tremendous fellow CID Agents; however, being 81 years of age, so many of them have already gone to the CID Office in the sky. God Bless each and every one of them.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
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| Another life moment I won't forget. |
While investigating a breaking and entering case at Ft Riley, Kansas, I made several stops at the home. On one occasion, the small son answered the door, he yelled to his mom, "That guy who looks like Frank Sinatra is here". While investigating an alleged death from a boat in the Qui Nhon area of Vietnam, I was informed by brothers of the alleged victim, that he was shot by US military personnel. Our Quartermaster personnel would take tainted food out to sea, drop boxes into the water and shoot holes in the boxes so they would sink. There were always scavengers in the area of such undertakings. Three brothers on a boat reported that one of the brothers was shot and killed by the GI's. While interviewing the remaining brothers, they said the third brother stood up in the boat and stated, "I am seriously wounded now my brothers", and fell into the water never to be recovered. My fellow CID Agents had a plaque with my name and those words on it when I ETS'd back to CONUS. That brings back fond memories.The foreign countries knew how to milk the US Government by making such claims. It was never known if a third brother was even on the boat. We were very easy in incidents such as that and the US Government would issue a check for $5,000 or so just to keep the locals happy.
When I was promoted to E-6 in Korea, my CO was Jim Triano. He was a judo-karate fanatic, was built like a small bull and had the bark of a very large dog. One day, while in my office, directly across from him, he started ranting and saying that he wanted a meeting with all personnel at 5:00 p.m. AT 5:00 p.m we met in the CID lounge. We had our own lounge and bar so that we would not go to clubs and associate with personnel we might have to investigate. Well, Triano was behind the bar with his big chest over the bar and he started chewing out the clerks.
He then started chewing out the Investigators. He then singled me out. After chewing me out, he asked if I understood, to which I said,"Yes Sir". He said, "You stand up when you talk to me". I stood up and again said, "Yes Sir" and immediately sat back down.He came running from behind the bar, in my direction, and I got up and prepared to throw a punch before he threw one at me. I would have gotten killed but I didn't have a choice the way he was coming at me. He stopped just out of arms reach and pulled my promotion orders from inside his shirt.That was how I received orders to E-6. I informed him that he almost made a private out of me by promoting me in such a manner. I informed him that if somebody, regardless of his rank, came running towards me in such a manner, I would definitely get the first punch in. I don't think any of the personnel who witnessed that, will ever forget it. I know I won't.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
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| Sprint Corporate Security |
While serving at Carlisle Barracks, PA., my terminal assignment. I had 8 sons and was pretty much tired of moving them all around the country every 1 1/2 years. While at the Barracks, I was associated with the Cumberland County Law Enforcement Officers Association. For 12 years, I served as Secretary and worked hand in glove with all of the police agencies in the area. This included, Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.
Because of my military background, I was afforded the opportunity to investigate for the local telephone company, a position that I started one day after retiring from the Army. A local Det. SGT suggested that the Telephone company hire me. I spent 25 years in that position, retiring again in 2000. I assisted many of the police agencies, testified in many court rooms and honored subpoenas which were issued for telephone records. I recall going into the District Attorneys office prior to a trial some years ago to get briefed by the prosecutor. The DA at the time, was Mike Eakin. When he saw me in the office, he remarked, "Wow, they're bringing in the big guns". To say that his remark made my day is a gross understatement. Mike Eakin went on to be A Justice of the PA Supreme Court, a position which he still holds. I consider him a very close friend. I testified in three separate murder investigations, all of which resulted in convictions, numerous narcotic cases and many internal company investigations. After 46 years in the investigative field, I felt it was time to retire.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
CID Agents Association. Merely friendship from days gone bye. This is the only association I have with the military. I am, however, retired at Car;isle, PA which is the home to the US Army War College and there are many retired service members living in the area.
We are in driving distance to Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, NY and so many more large cities. This is pretty much home to retirees of all armed forces and, as a military person goes, they are all my brothers, sisters and friends. It is almost like a military retirement community.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
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| Display it Proudly. |
It made a man out of me and a professional investigator, a position that I never dreamed of prior to entry into the US Army. When a young man graduates from high school, has no real vision of the future or sense of direction, going into the military was just what the doctor ordered. I had no direction and when I enlisted, my whole future came into play. Back in my day, there were tremendous opportunities if one had the initiative and/or drive to pursue them. I accepted the challenges and am very proud of my accomplishments. I would sincerely hope that young men and women entering the military today, take advantage of such opportunities as I did. A person can excel if he/she has the initiative to do so.
Case in point: Seven of my eight sons enlisted in the US Military. 5 were US Army, one US Marine and one US Air Force. Three of them have since retired. Jim was a US Army LTC, Patrick was a US Air Force Tech Sergeant and Steve was a US Army 1st SGT. The local newspaper printed an article three years ago about me and my family on Memorial Day weekend. It explained how 7 of my 8 sons followed Dad's career by entering the US Military and how my family has a total of 110 years service to our country. The article was professionally written and I received many compliments about it. I am a firm believer that every young man should serve a tour in the Armed Forces. It molds youngsters into real men. That is one reason why I believe our elected officials should have a military background.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
Today, because of the Political Correctness, and the very liberal thinking, I would not advise anybody to join the military. I wouldn't advise them not to join but would make certain they were aware of the current situation in the services. I say that with tongue in cheek because, as
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| Enforce the law evenly. |
a CID Agent, I was taught to be honest, speak the truth and gather facts. Today there is much corruption from the top of this country right through the ranks of all military services and I cautiously advise young men and women to search for answers prior to making commitments. I must say that, by joining the US Military, it strengthens ones perspective and outlook on life. I agree that this portion of the military is a big plus toward the development of young people. It also makes young people respect authority which I feel won't be attained outside the military.
As a staunch advocate of right is right and wrong is wrong, I could not do the job today that I did as a CID Agent some 40-50 years ago. The Agents hands are tied today and that is what political corruption does to what was a very fine organization. If an individual has the initiative and direction, he can make a good career in the military. My advice is to give it considerable thought before jumping. A person has to make good, sound judgment, in today's world or he/she will be left in the clutches. Also, political corruption can and will hurt honest people.
I see the likes of Retired Marine LTC Ollie North, Retired Army LTC Allen West (former Congressman) and Army LTC Ralph Peters, all very intelligent individuals and gentlemen that I always admired. The thing that bothers me is they all had to retire as LTC's merely because they told the truth. You can't do that in the military today because you will offend some politician who controls everything they can get his/her hands on. If anybody in the military should have at least been a full COL, or possibly a General Officer, it is these three gentlemen. Politics is a bad word in my vocabulary.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
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| TWS and the US Army |
This is one excellent site. Since I joined several days ago, I find myself spending much time on your site. It is professional and brings back memories that I had forgotten. Kudos to you folks for coming up with such an interesting and intelligent site. I must say that some of the patches associated with my assignments, do not correspond with the ones that I wore 50 years ago. I have to assume that some organizations were disbanded or were reorganized to utilize a different shoulder patch. The 8th MP Gp (CI), and the I Corps patch are only two of the ones that are missing from the site. Keep up the great work. I had forgotten most of the memories that I have written about since joining this site. It was very rewarding to be able to reach back in time and recalls the memories that were lost for so many years. It also made me remember the close friends that I had and worked with so long ago. This is a super site and you are to be commended.
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